By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

With the Box Butte County Fair going on through this weekend, honoring our countries Veteran's in the Panhandle is a part of tradition of the Fair.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lenni Johnson from Hemingford, who is on the Board for the Veteran's Memorial Flight out of Chadron, and says the next flight is leaving Chadron on September 7.&nbsp; &nbsp;It will go through Alliance at 9:45 am that morning, on its way to Washington D.C.

Ron Henzler is a veteran on both Korea and Vietnam and went on and organized a flight called the High Plains Honor Flight in April and wants to encourage Vets to experience the flights if possible. "It's a two day deal, went by really quick, but it was really cool and I just want to spread the word about it."

&nbsp;Johnson says that they have a booth at the Box Butte County Fair and if anyone has any interest, you can talk to Lennie or Ron and applications for the future honor flights are available and donations are encouraged as well. 

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post With the Box Butte County Fair going on through this weekend, honoring our countries Veteran's in the Panhandle is a part of tradition of the Fair.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lenni Johnson from Hemingford, who is on the Board for the Veteran's Memorial Flight out of Chadron, and says the next flight is leaving Chadron on September 7.&nbsp; &nbsp;It will go through Alliance at 9:45 am that morning, on its way to Washington D.C.Ron Henzler is a veteran on both Korea and Vietnam and went on and organized a flight called the High Plains Honor Flight in April and wants to encourage Vets to experience the flights if possible. "It's a two day deal, went by really quick, but it was really cool and I just want to spread the word about it."&nbsp;Johnson says that they have a booth at the Box Butte County Fair and if anyone has any interest, you can talk to Lennie or Ron and applications for the future honor flights are available and donations are encouraged as well.

Honor Flights honor Panhandle Vets

The Hemingford Care Center will be expanding their services to better serve residents with dementia with a unit called Windmill Gardens.&nbsp; Administrator Lora Sullivan&nbsp; says HCC already serves Dementia residents, but Windmill Gardens&nbsp; will be a secure unit and quiet for the residents. 

"We're going to have specially trained staff who have a little more training with dementia," Sullivan said. "We're going to develop some programs to help keep the residents in that unit engaged and living life to the fullest."

Sullivan says that the Windmill Gardens will have eights beds and that while they originally planned to open it on Monday, but due to some remodeling it is being pushed back to around Aug. 20. 

They are currently accepting applications to Windmill Gardens and&nbsp; you can contact the Hemingford Care Center at 308) 487-3301.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Hemingford Care Center will be expanding their services to better serve residents with dementia with a unit called Windmill Gardens.&nbsp; Administrator Lora Sullivan&nbsp; says HCC already serves Dementia residents, but Windmill Gardens&nbsp; will be a secure unit and quiet for the residents. "We're going to have specially trained staff who have a little more training with dementia," Sullivan said. "We're going to develop some programs to help keep the residents in that unit engaged and living life to the fullest."Sullivan says that the Windmill Gardens will have eights beds and that while they originally planned to open it on Monday, but due to some remodeling it is being pushed back to around Aug. 20. They are currently accepting applications to Windmill Gardens and&nbsp; you can contact the Hemingford Care Center at 308) 487-3301.

Hemingford Care Center adding unit for Dementia residents

Alliance, NE – Box Butte County RSVP will be hosting a mobile food pantry in conjunction with Northwest Community Action Partnership and Food bank for the Heartland on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. This is a free program which distributes food to families in Alliance, serving one distribution per car.

To ensure safe access to the Senior Center located at 212 Yellowstone Avenue, the Alliance Police Department are asking patrons to begin at the northeast corner of East 2nd Street and Yellowstone Avenue. Traffic will line up down East 2nd to Potash Avenue on the north side of the street. Please make sure to leave intersections open. Any overflow traffic will continue on Potash Avenue to East 3rd Street parking along the south curb on East 3rd Street. Please stay in your vehicle at time of delivery.

If you are homebound, and unable to drive thru to pick up your food, please call Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293 to make your delivery arrangements by 2pm on Tuesday, August 15th. Delivery services are only available to homebound individuals.

For more information about the food drive, please contact Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Box Butte County RSVP will be hosting a mobile food pantry in conjunction with Northwest Community Action Partnership and Food bank for the Heartland on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. This is a free program which distributes food to families in Alliance, serving one distribution per car.To ensure safe access to the Senior Center located at 212 Yellowstone Avenue, the Alliance Police Department are asking patrons to begin at the northeast corner of East 2nd Street and Yellowstone Avenue. Traffic will line up down East 2nd to Potash Avenue on the north side of the street. Please make sure to leave intersections open. Any overflow traffic will continue on Potash Avenue to East 3rd Street parking along the south curb on East 3rd Street. Please stay in your vehicle at time of delivery.If you are homebound, and unable to drive thru to pick up your food, please call Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293 to make your delivery arrangements by 2pm on Tuesday, August 15th. Delivery services are only available to homebound individuals.For more information about the food drive, please contact Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293.

RSVP Mobile Food Pantry in Box Butte County

AUGUST 10, 2023 (HASTINGS, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash that claimed two lives and injured three others Wednesday afternoon in&nbsp;Clay County.

The crash occurred at approximately&nbsp;4:15 p.m.&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;on Highway 6 near the Adams/Clay County line. Preliminary investigation shows that a semi was westbound on Highway 6 when it failed to slow down for stopped westbound traffic that was waiting for a vehicle to turn at Road A. The semi then entered the eastbound lanes, lost control, and struck an eastbound Buick Enclave. The Buick was occupied by one adult and four children.&nbsp;

The driver, identified as Nicole Pavelka, 30, and one of the children, Ryker Schlichtman, 8, were pronounced deceased at the scene. An 11-year-old and a 10-year-old have been transported to Children’s Hospital in Omaha with serious injuries. The fourth child, a 9-year-old, was transported to Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings also with serious injuries.&nbsp;All five are a family from Davenport, Nebraska.&nbsp;

The driver of the semi, Justin Zoerb, 21, of Hazard, Nebraska, was found to have an active arrest warrant out of Hitchcock County. He was arrested and has been lodged in Adams County Jail. NSP is conducting a full crash reconstruction. The crash remains under investigation.&nbsp;

NSP was assisted on scene by the Adams County and Clay County Sheriff’s Offices, the Adams and Clay County Attorney’s Offices, Hastings, Trumbull, Glenvil, and Adams County Rural Fire Departments, LoneTree Towing, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

By Nebraska State PatrolAUGUST 10, 2023 (HASTINGS, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash that claimed two lives and injured three others Wednesday afternoon in&nbsp;Clay County.The crash occurred at approximately&nbsp;4:15 p.m.&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;on Highway 6 near the Adams/Clay County line. Preliminary investigation shows that a semi was westbound on Highway 6 when it failed to slow down for stopped westbound traffic that was waiting for a vehicle to turn at Road A. The semi then entered the eastbound lanes, lost control, and struck an eastbound Buick Enclave. The Buick was occupied by one adult and four children.&nbsp;The driver, identified as Nicole Pavelka, 30, and one of the children, Ryker Schlichtman, 8, were pronounced deceased at the scene. An 11-year-old and a 10-year-old have been transported to Children’s Hospital in Omaha with serious injuries. The fourth child, a 9-year-old, was transported to Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings also with serious injuries.&nbsp;All five are a family from Davenport, Nebraska.&nbsp;The driver of the semi, Justin Zoerb, 21, of Hazard, Nebraska, was found to have an active arrest warrant out of Hitchcock County. He was arrested and has been lodged in Adams County Jail. NSP is conducting a full crash reconstruction. The crash remains under investigation.&nbsp;NSP was assisted on scene by the Adams County and Clay County Sheriff’s Offices, the Adams and Clay County Attorney’s Offices, Hastings, Trumbull, Glenvil, and Adams County Rural Fire Departments, LoneTree Towing, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Man in custody after fatal crash in Clay County on Wednesday

The Alliance Public Library has their Fall programs for children and youth coming soon, Children and Youth Services Librarian Cynthia Horn explains one of the programs the library will offer.

"We are&nbsp; super excited to start Story Time, which runs in the school year, so we are starting after labor day which is Sept. 5th," Horn said. "We offer the same program for each week and families can choose what session works best for their schedule."&nbsp;

&nbsp; Story Time will be on Tuesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 1 pm. Horn says there will be guest readers from the community and in addition to stories, there will be music and crafts for the children as well.

In addition to Story Time, The Library is offering LEGO Club for grades K-3 and they will meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 4-5 pm.  registering for the fall programs is at the circulation deskof the library.

For more information, please contact Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Alliance Public Library has their Fall programs for children and youth coming soon, Children and Youth Services Librarian Cynthia Horn explains one of the programs the library will offer. "We are&nbsp; super excited to start Story Time, which runs in the school year, so we are starting after labor day which is Sept. 5th," Horn said. "We offer the same program for each week and families can choose what session works best for their schedule."&nbsp;&nbsp; Story Time will be on Tuesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 1 pm. Horn says there will be guest readers from the community and in addition to stories, there will be music and crafts for the children as well.In addition to Story Time, The Library is offering LEGO Club for grades K-3 and they will meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 4-5 pm. registering for the fall programs is at the circulation deskof the library.For more information, please contact Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387.

Youth programs at Alliance Public Library announced for Fall

Alliance City Council held a special meeting earlier this week about road projects in tow.&nbsp; Seth Sorensen says that earlier in the summer the City received bids for some asphalt overlay projects currently in Box Butte, but the they came in underbudget. "The Council asked that we have an engineer design and we bid two&nbsp; more road to meet our budget," Sorensen said.

The project being done is called the Phase II  Alliance Street Rehab project and the roads that are being done are 21st and 18th St. The amount of the bids were for $385,985.00 for Werner Construction and $649.000 for Simion Contractors.&nbsp;

Sorensen says that the hope is that the project is done some time this fall.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostAlliance City Council held a special meeting earlier this week about road projects in tow.&nbsp; Seth Sorensen says that earlier in the summer the City received bids for some asphalt overlay projects currently in Box Butte, but the they came in underbudget. "The Council asked that we have an engineer design and we bid two&nbsp; more road to meet our budget," Sorensen said.The project being done is called the Phase II Alliance Street Rehab project and the roads that are being done are 21st and 18th St. The amount of the bids were for $385,985.00 for Werner Construction and $649.000 for Simion Contractors.&nbsp;Sorensen says that the hope is that the project is done some time this fall.&nbsp;

Two bids accepted for Alliance Street Project

The Box Butte County Fair queen was crowned on Wednesday in Hemingford, and 17-year-old Brookelynn Warner was named fair queen. She is the daughter of Kim Warner, and she was sponsored by Mobius Communications. "I'm so amazingly grateful, I always dreamed and looked up to the queens and here I am."

Barbie Applegarth is the Coordinator of the Box Butte County Fair Contest, and she commented on how the event went this year. "It's always a great event, always very well attended. I've been a part of this since I was the fair queen 41 years ago and my daughters have both been royalty so it's something that is really special to me," Applegarth said. "To see these girls come out, and get in front of the crowd, perform, talk, and model, they are all winners."

11 young women participated in this year’s event with Warner earning a $1,000 scholarship.  Ms. Congeniality was Reese Swanson, 2nd attendant was Carlie Schneider&nbsp;who earned a $700 scholarship and 1st attendant was Kalli Bridge who was awarded an $800 scholarship. &nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Box Butte County Fair queen was crowned on Wednesday in Hemingford, and 17-year-old Brookelynn Warner was named fair queen. She is the daughter of Kim Warner, and she was sponsored by Mobius Communications. "I'm so amazingly grateful, I always dreamed and looked up to the queens and here I am."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691649636526.jpeg" alt="Brookelynn Warner" />
 <figcaption>Brookelynn Warner</figcaption>
 </figure>Barbie Applegarth is the Coordinator of the Box Butte County Fair Contest, and she commented on how the event went this year. "It's always a great event, always very well attended. I've been a part of this since I was the fair queen 41 years ago and my daughters have both been royalty so it's something that is really special to me," Applegarth said. "To see these girls come out, and get in front of the crowd, perform, talk, and model, they are all winners."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691649874716.jpeg" alt="Pictured: Bottom Left, Brooklyn Warner, Top Left, Reese Swanson, Top Right Carlie Schneider, Bottom Right, Kalli Bridge" />
 <figcaption>Pictured: Bottom Left, Brooklyn Warner, Top Left, Reese Swanson, Top Right Carlie Schneider, Bottom Right, Kalli Bridge</figcaption>
 </figure>11 young women participated in this year’s event with Warner earning a $1,000 scholarship. Ms. Congeniality was Reese Swanson, 2nd attendant was Carlie Schneider&nbsp;who earned a $700 scholarship and 1st attendant was Kalli Bridge who was awarded an $800 scholarship. &nbsp;

Warner named Box Butte County Fair Queen

A&nbsp; team building event and competition is will be at the Alliance Rec Center later this month. ARC Program Director for Sports &amp; Recreation Emily Stein&nbsp; says they are having the first annual Community Olympics. 

"It'll be teams of six, competing in fun events like volleyball, corn hole, track and field events and more."

The signup deadline&nbsp; to register a team for the Community Olympics at the Alliance Rec Center is Saturday, Aug. 11.&nbsp;

For more information, call the ARC at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=arc&amp;rlz=1C1CHZN_enUS1014US1014&amp;oq=arc&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTINCAEQABiDARixAxiABDITCAIQLhiDARjHARixAxjRAxiABDITCAMQLhiDARivARjHARixAxiABDINCAQQLhiDARixAxiABDIGCAUQRRg9MgYIBhBFGD0yBggHEEUYPdIBCDE0MzBqMGo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#">(308) 762-2201</a>.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostA&nbsp; team building event and competition is will be at the Alliance Rec Center later this month. ARC Program Director for Sports &amp; Recreation Emily Stein&nbsp; says they are having the first annual Community Olympics. "It'll be teams of six, competing in fun events like volleyball, corn hole, track and field events and more."The signup deadline&nbsp; to register a team for the Community Olympics at the Alliance Rec Center is Saturday, Aug. 11.&nbsp;For more information, call the ARC at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=arc&amp;rlz=1C1CHZN_enUS1014US1014&amp;oq=arc&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTINCAEQABiDARixAxiABDITCAIQLhiDARjHARixAxjRAxiABDITCAMQLhiDARivARjHARixAxiABDINCAQQLhiDARixAxiABDIGCAUQRRg9MgYIBhBFGD0yBggHEEUYPdIBCDE0MzBqMGo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#">(308) 762-2201</a>.

Community Olympics coming to ARC at end of month

By Panhandle Post As of 12 p.m on Wednesday afternoon, the phone lines at KCOW Radio Station in Alliance are not working.

We will keep you updated when they are in operation. For any questions, reach us at kcowradio@gmail.com

By Panhandle Post As of 12 p.m on Wednesday afternoon, the phone lines at KCOW Radio Station in Alliance are not working. We will keep you updated when they are in operation. For any questions, reach us at kcowradio@gmail.com

KCOW Radio Station's Phones are down

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 8/9/23

Kyren Gibson discusses upcoming exhibits at the Carnegie.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Carnegie Arts Center" 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=7zqtj-14781b0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Kyren Gibson discusses upcoming exhibits at the Carnegie.

POST PODCAST: Carnegie Arts Center

 The high school sports season is underway with practice starting this week and competition starting soon, and one panhandle school is unveiling brand new upgrades to the gym. Rick Barry is the Activities Director at Chadron High School and he talked to Panhandle Post about what was done and why.

"This gym since 1995, 96 has been kind of the same, so we decided to upgrade our entire gym," Barry said. The upgrades include the bleachers, adding a new sound system and video board, painting and redoing the floor and banners and even putting shot clocks for basketball.

Barry also says that the upgraded gym should also improve the overall experience for fans and athletes alike. "It looks really nice, like a completely different gym, Barry said. The fan experience will be different in that it's brand new, overall just looking you can see 'oh man, that looks really nice.' That's what we're excited about we've had nothing but positive comments so far."

The project started in March when the school put it the new bleachers into the gym, and Barry says that there are a couple final touches needed to start competition fall sports competition in a couple weeks.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post The high school sports season is underway with practice starting this week and competition starting soon, and one panhandle school is unveiling brand new upgrades to the gym. Rick Barry is the Activities Director at Chadron High School and he talked to Panhandle Post about what was done and why.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691539308224.jpeg" alt="Chadron High School Gym" />
 <figcaption>Chadron High School Gym</figcaption>
 </figure>"This gym since 1995, 96 has been kind of the same, so we decided to upgrade our entire gym," Barry said. The upgrades include the bleachers, adding a new sound system and video board, painting and redoing the floor and banners and even putting shot clocks for basketball.Barry also says that the upgraded gym should also improve the overall experience for fans and athletes alike. "It looks really nice, like a completely different gym, Barry said. The fan experience will be different in that it's brand new, overall just looking you can see 'oh man, that looks really nice.' That's what we're excited about we've had nothing but positive comments so far."The project started in March when the school put it the new bleachers into the gym, and Barry says that there are a couple final touches needed to start competition fall sports competition in a couple weeks.&nbsp;

Chadron High School unveils upgrades to gym

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Profits rebounded at Warren Buffett's conglomerate along with the value of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-stock-portfolio-investments-1e9851114cc5d3cc5f0c32cc8c00d00c">$353 billion stock portfolio</a>&nbsp;in the second quarter to hit $35.9 billion, and many of Berkshire Hathaway's assorted businesses also performed well, led by strong results in its core insurance businesses, particularly Geico.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/berkshire-hathaway-inc">Berkshire Hathaway</a>&nbsp;said Saturday that its profits surged to hit $24,755 per Class A share. A year ago, the Omaha, Nebraska-based company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/earnings-warren-buffett-03d1c9296e24b5e7117ae7e1dc37aa8a">recorded a loss of $43.6 billion</a>, or $29,633 per Class A share, when the value of its biggest investments fell.

But Buffett has long said that those bottom-line figures can be misleading because of the big swings in the paper value of its investments from quarter to quarter when few of Berkshire's investments are actually bought or sold. Instead, Buffett recommends that investors focus on operating earnings to see how the more than 90 companies Berkshire owns are actually performing.

By that measure, Berkshire's operating earnings grew 6.6%, to $10.043 billion, or $6,928.40 per Class A share. That's up from $9.417 billion, or $6,403.61 per Class A share, a year ago.

The three analysts surveyed by FactSet Research expected Berkshire to report operating earnings of $5,575.67 per Class A share.

Berkshire’s revenue jumped to $92.5 billion from last year’s $76.2 billion thanks largely to the addition of truck stop operator Pilot Travel Centers, which generated $14.75 billion in revenue during the quarter. Berkshire's results were also helped by last fall's acquisition of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-nebraska-omaha-business-90b41bfbecf4f12a7a018abd4028a5e7">Alleghany insurance conglomerate</a>.

CFRA Research analyst Cathy Seifert said Berkshire will have a hard time keeping up that level of growth without additional acquisitions, which Buffett seems reluctant to make at current prices.

“I think the question that should be or will be on investors' minds is, ‘How do you sustain this level of growth when many of your underlying businesses are not putting up this level of growth?’” Seifert said.

Underwriting profits at Geico rebounded to $514 million as it raised premiums on its auto insurance customers by an average of 16% and continued to cut back on its ubiquitous lizard ads while paying out fewer claims. A year ago, Geico reported a $487 million pretax underwriting loss. The number of policies Geico wrote also fell by 14%

Profits fell at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-contract-paid-sick-time-bnsf-engineers-c04539c76dfcfc61c26f8d0ffad4b395">Berkshire's BNSF railroad</a>&nbsp;to $1.26 billion from last year's $1.66 billion as it carried 11% fewer shipments in the quarter, suggesting the economy continued to slow.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/federal-reserve-system-inflation-recessions-and-depressions-national-national-d9226ecdc1b446ba92f03dda4e1b0841">Rising interest rates</a>&nbsp;also hurt Berkshire's housing-related businesses such as manufactured home building Clayton Homes and its Berkshire Hathaway Home Services network of Realtors.

But Berkshire also benefitted from interest rates that helped it generate more money on its cash. Berkshire is still sitting on a mountain of cash because it hasn’t completed any major acquisitions or made many significant new stock investments this year. The company’s cash pile grew to $147.4 billion from the first quarter’s $130.6 billion.

“Buffett is carrying way more cash than he would be if he saw bargains all over the place,” said investment manager Bill Smead, of Smead Capital Management.

Edward Jones analyst Jim Shanahan said it appeared that Berkshire was a net seller of about $8 billion in stocks during the quarter with most of that likely being Buffett's previously disclosed decision to unload most of Berkshire's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-activision-blizzard-ftc-call-of-duty-a3836ed823bbe179602dbdfac42d27d6">Activision Blizzard</a>&nbsp;stake. The current high prices of stocks, combined with weakness in the economy and rising interest rates, might combine to keep Buffett mostly on the sidelines and unlikely to make any major deals in the near future.

“I’m kind of thinking that in this environment, we shouldn’t expect to see a whole lot out of Berkshire in the second half of the year," Shanahan said.

Berkshire did repurchase $1.4 billion of its own stock in the quarter, but the pace of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-bernie-sanders-elizabeth-business-6c69b831189756bd8dcd252c3ac7ab97">its buybacks</a>&nbsp;slowed considerably from the first quarter, when it bought $4.4 billion of Berkshire shares. Buffett tries not to do many buybacks when he believes Berkshire's shares might be overpriced.

A recent change in the way Berkshire accounts for its ownership of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-occidental-petroleum-stock-6bfce3177940b60e3dec974e145577c2">more than 25% of Occidental Petroleum</a>&nbsp;also helped boost its second quarter earnings. Berkshire said its ownership of Occidental, combined with its 26.5% stake in Kraft Heinz, added $535 million to its bottom line. A year ago, those investments would have added only about $182 million to Berkshire's profits.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Profits rebounded at Warren Buffett's conglomerate along with the value of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-stock-portfolio-investments-1e9851114cc5d3cc5f0c32cc8c00d00c">$353 billion stock portfolio</a>&nbsp;in the second quarter to hit $35.9 billion, and many of Berkshire Hathaway's assorted businesses also performed well, led by strong results in its core insurance businesses, particularly Geico.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691537939648.jpeg" alt="Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett smiles during an interview in Omaha, Neb., May 7, 2018. Berkshire Hathaway said Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, that its profits surged to hit $24,755 per Class A share. A year ago, the Omaha, Nebraska-based company recorded a loss of $43.6 billion, or $29,633 per Class A share, when the value of its biggest investments fell. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)" />
 <figcaption>Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett smiles during an interview in Omaha, Neb., May 7, 2018. Berkshire Hathaway said Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, that its profits surged to hit $24,755 per Class A share. A year ago, the Omaha, Nebraska-based company recorded a loss of $43.6 billion, or $29,633 per Class A share, when the value of its biggest investments fell. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/berkshire-hathaway-inc">Berkshire Hathaway</a>&nbsp;said Saturday that its profits surged to hit $24,755 per Class A share. A year ago, the Omaha, Nebraska-based company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/earnings-warren-buffett-03d1c9296e24b5e7117ae7e1dc37aa8a">recorded a loss of $43.6 billion</a>, or $29,633 per Class A share, when the value of its biggest investments fell.But Buffett has long said that those bottom-line figures can be misleading because of the big swings in the paper value of its investments from quarter to quarter when few of Berkshire's investments are actually bought or sold. Instead, Buffett recommends that investors focus on operating earnings to see how the more than 90 companies Berkshire owns are actually performing.By that measure, Berkshire's operating earnings grew 6.6%, to $10.043 billion, or $6,928.40 per Class A share. That's up from $9.417 billion, or $6,403.61 per Class A share, a year ago.The three analysts surveyed by FactSet Research expected Berkshire to report operating earnings of $5,575.67 per Class A share.Berkshire’s revenue jumped to $92.5 billion from last year’s $76.2 billion thanks largely to the addition of truck stop operator Pilot Travel Centers, which generated $14.75 billion in revenue during the quarter. Berkshire's results were also helped by last fall's acquisition of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-nebraska-omaha-business-90b41bfbecf4f12a7a018abd4028a5e7">Alleghany insurance conglomerate</a>.CFRA Research analyst Cathy Seifert said Berkshire will have a hard time keeping up that level of growth without additional acquisitions, which Buffett seems reluctant to make at current prices.“I think the question that should be or will be on investors' minds is, ‘How do you sustain this level of growth when many of your underlying businesses are not putting up this level of growth?’” Seifert said.Underwriting profits at Geico rebounded to $514 million as it raised premiums on its auto insurance customers by an average of 16% and continued to cut back on its ubiquitous lizard ads while paying out fewer claims. A year ago, Geico reported a $487 million pretax underwriting loss. The number of policies Geico wrote also fell by 14%Profits fell at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-contract-paid-sick-time-bnsf-engineers-c04539c76dfcfc61c26f8d0ffad4b395">Berkshire's BNSF railroad</a>&nbsp;to $1.26 billion from last year's $1.66 billion as it carried 11% fewer shipments in the quarter, suggesting the economy continued to slow.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/federal-reserve-system-inflation-recessions-and-depressions-national-national-d9226ecdc1b446ba92f03dda4e1b0841">Rising interest rates</a>&nbsp;also hurt Berkshire's housing-related businesses such as manufactured home building Clayton Homes and its Berkshire Hathaway Home Services network of Realtors.But Berkshire also benefitted from interest rates that helped it generate more money on its cash. Berkshire is still sitting on a mountain of cash because it hasn’t completed any major acquisitions or made many significant new stock investments this year. The company’s cash pile grew to $147.4 billion from the first quarter’s $130.6 billion.“Buffett is carrying way more cash than he would be if he saw bargains all over the place,” said investment manager Bill Smead, of Smead Capital Management.Edward Jones analyst Jim Shanahan said it appeared that Berkshire was a net seller of about $8 billion in stocks during the quarter with most of that likely being Buffett's previously disclosed decision to unload most of Berkshire's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-activision-blizzard-ftc-call-of-duty-a3836ed823bbe179602dbdfac42d27d6">Activision Blizzard</a>&nbsp;stake. The current high prices of stocks, combined with weakness in the economy and rising interest rates, might combine to keep Buffett mostly on the sidelines and unlikely to make any major deals in the near future.“I’m kind of thinking that in this environment, we shouldn’t expect to see a whole lot out of Berkshire in the second half of the year," Shanahan said.Berkshire did repurchase $1.4 billion of its own stock in the quarter, but the pace of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-bernie-sanders-elizabeth-business-6c69b831189756bd8dcd252c3ac7ab97">its buybacks</a>&nbsp;slowed considerably from the first quarter, when it bought $4.4 billion of Berkshire shares. Buffett tries not to do many buybacks when he believes Berkshire's shares might be overpriced.A recent change in the way Berkshire accounts for its ownership of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-occidental-petroleum-stock-6bfce3177940b60e3dec974e145577c2">more than 25% of Occidental Petroleum</a>&nbsp;also helped boost its second quarter earnings. Berkshire said its ownership of Occidental, combined with its 26.5% stake in Kraft Heinz, added $535 million to its bottom line. A year ago, those investments would have added only about $182 million to Berkshire's profits.

Profits at Buffett's firm reach $36B as stocks surge and its insurance holdings perform well

Alliance Public Schools are now accepting nominations for the Alliance High School Hall of Fame. There is a nomination form that must be filled out and given back to the Superintendent's office by Sept. 1. 

Nominations may also include newspaper clippings, pictures, letters of recommendation and more to support the nominee and the activity or sport they participated in. &nbsp;

To pick up an application, you can go to the APS&nbsp; Administration Building at 1604 Sweetwater Avenue.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostAlliance Public Schools are now accepting nominations for the Alliance High School Hall of Fame. There is a nomination form that must be filled out and given back to the Superintendent's office by Sept. 1. Nominations may also include newspaper clippings, pictures, letters of recommendation and more to support the nominee and the activity or sport they participated in. &nbsp;To pick up an application, you can go to the APS&nbsp; Administration Building at 1604 Sweetwater Avenue.

Nominations open for Alliance High School Hall of Fame

The University of Nebraska Kearney announced their 210 graduates at their summer commencement this Friday, and the lone graduate from the Panhandle is from Alliance. 

Luxie West is graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree while majoring in Exercise Science.&nbsp;

The commencement will be at UNK’s Health and Sports Center at 10 a.m.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe University of Nebraska Kearney announced their 210 graduates at their summer commencement this Friday, and the lone graduate from the Panhandle is from Alliance. Luxie West is graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree while majoring in Exercise Science.&nbsp;The commencement will be at UNK’s Health and Sports Center at 10 a.m.

Alliance's West 1 of 209 graduating from UNK Friday

On Tuesday, WESTCO announced that with their partnership with the Land O’ Lakes Foundation, they contributed $10,000 to the Hemingford Food Pantry.&nbsp;

 The release states that the contribution was made possible by the Land O’ Lakes Foundation’s Member Coop Match Program, Feeding Our Communities, which focuses specifically on helping alleviate hunger in rural America.&nbsp;

Land O’Lakes Foundation Executive Director Morgan Kinross-Wright says that the foundation aims to improve the quality of life in their local communities and that matching donations by member cooperatives is a way to do that.&nbsp;

The Member Co-op Match Program matches dollar-for-dollar the cash donation of member cooperatives, thus doubling the funds available for hometown projects and programs.&nbsp;

WESTCO General Manager David Briggs added, “WESTCO is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Land O’ Lakes once again in supporting our local food pantries. The Hemingford Food Pantry continues to provide an important service to Hemingford and the surrounding area.”&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostOn Tuesday, WESTCO announced that with their partnership with the Land O’ Lakes Foundation, they contributed $10,000 to the Hemingford Food Pantry.&nbsp; The release states that the contribution was made possible by the Land O’ Lakes Foundation’s Member Coop Match Program, Feeding Our Communities, which focuses specifically on helping alleviate hunger in rural America.&nbsp;Land O’Lakes Foundation Executive Director Morgan Kinross-Wright says that the foundation aims to improve the quality of life in their local communities and that matching donations by member cooperatives is a way to do that.&nbsp;The Member Co-op Match Program matches dollar-for-dollar the cash donation of member cooperatives, thus doubling the funds available for hometown projects and programs.&nbsp;WESTCO General Manager David Briggs added, “WESTCO is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Land O’ Lakes once again in supporting our local food pantries. The Hemingford Food Pantry continues to provide an important service to Hemingford and the surrounding area.”&nbsp;

Hemingford Food Pantry receives $10,000 donation from WESTCO

The United Way of Western Nebraska’s Stuff the bus annual school supply drive is over, but some work still needs to be done. 

Executive Director Karen Benzel talked on the Post Podcast on Monday gives an update to parents and families. &nbsp; "We always gather those school supplies towards the end of the summer, and now what we do is distribute them to the schools," Benzel said.

"If you're a parent or guardian and you know your child needs help or access to some school supplies, we encourage you to call the school counselor where your child will attend school."

&nbsp;Benzel says the school supplies will be delivered at the end of the week, to the 14 school districts United Way serves in the Panhandle. For more information, or to learn more go to uwwn.org and listen to the full podcast on panhandlepost.com.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe United Way of Western Nebraska’s Stuff the bus annual school supply drive is over, but some work still needs to be done. Executive Director Karen Benzel talked on the Post Podcast on Monday gives an update to parents and families. &nbsp; "We always gather those school supplies towards the end of the summer, and now what we do is distribute them to the schools," Benzel said. "If you're a parent or guardian and you know your child needs help or access to some school supplies, we encourage you to call the school counselor where your child will attend school."&nbsp;Benzel says the school supplies will be delivered at the end of the week, to the 14 school districts United Way serves in the Panhandle. For more information, or to learn more go to uwwn.org and listen to the full podcast on panhandlepost.com.&nbsp;

Update on annual United Way school supply drive

&nbsp; The Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a Blood Drive on Wednesday, August 9th, at the Fire Hall. Staff from Regional West Medical Center will be screening and completing the blood draws. 

All blood types are needed, especially O+ and O-. Blood collected will stay in this region for use in local hospitals including those in Alliance, Chadron, Bridgeport, and Scottsbluff. 

&nbsp;The department says that as always, a canteen will be provided and there will be ample room to sit and visit- You may contact any fireman to reserve a time or you may go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.volunteersignup.org/38EPC" target="_blank">www.volunteersignup.org/38EPC</a>

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post&nbsp; The Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a Blood Drive on Wednesday, August 9th, at the Fire Hall. Staff from Regional West Medical Center will be screening and completing the blood draws. All blood types are needed, especially O+ and O-. Blood collected will stay in this region for use in local hospitals including those in Alliance, Chadron, Bridgeport, and Scottsbluff. &nbsp;The department says that as always, a canteen will be provided and there will be ample room to sit and visit- You may contact any fireman to reserve a time or you may go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.volunteersignup.org/38EPC" target="_blank">www.volunteersignup.org/38EPC</a>

Blood Drive in Hemingford scheduled for Wednesday

&nbsp;The Nebraska Community Foundation revealed on Monday findings from a survey from Nebraskan High School Students in rural communities about what they think about their rural communities and what it would take for&nbsp;to keep Nebraska youth&nbsp; in those communities as adults.&nbsp;

Dr. Josie Schafer Director Center of Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska Omaha. "The main point, year after year is that students still prefer their small town," Schafer said. In the survey, 64 % of youth prefer living in a small town, and only 4% reported wanting to live in a major market like Chicago.

While the survey found that the majority of students want to stay in Nebraska and that students desire safety, good schools and proximity to family are also fact0rs when choosing where to live post-graduation.&nbsp;

Jeff Yost, President and CEO of the  Nebraska Community Foundation says his thoughts on the youth of Nebraska surveyed in the study.

"Every generation has extraordinary potential, this one, more than many we've run into over time, especially as it relates to the renaissance to rural places,"&nbsp; Yost said. "How do we take advantage of that? We take advantage of that by being open, by being super collaborative, and welcoming people in lots of different ways."

Over 3,700 students were surveyed over the last four years,&nbsp;This year, NCF and the Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha surveyed 980 middle and high school students in 11 communities: Arcadia, Crofton, David City, Diller-Odell, Imperial, Ogallala, Ord, Paxton, Pender, Shickley and Stuart.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post&nbsp;The Nebraska Community Foundation revealed on Monday findings from a survey from Nebraskan High School Students in rural communities about what they think about their rural communities and what it would take for&nbsp;to keep Nebraska youth&nbsp; in those communities as adults.&nbsp;Dr. Josie Schafer Director Center of Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska Omaha. "The main point, year after year is that students still prefer their small town," Schafer said. In the survey, 64 % of youth prefer living in a small town, and only 4% reported wanting to live in a major market like Chicago.While the survey found that the majority of students want to stay in Nebraska and that students desire safety, good schools and proximity to family are also fact0rs when choosing where to live post-graduation.&nbsp;Jeff Yost, President and CEO of the Nebraska Community Foundation says his thoughts on the youth of Nebraska surveyed in the study."Every generation has extraordinary potential, this one, more than many we've run into over time, especially as it relates to the renaissance to rural places,"&nbsp; Yost said. "How do we take advantage of that? We take advantage of that by being open, by being super collaborative, and welcoming people in lots of different ways."Over 3,700 students were surveyed over the last four years,&nbsp;This year, NCF and the Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha surveyed 980 middle and high school students in 11 communities: Arcadia, Crofton, David City, Diller-Odell, Imperial, Ogallala, Ord, Paxton, Pender, Shickley and Stuart.&nbsp;

Survey shows Nebraska youth prefer their small towns

Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/category/area-job-openings">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent job openings throughout the Panhandle.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/category/auction-and-garage-sales">HERE</a> to check out the area's auctions.&nbsp;

If you would like to get a classified posted, call (308) 762-1400 or send an email to aaron.willey@eagleradio.net.

How to find Classifieds on your mobile phone

How to find Classifieds on your desktop computer or laptop

Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/category/area-job-openings">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent job openings throughout the Panhandle.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/category/auction-and-garage-sales">HERE</a> to check out the area's auctions.&nbsp;If you would like to get a classified posted, call (308) 762-1400 or send an email to aaron.willey@eagleradio.net.<h2>How to find Classifieds on your mobile phone</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647458437499.png" alt="On an Apple or Android device, click the 3 lines in the upper right corner of your screen. Then scroll down to Classifieds.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>On an Apple or Android device, click the 3 lines in the upper right corner of your screen. Then scroll down to Classifieds.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How to find Classifieds on your desktop computer or laptop</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647458417839.png" alt="On a desktop computer or laptop, click Classifieds. A drop down menu will then open.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>On a desktop computer or laptop, click Classifieds. A drop down menu will then open.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Panhandle Post Classifieds, how to place an ad 

-James Ronald Gervais and Richard Lee Landgren

-Apollo Justin Preyer and LaTanya Rae Conroy

-Douglas Eugene McCune and Dyanna Marie King

-Robert Lee Freeze and Jessica Dawn VanCoppenolle

-Reynolds G . Valdez III and Shae Ann Toof

-Brian Michael Mischnick and Erin Marie Burke

-Rafael Rosales Rodriguez and Rosalinda Celestino

-William Clarence Beck and Alison Jill Green

-Nevin Michael Swires and Taylor Morgan Manion

-Jaden Matthew DeSantis and Nicole Ann Kittelmann

-Lanny Lared Schnell and Cassie Ann Kindred

-Joshua John Conner and Mary Danielle Francis

-David Allen Coombs and Lindsey Marie Thomas

Marriages:&nbsp;-James Ronald Gervais and Richard Lee Landgren-Apollo Justin Preyer and LaTanya Rae Conroy-Douglas Eugene McCune and Dyanna Marie King-Robert Lee Freeze and Jessica Dawn VanCoppenolle-Reynolds G . Valdez III and Shae Ann Toof-Brian Michael Mischnick and Erin Marie Burke-Rafael Rosales Rodriguez and Rosalinda Celestino-William Clarence Beck and Alison Jill Green-Nevin Michael Swires and Taylor Morgan Manion-Jaden Matthew DeSantis and Nicole Ann Kittelmann-Jason Lee Seidler and Shannon Rae Alwin-Lanny Lared Schnell and Cassie Ann Kindred-Joshua John Conner and Mary Danielle Francis-Harley Hawk Hill and Hayley Sue Carnine-David Allen Coombs and Lindsey Marie ThomasDivorces:&nbsp;-Erin J Wilson and Kody Stricker-Makinley D Griffee and Cole D Griffee

Marriages, divorces June-July 2023

Karen Benzel discusses an upcoming "Duck Draw" event at Runza in Alliance.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska" 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=aj4si-1474e44-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Karen Benzel discusses an upcoming "Duck Draw" event at Runza in Alliance.

POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska

The Alliance Police Department recently was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, law enforcement program called CALEA.&nbsp;

The Police Department went through a multi-year assessment phase that included&nbsp;intense site-based testing to determine accreditation and they were awarded the accreditation on July 29.&nbsp; Alliance Police Chief Phil Lukens says that CALEA makes sure that they take care of things like having a backup generator at their Law Enforcement Center, making sure their patrol cars have the right equipment, etc.

Lukens says that a major positive of the CALEA accreditation is that it holds the Alliance Police Department to very high standards.&nbsp; "Part of this process is that we need somebody on the outside that's looking at how we're doing business and understands law enforcement," Lukens said. "They make sure we're doing business properly but also helps the community realize that there's a higher level of trust because they can see what we're providing, what we're doing is vetted, and we're not just doing our own thing."

With Alliance’s accreditation, they are now the only Police Department in the Panhandle with that accreditation. The CALEA accreditation lasts four years and Lukens&nbsp; says&nbsp; the department can renew their accreditation in 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Alliance Police Department recently was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, law enforcement program called CALEA.&nbsp;The Police Department went through a multi-year assessment phase that included&nbsp;intense site-based testing to determine accreditation and they were awarded the accreditation on July 29.&nbsp; Alliance Police Chief Phil Lukens says that CALEA makes sure that they take care of things like having a backup generator at their Law Enforcement Center, making sure their patrol cars have the right equipment, etc.Lukens says that a major positive of the CALEA accreditation is that it holds the Alliance Police Department to very high standards.&nbsp; "Part of this process is that we need somebody on the outside that's looking at how we're doing business and understands law enforcement," Lukens said. "They make sure we're doing business properly but also helps the community realize that there's a higher level of trust because they can see what we're providing, what we're doing is vetted, and we're not just doing our own thing."With Alliance’s accreditation, they are now the only Police Department in the Panhandle with that accreditation. The CALEA accreditation lasts four years and Lukens&nbsp; says&nbsp; the department can renew their accreditation in 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alliance Police Department earns CALEA accreditation 

There will be a special City Council meeting on Tuesday, as the City of Alliance will look to award and accept a bid from Werner Construction in Hastings NE for Resolution 23-60. 

The project name is the Alliance Pavement Rehabilitation Project Schedule 2, in the amount of $385,985.00.&nbsp;

The meeting is at 7 pm at the Alliance Learning Center at 1750 Sweetwater Ave.  &nbsp;

By Alex BenzegalaThere will be a special City Council meeting on Tuesday, as the City of Alliance will look to award and accept a bid from Werner Construction in Hastings NE for Resolution 23-60. The project name is the Alliance Pavement Rehabilitation Project Schedule 2, in the amount of $385,985.00.&nbsp;The meeting is at 7 pm at the Alliance Learning Center at 1750 Sweetwater Ave. &nbsp;

UPDATE: City of Alliance has special meeting for City Project

The Alliance Police Department are investigating what appears to authorities as a murder suicide in Alliance. Alliance Police Chief Phil Lukens told Panhandle Post on Friday that officers responded to a welfare check in the 1800 block of Niobrara, where they found two individuals who appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds. 

 A written statement from the Alliance Police Department says that this is an isolated incident and there is no public threat. The names of those involved in this incident have not yet been released.&nbsp;

Chief Lukens also wants to remind the public to reach out to one another, get to know your neighbors. He also wants to continue to remind people about the&nbsp;988 national hotline and&nbsp;that the Alliance Police Department is there to help, and they offer their condolences to the friends and families affected by this tragedy.&nbsp;

The investigation is ongoing, and Panhandle Post will have more information if they become available.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Alliance Police Department are investigating what appears to authorities as a murder suicide in Alliance. Alliance Police Chief Phil Lukens told Panhandle Post on Friday that officers responded to a welfare check in the 1800 block of Niobrara, where they found two individuals who appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds. A written statement from the Alliance Police Department says that this is an isolated incident and there is no public threat. The names of those involved in this incident have not yet been released.&nbsp;Chief Lukens also wants to remind the public to reach out to one another, get to know your neighbors. He also wants to continue to remind people about the&nbsp;988 national hotline and&nbsp;that the Alliance Police Department is there to help, and they offer their condolences to the friends and families affected by this tragedy.&nbsp;The investigation is ongoing, and Panhandle Post will have more information if they become available.

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