Alliance, NE – Due to Heritage Days, The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center will be closing at 5pm on Wednesday, July 19th , Thursday, July 20th and Friday, July 21st . 

They will also be closed on Saturday, July 22nd For more information, please contact Shana Brown at (308) 762-2384.

Alliance, NE – Due to Heritage Days, The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center will be closing at 5pm on Wednesday, July 19th , Thursday, July 20th and Friday, July 21st . They will also be closed on Saturday, July 22nd For more information, please contact Shana Brown at (308) 762-2384.

Closures to The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center

A longtime business and building in downtown Alliance is up for sale. Newberry’s Common Ground Café is currently in the historic Newberry Building that was constructed in 1914. Melanie Mann has been an owner of the building for the last 13 years and says there is a lot of history there.

"They made the Newberry Saddles and the hardware store here in town, and there is actually a long line of relatives that have owned this building," Mann said. " We are grateful for the support from the community but now it's time to transition to other endeavors."&nbsp;

Mann says that with the history there have been a lot of great events at the building as well like weddings and hosting people for the solar eclipse. Those interested in purchasing the building, can reach Heartland Real Estate in Alliance and request a showing.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostA longtime business and building in downtown Alliance is up for sale. Newberry’s Common Ground Café is currently in the historic Newberry Building that was constructed in 1914. Melanie Mann has been an owner of the building for the last 13 years and says there is a lot of history there."They made the Newberry Saddles and the hardware store here in town, and there is actually a long line of relatives that have owned this building," Mann said. " We are grateful for the support from the community but now it's time to transition to other endeavors."&nbsp;Mann says that with the history there have been a lot of great events at the building as well like weddings and hosting people for the solar eclipse. Those interested in purchasing the building, can reach Heartland Real Estate in Alliance and request a showing.&nbsp;

Newberry building up for sale in Alliance 

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

Mental Health is an issue not only in the United States but in the Nebraska Panhandle and Alliance.&nbsp; Sunday was the one year anniversary of  the introduction of 988, the new Suicide Prevention Hotline.&nbsp; Alliance Police Chief Phil Lukens explains that tackling mental health in the community is a major priority and that 988 is beneficial.

"The value that it has is that we're able to provide assistance to people where they need it," Lukens said.&nbsp;

Lukens says that as a police department, they took what is called the "One Mind Pledge," through the International Association of Chief's of Police to get the whole department trained on crisis intervention.

He also says that it is vital to provide resources to community members not only who might be in crisis but as he explains, might just need someone to talk to.&nbsp; If you or someone is in distress or going through a crisis, call or text 988.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostMental Health is an issue not only in the United States but in the Nebraska Panhandle and Alliance.&nbsp; Sunday was the one year anniversary of the introduction of 988, the new Suicide Prevention Hotline.&nbsp; Alliance Police Chief Phil Lukens explains that tackling mental health in the community is a major priority and that 988 is beneficial."The value that it has is that we're able to provide assistance to people where they need it," Lukens said.&nbsp;Lukens says that as a police department, they took what is called the "One Mind Pledge," through the International Association of Chief's of Police to get the whole department trained on crisis intervention.He also says that it is vital to provide resources to community members not only who might be in crisis but as he explains, might just need someone to talk to.&nbsp; If you or someone is in distress or going through a crisis, call or text 988.

Alliance Police Chief comments on Mental Health and 988

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific will renew its push for one-person train crews later this summer when the railroad tests out the idea of having a conductor in a truck respond to problems on trains in Nebraska and Colorado.

The railroad will continue using two crew members on its trains during the test, but officials say this could bolster their case in future negotiations for cutting crew size if it is successful.

UP's Jason Pinder confirmed the pilot program Monday when he testified against a proposed Kansas rule that would require two-person crews. The Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad has long been a leading proponent in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/railroads-to-renew-push-for-one-man-crews-in-contract-talks-3f97553f0ec9474784249fa4a17e1169">industry's push</a>&nbsp;to go down to one-person crews.

This plan had to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-business-transportation-cce1888bacfb5b76a57a0b9843e21e82">shelved earlier this year</a>&nbsp;after the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union that represents conductors opposed it. But that union later agreed to let Union Pacific test out ground-based conductors as long as it maintained current crew sizes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-train-crews-derailment-union-pacific-8bc04b745bf49337ad94cec87d2df92b">agreed to drop ongoing negotiations</a>&nbsp;over reducing crew size. Even though UP abandoned its current proposal to eliminate conductors on trains, the railroad can reintroduce the idea in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">next contract negotiations</a>&nbsp;that begin in 2025.

Union officials say there has been no change in SMART-TD's longstanding opposition to the idea of eliminating the second person in the cab of a locomotive because of safety concerns. In fact, the union's Ty Dragoo testified Monday that “We're huge proponents” of the proposed Kansas rule.

If that state's regulators approve, Kansas would join at least nine other states that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroads-freight-safety-derailment-state-laws-42fa5ddae7486e44c7383def082d31a3">passed laws</a>&nbsp;requiring two-man crews. The others are California, Wisconsin, Arizona, West Virginia. Minnesota, Washington, Nevada, Colorado and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-transportation-budget-rail-safety-derailment-bc3e97140763a5accd8bc40cfa664611">Ohio</a>. Railroad safety has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-derailments-tank-car-ohio-minnesota-c60f33b64e9c7dc05768a78ae20f3ce5">key focus nationwide</a>&nbsp;this year in the wake of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">fiery February derailment</a>&nbsp;in eastern Ohio that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-updates-bf5a60de2243cd6f7f730096aa33294c">forced evacuations</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-contamination-fears-brockovich-fc68b402096a4f5f8598a657f7e399f8">created lingering health concerns</a>&nbsp;and several other rail crashes.

The railroads strongly oppose state laws on their operations and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-safety-ohio-crew-size-derailment-lawsuit-429df55468cc112d7057d4dd1dcf5322">usually challenge</a>&nbsp;them in court because they argue that the federal government should be the only one to regulate the industry to ensure there is a uniform set of rules nationwide. The Federal Railroad Administration is also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/588d6f7829c4836b9d2feff5c21a5097">currently considering</a>&nbsp;a proposed rule that would require two-person crews, but it's not clear when they will act on the rule.

Members of Congress have also proposed requiring two-man crews as part of a package of rail reforms drafted after the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment. That bill garnered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">bipartisan support initially</a>&nbsp;but hasn't yet been debated on the floor of the Senate, and it faces uncertain prospects in the Republican-controlled House where most lawmakers are reluctant to approve new regulations.

The pilot program will run in western Nebraska between North Platte and Morrill and in Colorado and Wyoming between Denver and Cheyenne starting in August and September. The railroad’s idea is to test out how quickly a conductor in a truck can respond to any problem compared to how quickly a conductor on the train will be able to walk back along the train to find an issue. UP still has to work out exactly how big of a territory a ground-based conductor might cover.

Railroads have fought any crew size requirement because they say there isn't enough data to show operating trains with one crew member would be riskier, and they argue that railroads have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinian-territories-ohio-canada-business-accidents-d57651e17b2f9e0163c50298106950a3">become safer</a>&nbsp;in recent decades even as crews shrank from five to the current standard of two. The railroads have argued that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-accidents-business-us-news-ne-state-wire-d6ca21953111e4d7b457bac02e5b6813">modern technology</a>&nbsp;— particularly the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-transportation-safety-us-news-transportation-887894df4186c7a6b796dc39121d8f3c">automatic braking system</a>&nbsp;railroads were required to install in recent years — makes the conductor unnecessary on a train and executives believe that moving conductors off of trains would improve their quality of life by giving them more predictable schedules and keeping them from going on the road.

While all the major freight railroads continue to use two-person crews, a number of short-line railroads have already been using one-person crews for years. Chuck Baker, the president of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, testified at the Kansas hearing Monday that many of those smaller railroads have also found other benefits of having a conductor based in a truck such as having them adjust switches ahead of a train or go ahead to visit with customers before a train arrives.

But all the rail unions have long opposed moving conductors out of locomotives, arguing they help monitor track conditions and radio communications while ensuring that engineers remain alert and respond to any emergencies or mechanical problems on the train. In the case of a derailment or collision, conductors are the first ones to respond before any additional help can arrive.

The unions say the value of having a conductor onboard has been demonstrated time and time again including during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/707da58c97b742369022db304099d78c">fiery 2013 derailment</a>&nbsp;near Casselton, North Dakota, when the conductor was able to help separate undamaged tank cars filled with crude oil from the rest of the train so they could be pulled away from the fire.

Critics of the idea of moving conductors out of the locomotive cabs have also raised practical questions about whether a conductor driving a truck would even be able to reach a train in remote locations where no roads are near the tracks. Plus, a conductor in a truck could be delayed in traffic.

A major highway runs next to the tracks in Western Nebraska that UP plans to test, but it may be harder for a conductor in a truck to reach trains in the mountainous territory of Colorado.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific will renew its push for one-person train crews later this summer when the railroad tests out the idea of having a conductor in a truck respond to problems on trains in Nebraska and Colorado.The railroad will continue using two crew members on its trains during the test, but officials say this could bolster their case in future negotiations for cutting crew size if it is successful.UP's Jason Pinder confirmed the pilot program Monday when he testified against a proposed Kansas rule that would require two-person crews. The Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad has long been a leading proponent in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/railroads-to-renew-push-for-one-man-crews-in-contract-talks-3f97553f0ec9474784249fa4a17e1169">industry's push</a>&nbsp;to go down to one-person crews.This plan had to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-business-transportation-cce1888bacfb5b76a57a0b9843e21e82">shelved earlier this year</a>&nbsp;after the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union that represents conductors opposed it. But that union later agreed to let Union Pacific test out ground-based conductors as long as it maintained current crew sizes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-train-crews-derailment-union-pacific-8bc04b745bf49337ad94cec87d2df92b">agreed to drop ongoing negotiations</a>&nbsp;over reducing crew size. Even though UP abandoned its current proposal to eliminate conductors on trains, the railroad can reintroduce the idea in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">next contract negotiations</a>&nbsp;that begin in 2025.Union officials say there has been no change in SMART-TD's longstanding opposition to the idea of eliminating the second person in the cab of a locomotive because of safety concerns. In fact, the union's Ty Dragoo testified Monday that “We're huge proponents” of the proposed Kansas rule.If that state's regulators approve, Kansas would join at least nine other states that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroads-freight-safety-derailment-state-laws-42fa5ddae7486e44c7383def082d31a3">passed laws</a>&nbsp;requiring two-man crews. The others are California, Wisconsin, Arizona, West Virginia. Minnesota, Washington, Nevada, Colorado and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-transportation-budget-rail-safety-derailment-bc3e97140763a5accd8bc40cfa664611">Ohio</a>. Railroad safety has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-derailments-tank-car-ohio-minnesota-c60f33b64e9c7dc05768a78ae20f3ce5">key focus nationwide</a>&nbsp;this year in the wake of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">fiery February derailment</a>&nbsp;in eastern Ohio that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-updates-bf5a60de2243cd6f7f730096aa33294c">forced evacuations</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-contamination-fears-brockovich-fc68b402096a4f5f8598a657f7e399f8">created lingering health concerns</a>&nbsp;and several other rail crashes.The railroads strongly oppose state laws on their operations and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-safety-ohio-crew-size-derailment-lawsuit-429df55468cc112d7057d4dd1dcf5322">usually challenge</a>&nbsp;them in court because they argue that the federal government should be the only one to regulate the industry to ensure there is a uniform set of rules nationwide. The Federal Railroad Administration is also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/588d6f7829c4836b9d2feff5c21a5097">currently considering</a>&nbsp;a proposed rule that would require two-person crews, but it's not clear when they will act on the rule.Members of Congress have also proposed requiring two-man crews as part of a package of rail reforms drafted after the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment. That bill garnered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">bipartisan support initially</a>&nbsp;but hasn't yet been debated on the floor of the Senate, and it faces uncertain prospects in the Republican-controlled House where most lawmakers are reluctant to approve new regulations.The pilot program will run in western Nebraska between North Platte and Morrill and in Colorado and Wyoming between Denver and Cheyenne starting in August and September. The railroad’s idea is to test out how quickly a conductor in a truck can respond to any problem compared to how quickly a conductor on the train will be able to walk back along the train to find an issue. UP still has to work out exactly how big of a territory a ground-based conductor might cover.Railroads have fought any crew size requirement because they say there isn't enough data to show operating trains with one crew member would be riskier, and they argue that railroads have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinian-territories-ohio-canada-business-accidents-d57651e17b2f9e0163c50298106950a3">become safer</a>&nbsp;in recent decades even as crews shrank from five to the current standard of two. The railroads have argued that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-accidents-business-us-news-ne-state-wire-d6ca21953111e4d7b457bac02e5b6813">modern technology</a>&nbsp;— particularly the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-transportation-safety-us-news-transportation-887894df4186c7a6b796dc39121d8f3c">automatic braking system</a>&nbsp;railroads were required to install in recent years — makes the conductor unnecessary on a train and executives believe that moving conductors off of trains would improve their quality of life by giving them more predictable schedules and keeping them from going on the road.While all the major freight railroads continue to use two-person crews, a number of short-line railroads have already been using one-person crews for years. Chuck Baker, the president of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, testified at the Kansas hearing Monday that many of those smaller railroads have also found other benefits of having a conductor based in a truck such as having them adjust switches ahead of a train or go ahead to visit with customers before a train arrives.But all the rail unions have long opposed moving conductors out of locomotives, arguing they help monitor track conditions and radio communications while ensuring that engineers remain alert and respond to any emergencies or mechanical problems on the train. In the case of a derailment or collision, conductors are the first ones to respond before any additional help can arrive.The unions say the value of having a conductor onboard has been demonstrated time and time again including during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/707da58c97b742369022db304099d78c">fiery 2013 derailment</a>&nbsp;near Casselton, North Dakota, when the conductor was able to help separate undamaged tank cars filled with crude oil from the rest of the train so they could be pulled away from the fire.Critics of the idea of moving conductors out of the locomotive cabs have also raised practical questions about whether a conductor driving a truck would even be able to reach a train in remote locations where no roads are near the tracks. Plus, a conductor in a truck could be delayed in traffic.A major highway runs next to the tracks in Western Nebraska that UP plans to test, but it may be harder for a conductor in a truck to reach trains in the mountainous territory of Colorado.

UP railroad to renew push for 1-person crews by testing conductors in trucks

Panhandle Post talked to Karen Benzel and her 11 year old son James, and the topic was James’s battle with severe aplastic anemia and how how a man from England saved his life. Here is the conversation.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Alliance boy, mom talk about life saving donor" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=xcjfc-145bdbc-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Panhandle Post talked to Karen Benzel and her 11 year old son James, and the topic was James’s battle with severe aplastic anemia and how how a man from England saved his life. Here is the conversation.&nbsp;

Post Podcast: Alliance boy, mom talk about life saving donor

On April 7, 2023, Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) donated a ventilator machine to Riverside Discovery Center (RDC) in Scottsbluff, NE. Having a ventilator machine on-site at the RDC hospital is imperative for the health of the animals during surgeries. 

&nbsp;The ventilator machine RDC was using was outdated and difficult to use. However, the cost to replace the ventilator machine would be between $25,000 - $50,000. RDC Executive Director Desiree Drane-Davison mentioned in passing to BBGH Chief Nursing Officer Jordan Colwell and Scottsbluff City Council representative Matt

Saloman that RDC needed a new ventilator machine. Colwell knew just the solution for Drane-Davison: a ventilator machine at BBGH that was not being used and was going to be disposed of.

“The Surgery department was happy to donate the equipment to RDC since they received new equipment,” said Colwell. “BBGH always strives to better our communities and helping the zoo was a no-brainer. Everyone was excited to help the animals.”

Colwell and Saloman served on the RDC Board of Directors with Drane-Davison serving as Executive Director.

“Thank you, again, to Jordan, Matt, and the wonderful staff at Box Butte [General] Hospital who not only donated the machine, taught our veterinarians and keepers how to successfully use the ventilator, and helped with the logistics of moving the machine to Riverside Discovery Center,” said Drane-Davison.

By Box Butte General HospitalOn April 7, 2023, Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) donated a ventilator machine to Riverside Discovery Center (RDC) in Scottsbluff, NE. Having a ventilator machine on-site at the RDC hospital is imperative for the health of the animals during surgeries. &nbsp;The ventilator machine RDC was using was outdated and difficult to use. However, the cost to replace the ventilator machine would be between $25,000 - $50,000. RDC Executive Director Desiree Drane-Davison mentioned in passing to BBGH Chief Nursing Officer Jordan Colwell and Scottsbluff City Council representative MattSaloman that RDC needed a new ventilator machine. Colwell knew just the solution for Drane-Davison: a ventilator machine at BBGH that was not being used and was going to be disposed of.“The Surgery department was happy to donate the equipment to RDC since they received new equipment,” said Colwell. “BBGH always strives to better our communities and helping the zoo was a no-brainer. Everyone was excited to help the animals.”Colwell and Saloman served on the RDC Board of Directors with Drane-Davison serving as Executive Director.“Thank you, again, to Jordan, Matt, and the wonderful staff at Box Butte [General] Hospital who not only donated the machine, taught our veterinarians and keepers how to successfully use the ventilator, and helped with the logistics of moving the machine to Riverside Discovery Center,” said Drane-Davison.

BBGH donates equipment to Riverside Discovery Center

By&nbsp; Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

 Upgrades the to Alliance Recreation Center are underway, and a donation was made to the organization on Monday. Mara Anderson is the Executive Director of ARC and says that BNSF Railway were at the facility to present a check to the "Make More Possible Annual Giving Campaign. "BNSF Railway has been a great supporter of us for many years," Anderson said. "This year in particular, we're very excited to bring them on board as a partner of ours."

Anderson says that BNSF helped ARC by making a generous donation to help them reach their fundraising goal to start a capital project, which began in April. Anderson says that this year the focus is increasing capacity, particularly in the weight room.

At a later date this year, the ARC will plan to host a ribbon cutting event.&nbsp;Anderson would like to thank everyone who has given to the Make More Possible Annual Giving Campaign and thanks the community for their support.&nbsp;

By&nbsp; Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post Upgrades the to Alliance Recreation Center are underway, and a donation was made to the organization on Monday. Mara Anderson is the Executive Director of ARC and says that BNSF Railway were at the facility to present a check to the "Make More Possible Annual Giving Campaign. "BNSF Railway has been a great supporter of us for many years," Anderson said. "This year in particular, we're very excited to bring them on board as a partner of ours."Anderson says that BNSF helped ARC by making a generous donation to help them reach their fundraising goal to start a capital project, which began in April. Anderson says that this year the focus is increasing capacity, particularly in the weight room.At a later date this year, the ARC will plan to host a ribbon cutting event.&nbsp;Anderson would like to thank everyone who has given to the Make More Possible Annual Giving Campaign and thanks the community for their support.&nbsp;

BNSF donates to ARC to begin capital project

There is an Alliance City Council meeting on Tuesday night at the Alliance Learning Center on 1750 Sweetwater Ave at 7 PM. Items on the agenda include ordinances in conformity with the Comprehensive Plan. 

Another item is Ordinance 2963 which is on the second reading, which according to the agenda will amend the official zoning map of the city. 

City staff are asking to wave a third reading on the ordinance that aims to adjust the zoning jurisdiction of Alliance and show new names of the R-1 and R-A Districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThere is an Alliance City Council meeting on Tuesday night at the Alliance Learning Center on 1750 Sweetwater Ave at 7 PM. Items on the agenda include ordinances in conformity with the Comprehensive Plan. Another item is Ordinance 2963 which is on the second reading, which according to the agenda will amend the official zoning map of the city. City staff are asking to wave a third reading on the ordinance that aims to adjust the zoning jurisdiction of Alliance and show new names of the R-1 and R-A Districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alliance City Council to discuss zoning ordinance at Tuesday meeting

By Nebraska Area Health and Education Center

Students from the Panhandle were among 51 students who were recently recognized as graduates of the Nebraska Area Health Education Center Scholars Program.&nbsp;

The program is based at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is a two-year program, part of a national initiative that  prepares health profession students to serve in rural and urban underserved areas of the state.

The 2023 class of AHEC Scholars includes health professions students in dentistry, nursing, paramedic, pharmacy, physical therapy, physical therapy assistant, physician assistant, medicine, radiologic technology and speech therapy.&nbsp;The graduates represent&nbsp;health profession programs at Central Community College, Northeast Community College, Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology,&nbsp;Southeast Community College,&nbsp;University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska Medical Center&nbsp;and&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College.&nbsp;

Alliance — Yenisey Heredia, Brytni McLaughlin&nbsp;

Physician Assistant Program:  Natalie Gasseling Hemingford&nbsp;

College of Nursing – West Nebraska Division&nbsp;

Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology&nbsp;

By Nebraska Area Health and Education CenterStudents from the Panhandle were among 51 students who were recently recognized as graduates of the Nebraska Area Health Education Center Scholars Program.&nbsp;The program is based at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is a two-year program, part of a national initiative that prepares health profession students to serve in rural and urban underserved areas of the state.The 2023 class of AHEC Scholars includes health professions students in dentistry, nursing, paramedic, pharmacy, physical therapy, physical therapy assistant, physician assistant, medicine, radiologic technology and speech therapy.&nbsp;The graduates represent&nbsp;health profession programs at Central Community College, Northeast Community College, Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology,&nbsp;Southeast Community College,&nbsp;University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska Medical Center&nbsp;and&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College.&nbsp;The 2023 graduates included:&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College&nbsp;Nursing Program&nbsp;Alliance — Yenisey Heredia, Brytni McLaughlin&nbsp;Hemingford — Jacobi Stumpff&nbsp;Mitchell — Holly Anderson&nbsp;Scottsbluff — Allyson Gion&nbsp;Physician Assistant Program: Natalie Gasseling Hemingford&nbsp;College of Nursing – West Nebraska Division&nbsp;Nursing Program&nbsp;Crawford — Kelsey Tighe&nbsp;Mitchell — Alyssa Dishman&nbsp;Sidney — Macie Rolls&nbsp;Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology&nbsp;Scottsbluff — Emily Schmidt&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College&nbsp;Nursing Program&nbsp;Alliance — Yenisey Heredia, Brytni McLaughlin&nbsp;Hemingford — Jacobi Stumpff&nbsp;Mitchell — Holly Anderson&nbsp;Scottsbluff — Allyson Gion&nbsp;

College graduates from Panhandle recognized by AHEC

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance Beautiful

Heritage Days is here then Box Butte County Fair in Hemingford with wheat harvest in between. When pondering where “it” goes, summer and time in general always make the list.

Time, our very own unique perspective on how it passes, seems to start early with some adults able to access memories from preschool and before. Instead of thinking about a torn butterfly from kindergarten, my recent thoughts have touched on how people choose to spend time between the first breath and their last.

Recycling, for instance, is among dozens of daily activities in homes and businesses. Budget how long the commitment will take and the practice becomes routine. Volunteering to help our crew at the Keep Alliance Beautiful Recycling Center is on another level. Granted, some people come by for a number of days as part of court-ordered community service. Volunteers are not much different than securing dedicated employees – some arrive with a positive attitude and work ethic, others not so much. I have worked alongside a few retired volunteers during the past four years, yet the balance has been younger than I.

Our latest community member to donate time marked her first day July 7. Katelyn Heisler,

who will be a junior at Alliance High School this fall, is parlaying the experience into meeting a requirement for membership in the National Honor Society.

“They give you a letter, tells you the GPA (grade point average) requirement (which I had met) to apply and gives you a list of possible places,” she explained. Bumping into Kathy Worley, KAB’s executive director, at Safeway, Katelyn and her mom asked about choosing the recycling center for service hours. Katelyn said she knew Kathy from working at Redman’s. Beyond that connection, “I think recycling is a big deal,” Katelyn said.

She really only considered serving at KAB. “The other places were kind of boring and I really didn’t know how to contact them,” she said. The appeal of joining the National Honor Society itself is also a matter of time – looking to the future. “I know it looks great on college applications,” Katelyn said. She would really like to leave Alliance after graduating from AHS. Scholarships would expand options to attend “a good college” that her family may not otherwise be able to afford.

Katelyn moved from Alabama to Alliance in 2017 at age 10 where she had lived her whole life by the bay along the Gulf of Mexico. Litter in her hometown and Alliance have been about on par though spring break years ago proved an exception. “There was beer bottles and trash all over Orange Beach and they had to close it for a couple days. . . . You see trash all over no matter where you go . . .,” she said.

Vacations, personnel changes and health issues among recycling center staff make another set of hands a valuable asset. “I knew I’d work a lot and do what I was told to do,” Katelyn said simply. She has already gone on runs to pick up recyclables and continues to learn what goes where and how to get it there. Also,Heritage Days offers the opportunity for downtown trash patrol. “What’s challenging is (helping to) pick up those white things (aluminum/plastic totes) when they have stuff in them. I don’t like the (baling) wires because I can’t put them in fully and somebody has to help me.”

In addition to a National Honor Society number or narrative, time at KAB may be fodder for the school paper. Kately was a staff writer for the Spud during the 2022-23 school year. “I took a journalism class and had to think of things to write. A lot of times I turned to environmental stuff. I have a soft spot in my heart for animals and the ocean.”

Whether you read all about it later under her byline or not, Katelyn conveyed a positive assessment as concluded our interview by the balers. “I like working here, it’s fun, a lot of weird.”

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance Beautiful<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689607991067.jpeg" alt="Katelyn Heisler helps Lonnie Grant shovel aluminum cans into the baler at the KAB Recycling Center. A junior at AHS this year, she has been volunteering during July." />
 <figcaption>Katelyn Heisler helps Lonnie Grant shovel aluminum cans into the baler at the KAB Recycling Center. A junior at AHS this year, she has been volunteering during July.</figcaption>
 </figure>Heritage Days is here then Box Butte County Fair in Hemingford with wheat harvest in between. When pondering where “it” goes, summer and time in general always make the list.Time, our very own unique perspective on how it passes, seems to start early with some adults able to access memories from preschool and before. Instead of thinking about a torn butterfly from kindergarten, my recent thoughts have touched on how people choose to spend time between the first breath and their last.Recycling, for instance, is among dozens of daily activities in homes and businesses. Budget how long the commitment will take and the practice becomes routine. Volunteering to help our crew at the Keep Alliance Beautiful Recycling Center is on another level. Granted, some people come by for a number of days as part of court-ordered community service. Volunteers are not much different than securing dedicated employees – some arrive with a positive attitude and work ethic, others not so much. I have worked alongside a few retired volunteers during the past four years, yet the balance has been younger than I.Our latest community member to donate time marked her first day July 7. Katelyn Heisler,who will be a junior at Alliance High School this fall, is parlaying the experience into meeting a requirement for membership in the National Honor Society.“They give you a letter, tells you the GPA (grade point average) requirement (which I had met) to apply and gives you a list of possible places,” she explained. Bumping into Kathy Worley, KAB’s executive director, at Safeway, Katelyn and her mom asked about choosing the recycling center for service hours. Katelyn said she knew Kathy from working at Redman’s. Beyond that connection, “I think recycling is a big deal,” Katelyn said.She really only considered serving at KAB. “The other places were kind of boring and I really didn’t know how to contact them,” she said. The appeal of joining the National Honor Society itself is also a matter of time – looking to the future. “I know it looks great on college applications,” Katelyn said. She would really like to leave Alliance after graduating from AHS. Scholarships would expand options to attend “a good college” that her family may not otherwise be able to afford.Katelyn moved from Alabama to Alliance in 2017 at age 10 where she had lived her whole life by the bay along the Gulf of Mexico. Litter in her hometown and Alliance have been about on par though spring break years ago proved an exception. “There was beer bottles and trash all over Orange Beach and they had to close it for a couple days. . . . You see trash all over no matter where you go . . .,” she said.Vacations, personnel changes and health issues among recycling center staff make another set of hands a valuable asset. “I knew I’d work a lot and do what I was told to do,” Katelyn said simply. She has already gone on runs to pick up recyclables and continues to learn what goes where and how to get it there. Also,Heritage Days offers the opportunity for downtown trash patrol. “What’s challenging is (helping to) pick up those white things (aluminum/plastic totes) when they have stuff in them. I don’t like the (baling) wires because I can’t put them in fully and somebody has to help me.”In addition to a National Honor Society number or narrative, time at KAB may be fodder for the school paper. Kately was a staff writer for the Spud during the 2022-23 school year. “I took a journalism class and had to think of things to write. A lot of times I turned to environmental stuff. I have a soft spot in my heart for animals and the ocean.”Whether you read all about it later under her byline or not, Katelyn conveyed a positive assessment as concluded our interview by the balers. “I like working here, it’s fun, a lot of weird.”

KAB: Time to volunteer

United Way of Western Nebraska’s “Stuff the Bus” is ramping up to help local school children. Stuff the Bus is United Way’s annual school supply drive to help local children and their families that may be unable to purchase the necessary school supplies for the schoolyear. 

The public is encouraged to donate new schools supplies or make a monetary donation. The drive runs July 17th , 2023, through July 28th , 2023 with the mission to help local kids with school supplies. Donations of backpacks, earbuds, personal water bottles, lunch boxes, disinfectant&nbsp; wipes, and other school supplies are welcome to be dropped off at either the Alliance United Way office (723 Flack Avenue, Alliance, NE 69301) or the Scottsbluff United Way office (1517 Broadway, Suite 106, Scottsbluff, NE 69361).

Monetary donations are welcome at uwwn.org/bus or mailed to either local United Way office. 100% of all monetary donations will be used to purchase school supplies, and those supplies are distributed to local children in need to help them get started on the right foot and succeed in school. For every $20 donated, it will help one child get the necessary school supplies. 

Monetary donations may be made online at uwwn.org/bus or mailed to United Way, P.O. Box 17, Alliance, NE 69301 or 1517 Broadway, Suite 106 Scottsbluff, NE 69361. For more information about Stuff the Bus or United Way please contact Ally Shipman at 308-635-2522 or ashipman@uwwn.org. 

United Way continues the strong tradition of ensuring that donor dollars stay local, and the monies raised stay in the area where they were raised. Stuff the Bus is no exception, donations made for Stuff the Bus will help local children in the community.

&nbsp;By United Way of Western NebraskaUnited Way of Western Nebraska’s “Stuff the Bus” is ramping up to help local school children. Stuff the Bus is United Way’s annual school supply drive to help local children and their families that may be unable to purchase the necessary school supplies for the schoolyear. The public is encouraged to donate new schools supplies or make a monetary donation. The drive runs July 17th , 2023, through July 28th , 2023 with the mission to help local kids with school supplies. Donations of backpacks, earbuds, personal water bottles, lunch boxes, disinfectant&nbsp; wipes, and other school supplies are welcome to be dropped off at either the Alliance United Way office (723 Flack Avenue, Alliance, NE 69301) or the Scottsbluff United Way office (1517 Broadway, Suite 106, Scottsbluff, NE 69361).Monetary donations are welcome at uwwn.org/bus or mailed to either local United Way office. 100% of all monetary donations will be used to purchase school supplies, and those supplies are distributed to local children in need to help them get started on the right foot and succeed in school. For every $20 donated, it will help one child get the necessary school supplies. Monetary donations may be made online at uwwn.org/bus or mailed to United Way, P.O. Box 17, Alliance, NE 69301 or 1517 Broadway, Suite 106 Scottsbluff, NE 69361. For more information about Stuff the Bus or United Way please contact Ally Shipman at 308-635-2522 or ashipman@uwwn.org. United Way continues the strong tradition of ensuring that donor dollars stay local, and the monies raised stay in the area where they were raised. Stuff the Bus is no exception, donations made for Stuff the Bus will help local children in the community.

The Stuff the Bus School Drive is underway in the Panhandle

Patients who have received billable services at Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) on May 1st and after will begin to receive billing statements from the new billing system for the provided service(s). Any billable service that took place before May 1st has been billed in the previous system.

 Patients with account balances in the previous system will continue to receive their statements from that system until paid. This will generate two separate statements that require payment. Statements from the previous system will be printed on green paper and statements from the new system will be printed on blue paper.

 For more information or questions regarding billing statements, please contact a Financial Counselor, Rob Hood, 308-761-1008 or Elena Dawn, 308-761-1020.

By Box Butte General HospitalPatients who have received billable services at Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) on May 1st and after will begin to receive billing statements from the new billing system for the provided service(s). Any billable service that took place before May 1st has been billed in the previous system. Patients with account balances in the previous system will continue to receive their statements from that system until paid. This will generate two separate statements that require payment. Statements from the previous system will be printed on green paper and statements from the new system will be printed on blue paper. For more information or questions regarding billing statements, please contact a Financial Counselor, Rob Hood, 308-761-1008 or Elena Dawn, 308-761-1020.

BBGH patients may receive two billing statements

A woman has been arrested and is being held in the Box Butte County Jail after an alleged altercation and stabbing in Alliance on Thursday evening. 

 The incident is still under investigation as names have not been released in the incident, but what is known is that Alliance Police were dispatched to the area of 5th and Potash just before 6 PM on Thursday  July 13th where a woman allegedly stabbed a man.

 Information from Thursday that the incident may be result of a mental health crisis. Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens says that the man is in stable conditions and is expected to survive.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostA woman has been arrested and is being held in the Box Butte County Jail after an alleged altercation and stabbing in Alliance on Thursday evening. The incident is still under investigation as names have not been released in the incident, but what is known is that Alliance Police were dispatched to the area of 5th and Potash just before 6 PM on Thursday July 13th where a woman allegedly stabbed a man. Information from Thursday that the incident may be result of a mental health crisis. Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens says that the man is in stable conditions and is expected to survive.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Update: Man in stable condition after stabbing in Alliance

Fur Trade Days Parade LIVE video stream 

There’s an old adage that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat its mistakes. Despite teaching history as early as kindergarten, we sometimes forget its lessons. In doing so, we miss opportunities to prevent it from repeating. Our posture toward the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is one such example.

Despite our efforts to avoid getting involved in conflicts around the world, they inevitably find their way to our doorstep. From World War I and II to the radical Islamic terror that inspired 9/11, our greatness makes us the ultimate target for adversaries on the warpath. The last century demonstrated that the United States will get dragged into global conflicts. As we grapple with what to do about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, history tells us looking the other way now won’t keep the bullies from setting their sights on us. To put it even more simply: as every Nebraska farmer knows, it is better to address a problem early than let it get bigger down the road. A stitch in time saves nine.

After World War II, the United States and our allies set up a rules-based system. This system promotes peaceful trade between nations and has prevented global war. For nearly 80 years, this system has worked. Now, both Russia and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) want to change that system. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s invasion of its neighbor Ukraine is a land grab. It is also a direct challenge to global peace. If dictators are successful they don’t stop. They grab for more. Our actions now will either open the door to more conflict or prevent catastrophe.

Putin’s brutality is on display in Ukraine. We should not question his willingness to apply the same kind of disregard for human life in a conflict with the United States and our allies. He’s&nbsp;killed tens of thousands. Ukrainian children have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/04/24/1171632554/efforts-to-rescue-ukrainian-children-kidnapped-by-russia-are-underway" target="_blank">abducted</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;taken&nbsp;to Russian&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2023/07/russia-kidnapping-abducting-ukrainian-children/674535/" target="_blank">indoctrination</a>&nbsp;camps.&nbsp;Putin’s&nbsp;troops have been accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/evidence-of-russian-war-crimes-mounts-as-invasion-of-ukraine-drags-on" target="_blank">thousands</a>&nbsp;of war crimes. This includes the&nbsp;indiscriminate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW8YYhUIK0s" target="_blank">mass killings</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/28/russia-ukraine-war-un-report-details-accounts-of-rape-torture-and-executions.html" target="_blank">rape</a>&nbsp;of civilians. More than&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/8-million-refugees-fled-ukraine-after-year-fighting/story?id=97369869" target="_blank">8 million Ukrainians&nbsp;</a>– that’s four times Nebraska’s entire population –&nbsp;have been forced to flee their country.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/ukraine/#:~:text=Emergencies&amp;text=There%20are%20an%20estimated%205%2C914%2C000%20internally%20displaced%20people%20in%20Ukraine.&amp;text=Nearly%208%20million%20refugees%20from,neighboring%20countries%20and%20across%20Europe.&amp;text=Approximately%2017.6%20million%20people%20are%20in%20need%20of%20humanitarian%20assistance%20in%202023." target="_blank">Nearly 6&nbsp;million&nbsp;</a>have had to abandon their homes and&nbsp;are displaced within Ukraine. Our support for Ukraine now can prevent a wider conflict without costing American lives. It will also be at a lesser financial cost.

I&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/press-releases/ricketts-highlights-concerns-with-u-s-nuclear-strategy-amid-growing-threat-from-russia/" target="_blank">said recently</a>&nbsp;in our Senate Foreign Relations hearing on Russia policy that&nbsp;Putin sees the U.S. as his chief adversary. He has long behaved like he’s at war with us. He’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/state-department-investigating-case-detained-american-russia-rcna88942" target="_blank">wrongfully detained</a>&nbsp;U.S. citizens and held them for ransom. He’s repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/31/politics/us-russia-nuclear-arms-control-treaty/index.html" target="_blank">refused</a>&nbsp;to comply with U.S.-Russia arms control agreements. He’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/19/putin-russia-iran-ukraine-00046646" target="_blank">aligned</a>&nbsp;himself with our other adversaries in Iran and the&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/xi-putin-meeting-highlights-us-tensions-china/story?id=97997247" target="_blank">CCP</a>, who will be emboldened if he is successful in Ukraine.&nbsp;

While&nbsp;Putin’s&nbsp;hostility can be shocking, the ambition behind it is not surprising.&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;invaded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2014/03/13/world/europe/2008-georgia-russia-conflict/index.html" target="_blank">Georgia in 2008</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-attacks-drones-c2d00e60a040b66656a59720712c2ea9" target="_blank">Ukrainian Crimea in 2014</a>, and&nbsp;Ukraine again last year. Putin’s actions indicate&nbsp;he aims to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/putin-soviet-union-next-move" target="_blank">recreate the Soviet Union</a>. If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, NATO allies like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland could be next. At that point, the United States would be obligated to intervene with our own troops. We cannot let Putin succeed.

However, our support cannot be in the form of a blank check. It is critical we also provide necessary and aggressive oversight of American tax dollars to ensure they are being used effectively.

It is also critical that our NATO allies do their part to help in this fight. In 2014, all NATO members&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_112964.htm" target="_blank">agreed</a>&nbsp;to spend at least 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense by 2024. That pledge is more important than ever.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/seven-out-30-allies-met-nato-military-spending-target-2022-stoltenberg-2023-03-21/" target="_blank">Seven countries met</a>&nbsp;or exceeded this target last year, including the United States. Yet, twenty-four others failed to step up. This must change. Recently, I joined&nbsp;with 35&nbsp;of my Senate colleagues to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/07/07/nato-countries-military-spending-contributions/70390384007/" target="_blank">urge</a>&nbsp;President Biden to push NATO countries to fulfill their defense commitments. I also personally raised these concerns with them at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania this past week.&nbsp;

History has taught us that to stop Putin now will be far less costly in blood and treasure then what happens if we don’t. We are giving Ukraine weapons to fight Russia so we don’t have to.&nbsp;It is critical the U.S. and our allies provide Ukraine with the economic and security assistance necessary to defeat Russia so the battlefield never reaches us at home.

The United States must direct a coherent policy to confront Russia that forces Putin to deal with us on our terms. We must continue to provide Ukraine the types of weapons its needs to win. We must also expand our sanctions regime on Russia’s energy sector and crack down on those who support Putin’s war machine by helping Russia evade sanctions. Finally, we must urgently accelerate efforts to modernize our nation’s nuclear deterrent.

It is in America’s national interest to respond to these challenges. Adversaries like Putin can only be dealt with by leading with strength. If we look the other way, it will cost far more in American blood and treasure down the road. We must deter future aggression and promote security – both at home and abroad before it’s too late.

By Sen. Pete RickettsThere’s an old adage that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat its mistakes. Despite teaching history as early as kindergarten, we sometimes forget its lessons. In doing so, we miss opportunities to prevent it from repeating. Our posture toward the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is one such example.Despite our efforts to avoid getting involved in conflicts around the world, they inevitably find their way to our doorstep. From World War I and II to the radical Islamic terror that inspired 9/11, our greatness makes us the ultimate target for adversaries on the warpath. The last century demonstrated that the United States will get dragged into global conflicts. As we grapple with what to do about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, history tells us looking the other way now won’t keep the bullies from setting their sights on us. To put it even more simply: as every Nebraska farmer knows, it is better to address a problem early than let it get bigger down the road. A stitch in time saves nine.After World War II, the United States and our allies set up a rules-based system. This system promotes peaceful trade between nations and has prevented global war. For nearly 80 years, this system has worked. Now, both Russia and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) want to change that system. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s invasion of its neighbor Ukraine is a land grab. It is also a direct challenge to global peace. If dictators are successful they don’t stop. They grab for more. Our actions now will either open the door to more conflict or prevent catastrophe.Putin’s brutality is on display in Ukraine. We should not question his willingness to apply the same kind of disregard for human life in a conflict with the United States and our allies. He’s&nbsp;killed tens of thousands. Ukrainian children have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/04/24/1171632554/efforts-to-rescue-ukrainian-children-kidnapped-by-russia-are-underway" target="_blank">abducted</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;taken&nbsp;to Russian&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2023/07/russia-kidnapping-abducting-ukrainian-children/674535/" target="_blank">indoctrination</a>&nbsp;camps.&nbsp;Putin’s&nbsp;troops have been accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/evidence-of-russian-war-crimes-mounts-as-invasion-of-ukraine-drags-on" target="_blank">thousands</a>&nbsp;of war crimes. This includes the&nbsp;indiscriminate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW8YYhUIK0s" target="_blank">mass killings</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/28/russia-ukraine-war-un-report-details-accounts-of-rape-torture-and-executions.html" target="_blank">rape</a>&nbsp;of civilians. More than&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/8-million-refugees-fled-ukraine-after-year-fighting/story?id=97369869" target="_blank">8 million Ukrainians&nbsp;</a>– that’s four times Nebraska’s entire population –&nbsp;have been forced to flee their country.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/ukraine/#:~:text=Emergencies&amp;text=There%20are%20an%20estimated%205%2C914%2C000%20internally%20displaced%20people%20in%20Ukraine.&amp;text=Nearly%208%20million%20refugees%20from,neighboring%20countries%20and%20across%20Europe.&amp;text=Approximately%2017.6%20million%20people%20are%20in%20need%20of%20humanitarian%20assistance%20in%202023." target="_blank">Nearly 6&nbsp;million&nbsp;</a>have had to abandon their homes and&nbsp;are displaced within Ukraine. Our support for Ukraine now can prevent a wider conflict without costing American lives. It will also be at a lesser financial cost.I&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/press-releases/ricketts-highlights-concerns-with-u-s-nuclear-strategy-amid-growing-threat-from-russia/" target="_blank">said recently</a>&nbsp;in our Senate Foreign Relations hearing on Russia policy that&nbsp;Putin sees the U.S. as his chief adversary. He has long behaved like he’s at war with us. He’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/state-department-investigating-case-detained-american-russia-rcna88942" target="_blank">wrongfully detained</a>&nbsp;U.S. citizens and held them for ransom. He’s repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/31/politics/us-russia-nuclear-arms-control-treaty/index.html" target="_blank">refused</a>&nbsp;to comply with U.S.-Russia arms control agreements. He’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/19/putin-russia-iran-ukraine-00046646" target="_blank">aligned</a>&nbsp;himself with our other adversaries in Iran and the&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/xi-putin-meeting-highlights-us-tensions-china/story?id=97997247" target="_blank">CCP</a>, who will be emboldened if he is successful in Ukraine.&nbsp;While&nbsp;Putin’s&nbsp;hostility can be shocking, the ambition behind it is not surprising.&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;invaded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2014/03/13/world/europe/2008-georgia-russia-conflict/index.html" target="_blank">Georgia in 2008</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-attacks-drones-c2d00e60a040b66656a59720712c2ea9" target="_blank">Ukrainian Crimea in 2014</a>, and&nbsp;Ukraine again last year. Putin’s actions indicate&nbsp;he aims to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/putin-soviet-union-next-move" target="_blank">recreate the Soviet Union</a>. If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, NATO allies like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland could be next. At that point, the United States would be obligated to intervene with our own troops. We cannot let Putin succeed.However, our support cannot be in the form of a blank check. It is critical we also provide necessary and aggressive oversight of American tax dollars to ensure they are being used effectively.It is also critical that our NATO allies do their part to help in this fight. In 2014, all NATO members&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_112964.htm" target="_blank">agreed</a>&nbsp;to spend at least 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense by 2024. That pledge is more important than ever.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/seven-out-30-allies-met-nato-military-spending-target-2022-stoltenberg-2023-03-21/" target="_blank">Seven countries met</a>&nbsp;or exceeded this target last year, including the United States. Yet, twenty-four others failed to step up. This must change. Recently, I joined&nbsp;with 35&nbsp;of my Senate colleagues to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/07/07/nato-countries-military-spending-contributions/70390384007/" target="_blank">urge</a>&nbsp;President Biden to push NATO countries to fulfill their defense commitments. I also personally raised these concerns with them at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania this past week.&nbsp;History has taught us that to stop Putin now will be far less costly in blood and treasure then what happens if we don’t. We are giving Ukraine weapons to fight Russia so we don’t have to.&nbsp;It is critical the U.S. and our allies provide Ukraine with the economic and security assistance necessary to defeat Russia so the battlefield never reaches us at home.The United States must direct a coherent policy to confront Russia that forces Putin to deal with us on our terms. We must continue to provide Ukraine the types of weapons its needs to win. We must also expand our sanctions regime on Russia’s energy sector and crack down on those who support Putin’s war machine by helping Russia evade sanctions. Finally, we must urgently accelerate efforts to modernize our nation’s nuclear deterrent.It is in America’s national interest to respond to these challenges. Adversaries like Putin can only be dealt with by leading with strength. If we look the other way, it will cost far more in American blood and treasure down the road. We must deter future aggression and promote security – both at home and abroad before it’s too late.

Sen. Ricketts: Pushing back on Putin

A Nebraska man rode his bike over 100 miles on Thursday and stopped in Alliance. Robb Finegan is an ultra-gravel cyclist originally from Alliance who now resides in Lincoln this week, and his website joypoweradventures.com follows his biking exploits. From Monday to Friday, Finegan has rode over 800 miles over the last five days. Finegan's says that on he is going through Crawford and will end up on the South Dakota border on&nbsp;Friday.&nbsp;

Finegan's cycling is a part of project called the Great Plains Gravel Route Nebraska Project where his journey is being documented by Three Pillars Media documenting the whole experience. The video will showcase the diverse landscape that Nebraska has to offer. For more info on Finnegan's journey, visit his website at https://www.joypoweradventures.com/&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala, Panhandle PostA Nebraska man rode his bike over 100 miles on Thursday and stopped in Alliance. Robb Finegan is an ultra-gravel cyclist originally from Alliance who now resides in Lincoln this week, and his website joypoweradventures.com follows his biking exploits. From Monday to Friday, Finegan has rode over 800 miles over the last five days. Finegan's says that on he is going through Crawford and will end up on the South Dakota border on&nbsp;Friday.&nbsp;Finegan's cycling is a part of project called the Great Plains Gravel Route Nebraska Project where his journey is being documented by Three Pillars Media documenting the whole experience. The video will showcase the diverse landscape that Nebraska has to offer. For more info on Finnegan's journey, visit his website at https://www.joypoweradventures.com/&nbsp;

Nebraska man bikes through Alliance on 800 mile journey

Alliance – The Alliance Landfill will be closing at 3:45pm today, Thursday, July 13th due to power line replacement.

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

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Alliance Landfill will be closing at 3:45pm today, Thursday, July 13th due to power line replacement.For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Alliance landfill to close early on Friday 

"Cancer Run" motorcycle fundraiser will start at Outlaw Saloon on Saturday, July 15 at 10 a.m. with stops in Rushville, Gordon, Hemingford and Alliance.&nbsp;

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689290297262.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Cancer Run" motorcycle fundraiser will start at Outlaw Saloon on Saturday, July 15 at 10 a.m. with stops in Rushville, Gordon, Hemingford and Alliance.&nbsp;

'Cancer Run' travels to Hay Springs, Rushville, Gordon, Alliance, Hemingford 

By Alex Benzegala&nbsp; Panhandle Post

The Alliance Police Department released a statement about an alleged stabbing in Alliance on Thursday night. Police Chief Phil Lukens tells Panhandle Post that at about 5:53 PM, officers were dispatched to an alleged stabbing between a man and a woman on 5th and Potash.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the stabbing appears to be a result of a mental health crisis. 

The female is in stable condition and the male was airlifted. Panhandle Post will have an update on this story when they become available.

By Alex Benzegala&nbsp; Panhandle PostThe Alliance Police Department released a statement about an alleged stabbing in Alliance on Thursday night. Police Chief Phil Lukens tells Panhandle Post that at about 5:53 PM, officers were dispatched to an alleged stabbing between a man and a woman on 5th and Potash.The preliminary investigation indicates that the stabbing appears to be a result of a mental health crisis. The female is in stable condition and the male was airlifted. Panhandle Post will have an update on this story when they become available.

Stabbing in Alliance sends man to hospital

On Thursday night there was car accident in Alliance, at about 6 PM.

Information provided by the Alliance Police Department indicated the accident was reported at around 6 PM,&nbsp; and that a juvenile female was driving a Dodge Dakota westbound and failed to yield to a&nbsp; Ford F150 driven my an adult man.

 There were were only minor injuries in&nbsp; the accident and no medical transports. The parents of the juvenile responded to the scene.

The accident at 10th and Big Horn. A white Dodge Dakota was northbound on Big Horn driven by a juvenile female sole occupant. A brown Ford F150 was westbound on 10th driven by an adult male sole occupant. The Dodge proceeded from the stop sign failing to yield to the F150 causing them to collide. There was no medical transports and the parents of the juvenile responded to the scene.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala, Panhandle PostOn Thursday night there was car accident in Alliance, at about 6 PM.Information provided by the Alliance Police Department indicated the accident was reported at around 6 PM,&nbsp; and that a juvenile female was driving a Dodge Dakota westbound and failed to yield to a&nbsp; Ford F150 driven my an adult man. There were were only minor injuries in&nbsp; the accident and no medical transports. The parents of the juvenile responded to the scene.The accident at 10th and Big Horn. A white Dodge Dakota was northbound on Big Horn driven by a juvenile female sole occupant. A brown Ford F150 was westbound on 10th driven by an adult male sole occupant. The Dodge proceeded from the stop sign failing to yield to the F150 causing them to collide. There was no medical transports and the parents of the juvenile responded to the scene.&nbsp;

Car accident involving teen in Alliance on Thursday

A new business had it's grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday in downtown Aliiance. Sweet Pickin's is a family business owned by Troy and Susan Unzicker, and Troy talked to Panhandle Post about what Sweet Pickin's is all about.

"Our business is a a mix of things, we not only have the nutritional lounge with the loaded teas but we also carry a wide variety of everything, Troy said. "We have comic books, sports cards and memorabilia, vintage items and much more."

Sweet Pickins' also specializes&nbsp; in different shakes and teas such as mega teas; Tabitha Unzicker is the daughter of Troy and Susan and says that there are a lot of health benefits to the teas, and that the most popular drink so far is&nbsp; 'The Southern Gentleman,' which is a strawberry and watermelon combination with extra protein and collagen&nbsp;

For more information check out Sweet  Pickins at 304 Box Butte  in Alliance.

A new business had it's grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday in downtown Aliiance. Sweet Pickin's is a family business owned by Troy and Susan Unzicker, and Troy talked to Panhandle Post about what Sweet Pickin's is all about."Our business is a a mix of things, we not only have the nutritional lounge with the loaded teas but we also carry a wide variety of everything, Troy said. "We have comic books, sports cards and memorabilia, vintage items and much more."Sweet Pickins' also specializes&nbsp; in different shakes and teas such as mega teas; Tabitha Unzicker is the daughter of Troy and Susan and says that there are a lot of health benefits to the teas, and that the most popular drink so far is&nbsp; 'The Southern Gentleman,' which is a strawberry and watermelon combination with extra protein and collagen&nbsp;For more information check out Sweet Pickins at 304 Box Butte in Alliance.

Sweet Pickin's a unique combination of health and variety

JULY 13, 2023 (SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— As thousands gather in Scotts Bluff County for Oregon Trail Days, troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be working to reduce the likelihood of serious crashes around the event.

“Oregon Trail Days brings people from near and far, so we’ll be working diligently to keep our local residents and visitors safe this weekend,” said Major Jeff Roby, NSP Western Operations Major. “As folks participate in numerous events through Sunday, we encourage everyone to plan ahead to have a sober driver.”

Oregon Trail Days is marking its 102nd&nbsp;consecutive year in 2023. The events run from today, July 13, through Sunday, July 16, at several locations around Gering.

Troopers will be performing high visibility patrols on roadways throughout Scotts Bluff County as part of the effort. The Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office (NDOT-HSO) has designated Scotts Bluff County as a priority county for 2023. NSP’s effort is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $1,770 from NDOT-HSO.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689272653417.jpeg" alt="Nebraska State Patrol Cruiser (Photo/Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska State Patrol Cruiser (Photo/Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>Cody Thomas Nebraska State PatrolJULY 13, 2023 (SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— As thousands gather in Scotts Bluff County for Oregon Trail Days, troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be working to reduce the likelihood of serious crashes around the event.“Oregon Trail Days brings people from near and far, so we’ll be working diligently to keep our local residents and visitors safe this weekend,” said Major Jeff Roby, NSP Western Operations Major. “As folks participate in numerous events through Sunday, we encourage everyone to plan ahead to have a sober driver.”Oregon Trail Days is marking its 102nd&nbsp;consecutive year in 2023. The events run from today, July 13, through Sunday, July 16, at several locations around Gering.Troopers will be performing high visibility patrols on roadways throughout Scotts Bluff County as part of the effort. The Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office (NDOT-HSO) has designated Scotts Bluff County as a priority county for 2023. NSP’s effort is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $1,770 from NDOT-HSO.

Troopers on Patrol During Oregon Trail Days

Alliance – The Central Park Fountain will be off for minor repairs starting this Friday, July 14th. 

Repairs are anticipated to be complete by Saturday, July 15th. 

Thank you for your understanding as we complete repairs on this historic icon of our community.

For more information, please contact the Knight Museum at (308) 762-2384.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Central Park Fountain will be off for minor repairs starting this Friday, July 14th. Repairs are anticipated to be complete by Saturday, July 15th. Thank you for your understanding as we complete repairs on this historic icon of our community.For more information, please contact the Knight Museum at (308) 762-2384.

Alliance Central Park Fountain to be repaired

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post&nbsp;

Last weekend was huge for a group of girls representing the Nebraska Panhandle, as a team with players from Alliance, Scottsbluff and Gering won the Colorado State Championship. The team is called 308 United in the U18  Division and twin sisters Hannah  and Hallie Schneider from Alliance were  on the USSA Class B State Championship team, and their dad Jeff is an Assistant Coach on the team.

 Hannah pitched a gem in the state championship against the Colorado Altitude in an 11-1 win and reflected on winning that final game. "It was really fun, honestly it felt like just another tournament," Hannah said. But then the after celebration&nbsp; it made it feel like winning a State Tournament."

 Her sister Hallie expressed that the whole experience  was enjoyable, especially winning the title. "Just to play really competitive teams, and to play a our highest level. It shows how we started the season and to where we finished as a team, altogether," Hallie said.

Their dad Jeff said that he is very proud&nbsp; the of the girls and the team for how they played against great teams and got better throughout the season.

308 United&nbsp; went 7-0 a the Colorado State Tournament, finishing&nbsp; with a 39-11-2 record and&nbsp; winning 23 of their last 25 games.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post&nbsp;Last weekend was huge for a group of girls representing the Nebraska Panhandle, as a team with players from Alliance, Scottsbluff and Gering won the Colorado State Championship. The team is called 308 United in the U18 Division and twin sisters Hannah and Hallie Schneider from Alliance were on the USSA Class B State Championship team, and their dad Jeff is an Assistant Coach on the team. Hannah pitched a gem in the state championship against the Colorado Altitude in an 11-1 win and reflected on winning that final game. "It was really fun, honestly it felt like just another tournament," Hannah said. But then the after celebration&nbsp; it made it feel like winning a State Tournament." Her sister Hallie expressed that the whole experience was enjoyable, especially winning the title. "Just to play really competitive teams, and to play a our highest level. It shows how we started the season and to where we finished as a team, altogether," Hallie said.Their dad Jeff said that he is very proud&nbsp; the of the girls and the team for how they played against great teams and got better throughout the season.308 United&nbsp; went 7-0 a the Colorado State Tournament, finishing&nbsp; with a 39-11-2 record and&nbsp; winning 23 of their last 25 games.

Alliance girls help area softball team win State in Colorado

A petition has made against Dawes County Commissioner Vic Rivera to step  down for alleged misconduct in different areas. 

 The petitioner  is Taylor Wohlers of Crawford,  and his recall petition of Rivera is for alleged interference with relationships with former and  current employees,  dereliction of duties  and mismanagement of operations. 

There is a deadline of August 3rd for Rivera to either issue and submit a statement to defend himself or resign. This is a developing story and Panhandle Post will have additional details when they become available.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostA petition has made against Dawes County Commissioner Vic Rivera to step down for alleged misconduct in different areas. The petitioner is Taylor Wohlers of Crawford, and his recall petition of Rivera is for alleged interference with relationships with former and current employees, dereliction of duties and mismanagement of operations. There is a deadline of August 3rd for Rivera to either issue and submit a statement to defend himself or resign. This is a developing story and Panhandle Post will have additional details when they become available.

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