Applications for paddlefish snagging permits will be accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission from July 1-14.

The application period opens at 1 p.m. CST on July 1. Mail applications must be received by Game and Parks’ Lincoln office by 5 p.m. CST on July 14, while online applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on July 14.

Two anglers may submit a joint application, but the applicants must both be residents or both be nonresidents. The lowest preference point total between the two applicants will be used in the draw.

An angler must be 12 years old by Oct. 1, 2023, to be eligible to apply for a snagging permit.

Permits will be awarded through a random drawing based on angler preference points.

Drawing results will be available by July 20. Applicants supplying email addresses will be notified when the draw is complete. Others should monitor their status online. Successful applicants will have until Aug. 5 to complete the purchase of awarded permits.

Permits awarded but unpaid will result in the applicant losing preference points and forfeiting the permit. Unpaid or unawarded permits remaining after the draw will be made available to the next resident successful applicants.

In lieu of participating in the draw, resident anglers may purchase one preference point during the application period for $10 and nonresidents may purchase one for $20.

Snagging of paddlefish and nongame fish is permitted Oct. 1-31 in the Missouri River from the Gavins Point Dam downstream to the mouth of the Big Sioux River at mile marker 734.

For more information, including an application form, read the 2023 Nebraska Fishing Guide a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ndWlkZXMtbWFwcy8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjIwLjc4NTI0MzgxIn0.MQLpaCYZUHvcitzas8c-G1c0pRlbwfRsBIkmYzFYh74/s/497221906/br/206535817968-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps</a>.

By Nebraska Game and ParksApplications for paddlefish snagging permits will be accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission from July 1-14.The application period opens at 1 p.m. CST on July 1. Mail applications must be received by Game and Parks’ Lincoln office by 5 p.m. CST on July 14, while online applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on July 14.Two anglers may submit a joint application, but the applicants must both be residents or both be nonresidents. The lowest preference point total between the two applicants will be used in the draw.An angler must be 12 years old by Oct. 1, 2023, to be eligible to apply for a snagging permit.Permits will be awarded through a random drawing based on angler preference points.Drawing results will be available by July 20. Applicants supplying email addresses will be notified when the draw is complete. Others should monitor their status online. Successful applicants will have until Aug. 5 to complete the purchase of awarded permits.Permits awarded but unpaid will result in the applicant losing preference points and forfeiting the permit. Unpaid or unawarded permits remaining after the draw will be made available to the next resident successful applicants.In lieu of participating in the draw, resident anglers may purchase one preference point during the application period for $10 and nonresidents may purchase one for $20.Snagging of paddlefish and nongame fish is permitted Oct. 1-31 in the Missouri River from the Gavins Point Dam downstream to the mouth of the Big Sioux River at mile marker 734.For more information, including an application form, read the 2023 Nebraska Fishing Guide a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ndWlkZXMtbWFwcy8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjIwLjc4NTI0MzgxIn0.MQLpaCYZUHvcitzas8c-G1c0pRlbwfRsBIkmYzFYh74/s/497221906/br/206535817968-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps</a>.

Paddlefish snagging permits to be accepted soon 

By ZACH WENDLING <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/woman-who-shouted-shame-following-critical-gun-bill-passage-is-banned-from-nebraska-capitol/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Western Nebraska may soon offer casino gambling with a move announced Tuesday to transfer a racing license in Hastings to Ogallala.

Hastings Exposition and Racing, Inc., which possesses the racing license, announced it has submitted an application to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission surrounding the move.&nbsp;

Brian Jorde, spokesman for the Hastings company, said they are excited for the commission to “get that teed up and approved so we can get going.”

The Hastings company said it plans to establish a multi-track quarter horse racing circuit and partner with Elite Casino Resorts. Elite Casino owns the Grand Island Casino resort and would invest $100 million in the racetrack and casino —&nbsp;these are referred to as ”racinos.”

The 174-acre site would be called the Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack, potentially capitalizing on tourism to Lake McConaughy.

Jorde said the move is “doing everyone a favor” by moving away from the Grand Island racino and spreading out into the Panhandle.

“Western Nebraska always gets shut out,” Jorde said. “Our plan is to get this up and going in Ogallala and then get up and going in Gering and have a Quarter Horse circuit between the two locations.”

Hastings Exposition and Racing, operated by Brian Becker, spent much of last year trying to encourage the Hastings City Council to approve plans for a racino on the north edge of town, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newschannelnebraska.com/story/49103549/hastings-racing-license-owner-plans-to-move-license-to-ogallala-ending-plans-for-hastings-casino-and-horse-track">News Channel Nebraska</a>.

The council&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://central.newschannelnebraska.com/story/46065476/hastings-city-council-denies-proposed-horse-track-and-casino">rejected</a>&nbsp;those plans in March 2022 but approved an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://central.newschannelnebraska.com/story/47699007/hastings-city-council-approves-plans-for-proposed-casino-and-horse-track">altered plan</a>&nbsp;in November without a game partner. The Chickasaw Nation was originally proposed as a gaming partner.

Nebraska voters overwhelmingly approved casino gambling in 2020 for the state’s licensed racetracks in Omaha, Lincoln, Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings and South Sioux City.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/racino-bill-advances-with-initial-limit-at-six-racetracks/">Other communities</a>, such as Kimball, Gering, North Platte, Norfolk and Bellevue, had expressed interest in racinos, too.

Later this week, WarHorse Casino Lincoln will offer sports betting for the first time in the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569530951374.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ZACH WENDLING <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/woman-who-shouted-shame-following-critical-gun-bill-passage-is-banned-from-nebraska-capitol/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Western Nebraska may soon offer casino gambling with a move announced Tuesday to transfer a racing license in Hastings to Ogallala.Hastings Exposition and Racing, Inc., which possesses the racing license, announced it has submitted an application to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission surrounding the move.&nbsp;Brian Jorde, spokesman for the Hastings company, said they are excited for the commission to “get that teed up and approved so we can get going.”The Hastings company said it plans to establish a multi-track quarter horse racing circuit and partner with Elite Casino Resorts. Elite Casino owns the Grand Island Casino resort and would invest $100 million in the racetrack and casino —&nbsp;these are referred to as ”racinos.”The 174-acre site would be called the Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack, potentially capitalizing on tourism to Lake McConaughy.Jorde said the move is “doing everyone a favor” by moving away from the Grand Island racino and spreading out into the Panhandle.“Western Nebraska always gets shut out,” Jorde said. “Our plan is to get this up and going in Ogallala and then get up and going in Gering and have a Quarter Horse circuit between the two locations.”Hastings Exposition and Racing, operated by Brian Becker, spent much of last year trying to encourage the Hastings City Council to approve plans for a racino on the north edge of town, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newschannelnebraska.com/story/49103549/hastings-racing-license-owner-plans-to-move-license-to-ogallala-ending-plans-for-hastings-casino-and-horse-track">News Channel Nebraska</a>.The council&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://central.newschannelnebraska.com/story/46065476/hastings-city-council-denies-proposed-horse-track-and-casino">rejected</a>&nbsp;those plans in March 2022 but approved an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://central.newschannelnebraska.com/story/47699007/hastings-city-council-approves-plans-for-proposed-casino-and-horse-track">altered plan</a>&nbsp;in November without a game partner. The Chickasaw Nation was originally proposed as a gaming partner.Nebraska voters overwhelmingly approved casino gambling in 2020 for the state’s licensed racetracks in Omaha, Lincoln, Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings and South Sioux City.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/racino-bill-advances-with-initial-limit-at-six-racetracks/">Other communities</a>, such as Kimball, Gering, North Platte, Norfolk and Bellevue, had expressed interest in racinos, too.Later this week, WarHorse Casino Lincoln will offer sports betting for the first time in the state.

Western Nebraska casino possible as plans announced for a racing license in Ogallala

The Alliance Area Churches and Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center will be holding a "Recognition and Appreciation Ice Cream Social" event on June 24 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Come thank your local police, sheriff, fire department and Box Butte General Hospital ER staff.&nbsp;

The event will be held in the Alliance Central Park behind the Knight Museum.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686235853708.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Alliance Area Churches and Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center will be holding a "Recognition and Appreciation Ice Cream Social" event on June 24 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.Come thank your local police, sheriff, fire department and Box Butte General Hospital ER staff.&nbsp;The event will be held in the Alliance Central Park behind the Knight Museum.&nbsp;

Alliance Area Churches to hold 'Police, Sheriff, Fire, EMS' ice cream social 

Do you know of a good story of a person, business or organization working to make the Panhandle area better or a little brighter? Maybe an unsung hero?

Share your stories to the "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/tellusthegoodwesternnebraska">Tell Us The Good! Western Nebraska</a>" Facebook page.&nbsp;

You can also email your ideas to <a href="http://panhandlepostnews@gmail.com">panhandlepostnews@gmail.com</a>

Share the positivity with Eagle Communications!

Eagle Communications reserves all rights on selection of stories submitted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644862157583.jpeg" alt="Photo by Kalin Krohe" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Kalin Krohe</figcaption>
 </figure>Do you know of a good story of a person, business or organization working to make the Panhandle area better or a little brighter? Maybe an unsung hero?Share your stories to the "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/tellusthegoodwesternnebraska">Tell Us The Good! Western Nebraska</a>" Facebook page.&nbsp;You can also email your ideas to <a href="http://panhandlepostnews@gmail.com">panhandlepostnews@gmail.com</a>Share the positivity with Eagle Communications!Eagle Communications reserves all rights on selection of stories submitted.

Tell Us The Good! Western Nebraska 

Alliance – “All Together Now” events at the Alliance Public Library include LEGO Club which will meet on Tuesday, June 20th at 4 pm for grades K-12. Cooper and Friends Puppet Team will share two programs at 10 am and 1 pm on Wednesday, June 21st for grades K-12. Sharing &amp; Caring Story Time for preschool through second grade is Thursday, June 22nd at 10 am, including special guests, Kevin Horn, Dave Ocken and Shawna Rischling, plus special music with Sara Behrends. Also on Thursday, June 22nd there is a Music Jam for all ages, starting at 11 am. All of these events are in the Community Room.

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

By City of AllianceAlliance – “All Together Now” events at the Alliance Public Library include LEGO Club which will meet on Tuesday, June 20th at 4 pm for grades K-12. Cooper and Friends Puppet Team will share two programs at 10 am and 1 pm on Wednesday, June 21st for grades K-12. Sharing &amp; Caring Story Time for preschool through second grade is Thursday, June 22nd at 10 am, including special guests, Kevin Horn, Dave Ocken and Shawna Rischling, plus special music with Sara Behrends. Also on Thursday, June 22nd there is a Music Jam for all ages, starting at 11 am. All of these events are in the Community Room.Please contact Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387 for more information.

'All Together Now' events to be held at Alliance Public Library

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Billionaire Warren Buffett is upping his bet on Japan, announcing this week that Berkshire Hathaway will increase its ownership stake in five major Japanese trading houses.

The first Berkshire Hathaway investment in Itochu Corp., Marubeni Corp., Mitsubishi Corp., Mitsui &amp; Co. and Sumitomo Corp., a 5% stake, was disclosed in 2020 and earlier this year Buffett said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8ec8de0717ca80845e1db354528a441e">stake had been increased</a>&nbsp;to 7.4%. Ownership in the companies, Berkshire said this week, has reached 8.5% excluding shares of treasury stock.

The trading houses are some of Japan’s oldest and biggest companies and hold investments in a variety of industries. Their conglomerate business models are somewhat similar to Buffett’s own company which owns dozens of companies including BNSF railroad, several major utilities and Geico insurance while also investing more than $300 billion in stocks.

In 2021, after Berkshire Hathaway had taken a stake in the five trading houses, Japan's Nikkei average recorded its highest year-end closing level since the 1980s when the market bubble in Japan was near its peak. Last week, the Nikkei closed over 33,000 for the first time in 33 years and it is up almost 30% over the past 12 months.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is based in Omaha, Nebraska.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Billionaire Warren Buffett is upping his bet on Japan, announcing this week that Berkshire Hathaway will increase its ownership stake in five major Japanese trading houses.The first Berkshire Hathaway investment in Itochu Corp., Marubeni Corp., Mitsubishi Corp., Mitsui &amp; Co. and Sumitomo Corp., a 5% stake, was disclosed in 2020 and earlier this year Buffett said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8ec8de0717ca80845e1db354528a441e">stake had been increased</a>&nbsp;to 7.4%. Ownership in the companies, Berkshire said this week, has reached 8.5% excluding shares of treasury stock.The trading houses are some of Japan’s oldest and biggest companies and hold investments in a variety of industries. Their conglomerate business models are somewhat similar to Buffett’s own company which owns dozens of companies including BNSF railroad, several major utilities and Geico insurance while also investing more than $300 billion in stocks.Buffett's timing is notable.In 2021, after Berkshire Hathaway had taken a stake in the five trading houses, Japan's Nikkei average recorded its highest year-end closing level since the 1980s when the market bubble in Japan was near its peak. Last week, the Nikkei closed over 33,000 for the first time in 33 years and it is up almost 30% over the past 12 months.Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is based in Omaha, Nebraska.

Buffett's firm ups stakes in Jap trading houses as Nikkei hot streak continues

The Chadron Caregiver Support Group will be held the third Friday or each month at County Kitchen at 3 p.m.&nbsp;

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687272087545.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Chadron Caregiver Support Group will be held the third Friday or each month at County Kitchen at 3 p.m.&nbsp;

Chadron Caregiver Support Group to be held at Country Kitchen 

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">CINDY GONZALEZ</a>

LINCOLN — Recent rain downpours in southwest Nebraska pushed the region’s flood infrastructure into action, and representatives of the state’s natural resources districts say those preventive measures saved an estimated $700,000 or so in damages.

The earlier investment in the flood infrastructure mitigated damage to agricultural land, homes and other structures in the path of unprecedented rainfall and a rapidly rising Republican River, said a news release from the association that represents state NRDs.

The Blackwood Creek watershed northwest of McCook, Nebraska, has 11 watershed flood reduction structures built through a partnership between the Middle Republican NRD and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the statement said.

While the structures typically look like dry dams or pits, the earthen embankments spring into action during heavy rainfall to capture and safely release floodwater, said spokesperson Megan Grimes.

Recent rainfall brought an average of four inches of precipitation in six hours in the Blackwood Creek watershed. In capturing the runoff, the NRD said, the dams likely prevented an estimated $677,000 in damage to downstream property.

The Dry Creek watershed southwest of McCook saw between seven and 10 inches of rainfall during the same storm. The Middle Republican NRD’s six watershed structures along that portion of Dry Creek prevented an estimated $37,600 in damages to surrounding areas, according to the statement.

Grimes said NRD representatives sometimes field questions from people about the value of the structures, which may not appear relevant until the moments or episodes when they are needed.

“Investing in flood infrastructure is a proactive step that mitigates damages, reduces recovery costs, and ensures long-term resilience,” said Jack Russell, Middle Republican NRD general manager. “The benefits go beyond cost savings; these structures can be lifesaving.”

A key element of flood reduction in southwest Nebraska is a network of structures authorized under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, Public Law-566. Throughout Nebraska, the state’s NRDs used related federal funding, in partnership with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, to build and maintain the structures.

Allen Gehring, USDA-NRCS state conservation engineer, said the specially engineered flood protection systems played a crucial role in minimizing harm recently in southwest Nebraska.

“The larger watershed contains a network of infrastructure that minimized the overall flooding from the Republican River and its tributaries,” Gehring said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that for every dollar spent on flood mitigation, an average of $6 can be saved in post-disaster recovery costs, the NRD association news release said.

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">CINDY GONZALEZ</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687222458403.jpeg" alt="A Dry Creek watershed flood structure, also referred to as an earthen or dry dam, fills during recent heavy rainfall in southwest Nebraska. Natural Resources District representatives say such measures prevent water damage to surrounding properties. (Courtesy of Nebraska Association of Natural Resources Districts)" />
 <figcaption>A Dry Creek watershed flood structure, also referred to as an earthen or dry dam, fills during recent heavy rainfall in southwest Nebraska. Natural Resources District representatives say such measures prevent water damage to surrounding properties. (Courtesy of Nebraska Association of Natural Resources Districts)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — Recent rain downpours in southwest Nebraska pushed the region’s flood infrastructure into action, and representatives of the state’s natural resources districts say those preventive measures saved an estimated $700,000 or so in damages.The earlier investment in the flood infrastructure mitigated damage to agricultural land, homes and other structures in the path of unprecedented rainfall and a rapidly rising Republican River, said a news release from the association that represents state NRDs.The Blackwood Creek watershed northwest of McCook, Nebraska, has 11 watershed flood reduction structures built through a partnership between the Middle Republican NRD and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the statement said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687222492233.jpeg" alt="Jack Russell, Middle Republican NRD general manager (Courtesy of Nebraska Association of Resources Districts)" />
 <figcaption>Jack Russell, Middle Republican NRD general manager (Courtesy of Nebraska Association of Resources Districts)</figcaption>
 </figure>While the structures typically look like dry dams or pits, the earthen embankments spring into action during heavy rainfall to capture and safely release floodwater, said spokesperson Megan Grimes.Recent rainfall brought an average of four inches of precipitation in six hours in the Blackwood Creek watershed. In capturing the runoff, the NRD said, the dams likely prevented an estimated $677,000 in damage to downstream property.The Dry Creek watershed southwest of McCook saw between seven and 10 inches of rainfall during the same storm. The Middle Republican NRD’s six watershed structures along that portion of Dry Creek prevented an estimated $37,600 in damages to surrounding areas, according to the statement.Grimes said NRD representatives sometimes field questions from people about the value of the structures, which may not appear relevant until the moments or episodes when they are needed.“Investing in flood infrastructure is a proactive step that mitigates damages, reduces recovery costs, and ensures long-term resilience,” said Jack Russell, Middle Republican NRD general manager. “The benefits go beyond cost savings; these structures can be lifesaving.”A key element of flood reduction in southwest Nebraska is a network of structures authorized under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, Public Law-566. Throughout Nebraska, the state’s NRDs used related federal funding, in partnership with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, to build and maintain the structures.Allen Gehring, USDA-NRCS state conservation engineer, said the specially engineered flood protection systems played a crucial role in minimizing harm recently in southwest Nebraska.“The larger watershed contains a network of infrastructure that minimized the overall flooding from the Republican River and its tributaries,” Gehring said.The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that for every dollar spent on flood mitigation, an average of $6 can be saved in post-disaster recovery costs, the NRD association news release said.

‘Dry dams’ efforts averted about $700,000 in damages in southwest Neb.

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 6/19/23

The Scottsbluff Police Department was dispatched to Michael Street in Terrytown at approximately 1:55 a.m. June 17. The report indicated that a male was found lying on a sidewalk and appeared to be deceased.

An investigation occurred at the scene until approximately 5:00 a.m. A vehicle associated with the deceased was taken from the scene.&nbsp;

The Scottsbluff Police Department has made next of kin notifications in this case. The deceased, has been identified as 24-year-old Keelan Noel of Torrington, WY.&nbsp;

The police department has conducted numerous interviews and an autopsy is scheduled for this morning, Monday, June 19.

Anyone that may have been near Country Club Road and/or Michael Street in the late hours of June 16th or the early morning hours of June 17th, that may have observed anything suspicious, is encouraged to contact the Scottsbluff Police Department at (308)632-7176 or Scotts Bluff County Crime Stoppers at (308)632-STOP (7867).

By Scottsbluff Police DepartmentThe Scottsbluff Police Department was dispatched to Michael Street in Terrytown at approximately 1:55 a.m. June 17. The report indicated that a male was found lying on a sidewalk and appeared to be deceased.An investigation occurred at the scene until approximately 5:00 a.m. A vehicle associated with the deceased was taken from the scene.&nbsp;The Scottsbluff Police Department has made next of kin notifications in this case. The deceased, has been identified as 24-year-old Keelan Noel of Torrington, WY.&nbsp;Foul play is not suspected. The police department has conducted numerous interviews and an autopsy is scheduled for this morning, Monday, June 19.Anyone that may have been near Country Club Road and/or Michael Street in the late hours of June 16th or the early morning hours of June 17th, that may have observed anything suspicious, is encouraged to contact the Scottsbluff Police Department at (308)632-7176 or Scotts Bluff County Crime Stoppers at (308)632-STOP (7867).The investigation is ongoing.

Scottsbluff police continue death investigation on Torrington man

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance Beautiful

Names last a lifetime, often longer. Briefly Grand Lake then Alliance ever since. How about that squirrely guy with “IV” after his name? I’m sure his grandpa’s dad never honestly thought there’d be a “fourth”. Sometime between when I picked up litter downtown for carnival tickets and when I began reporting on the affiliate, Alliance Clean Community System (ACCS) became Keep Alliance Beautiful (KAB). Ahh, the intricacies of deciding on a fresh moniker.

Several months ago, KAB staff, volunteers and a paid mover or two relocated our downtown office from the second floor of Bank of the West to the northeast space in the lower level of the City Municipal Building. Main destinations for the contents and furnishings were: new office, recycling center, Mission Store, trash or to anybody who wanted to lug anything extra home. A box with my name on it began to fill not too far into the process. The highlights of my haul included outdated KAB swag and technology, such as a mini cassette recorder. However, the best prize has proven to be a set of binders chronicling two eras of the organization: the early to mid-1980s and the same time frame a decade later. I find the latter more interesting since that’s when I became familiar with ACCS.

Norma Kuhlman served as Alliance Clean Community coordinator in 1993 – the same year I would begin working for her husband Fred, then publisher of the Alliance Times-Herald. He was on board with recycling at the daily (except Sundays) newspaper. One clipping shows Rex Johnson, Fred and Lisa Fraedrich unloading rolls of recycled newsprint. The cutline explains, “. . . this is the first recycled newsprint to be used in the history of the Times-Herald.” At that time, newspaper readership levels also meant full-size Dumpsters for residents to recycle past issues.

H &amp; H Sanitation (listed as H &amp; H Salvage in the clipping) handled the area’s recycling. The total volume for 1992-93 was on par with recent years. Categories are in stark contrast: newsprint 200 tons, plastic 10 tons, cardboard 100 tons, glass 15 tons and aluminum 7 tons. The population of Alliance was 9,685.

Alliance sure needed a lot of cleaning then – when viewed through ‘90s news coverage and ACCS accounts. That squares with my memory too. My fellow scouts and I always wanted service hours for that next rank, meaning we volunteered to remove trash, weeds and even (after the shift to KAB) semi-precious alley items left in the right-of-way. Was our town really that much shabbier than now and how much? That is tricky to quantify.

Narratives submitted by ACCS for annual statewide and national awards, as well as newspaper clippings, tout major changes and partnerships in Alliance that square with the organization’s mission. An excerpt, on City letterhead, “Alliance looks to its Clean Community System as the coordinating body which makes it possible to educate adults and youth about integrated solid waste issues, city ordinances, litter abatement and other environmental concerns. ACCS coordinates many public land and roadside cleanups. Currently three city department heads serve on the ACCS board.” Honors for 1993 alone included: the Keep Nebraska Beautiful Environmental Award – first place in the 2,501-10,000 population and overall as the Deanie

Anderson Award winner. The sister cities of Alliance and Beatrice were first and second, respectively, in the National Clean Community Systems contest.

The Alliance landfill still contains bags from ACCS cleanups. It opened 30 years ago as a prototype for others in the state, as the former facility closed. The site consisted of four cells conforming with new state and federal regulations. “How long this landfill lasts will depend on the citizens of Alliance and their willingness to reuse, reduce and recycle,” Norma said.

Exactly when and why the name changed from Alliance Clean Community System to Keep Alliance Beautiful seems insignificant. I know our streets, yards and alleys could always be cleaner though it is easy to see the beauty of blooming flowers and freshly painted facades. Education, beautification and recycling remain keys to KAB’s mission. As far as our community’s willingness to embrace the three R’s Norma emphasized since ‘93? We could have done better. We still can.

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance BeautifulNames last a lifetime, often longer. Briefly Grand Lake then Alliance ever since. How about that squirrely guy with “IV” after his name? I’m sure his grandpa’s dad never honestly thought there’d be a “fourth”. Sometime between when I picked up litter downtown for carnival tickets and when I began reporting on the affiliate, Alliance Clean Community System (ACCS) became Keep Alliance Beautiful (KAB). Ahh, the intricacies of deciding on a fresh moniker.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687186792177.jpeg" alt="Local Scouts, pictured in a Times-Herald clipping, clean an alley downtown on this Alliance Clean Community System binder page from spring 1993. " />
 <figcaption>Local Scouts, pictured in a Times-Herald clipping, clean an alley downtown on this Alliance Clean Community System binder page from spring 1993. </figcaption>
 </figure>Several months ago, KAB staff, volunteers and a paid mover or two relocated our downtown office from the second floor of Bank of the West to the northeast space in the lower level of the City Municipal Building. Main destinations for the contents and furnishings were: new office, recycling center, Mission Store, trash or to anybody who wanted to lug anything extra home. A box with my name on it began to fill not too far into the process. The highlights of my haul included outdated KAB swag and technology, such as a mini cassette recorder. However, the best prize has proven to be a set of binders chronicling two eras of the organization: the early to mid-1980s and the same time frame a decade later. I find the latter more interesting since that’s when I became familiar with ACCS.Norma Kuhlman served as Alliance Clean Community coordinator in 1993 – the same year I would begin working for her husband Fred, then publisher of the Alliance Times-Herald. He was on board with recycling at the daily (except Sundays) newspaper. One clipping shows Rex Johnson, Fred and Lisa Fraedrich unloading rolls of recycled newsprint. The cutline explains, “. . . this is the first recycled newsprint to be used in the history of the Times-Herald.” At that time, newspaper readership levels also meant full-size Dumpsters for residents to recycle past issues.H &amp; H Sanitation (listed as H &amp; H Salvage in the clipping) handled the area’s recycling. The total volume for 1992-93 was on par with recent years. Categories are in stark contrast: newsprint 200 tons, plastic 10 tons, cardboard 100 tons, glass 15 tons and aluminum 7 tons. The population of Alliance was 9,685.Alliance sure needed a lot of cleaning then – when viewed through ‘90s news coverage and ACCS accounts. That squares with my memory too. My fellow scouts and I always wanted service hours for that next rank, meaning we volunteered to remove trash, weeds and even (after the shift to KAB) semi-precious alley items left in the right-of-way. Was our town really that much shabbier than now and how much? That is tricky to quantify.Narratives submitted by ACCS for annual statewide and national awards, as well as newspaper clippings, tout major changes and partnerships in Alliance that square with the organization’s mission. An excerpt, on City letterhead, “Alliance looks to its Clean Community System as the coordinating body which makes it possible to educate adults and youth about integrated solid waste issues, city ordinances, litter abatement and other environmental concerns. ACCS coordinates many public land and roadside cleanups. Currently three city department heads serve on the ACCS board.” Honors for 1993 alone included: the Keep Nebraska Beautiful Environmental Award – first place in the 2,501-10,000 population and overall as the DeanieAnderson Award winner. The sister cities of Alliance and Beatrice were first and second, respectively, in the National Clean Community Systems contest.The Alliance landfill still contains bags from ACCS cleanups. It opened 30 years ago as a prototype for others in the state, as the former facility closed. The site consisted of four cells conforming with new state and federal regulations. “How long this landfill lasts will depend on the citizens of Alliance and their willingness to reuse, reduce and recycle,” Norma said.Exactly when and why the name changed from Alliance Clean Community System to Keep Alliance Beautiful seems insignificant. I know our streets, yards and alleys could always be cleaner though it is easy to see the beauty of blooming flowers and freshly painted facades. Education, beautification and recycling remain keys to KAB’s mission. As far as our community’s willingness to embrace the three R’s Norma emphasized since ‘93? We could have done better. We still can.

Keep Alliance Beautiful: Clean, then beautiful

P202300410 20:34 THEFT : THEFT 1400 block of Cheyenne Ave // Report of a theft of a scooter // Suspect observed on camera // Suspect identified // Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300412 09:05 DEATH : UNATTENDED ELDERLY MALE FOUND DECEASED IN HIS HOME. NO FOUL PLAY WAS SUSPECTED. Closed - Resolved

P202300414 13:05 INTAKE : INTAKE ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE INTAKE / HHS IS ASSISTING THE FAMILY / NO ACTION NEEDED FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT Closed - Resolved

P202300416 16:30 INTAKE : INTAKE Reports of a human trafficking/child abuse reported through DHHS. Suspects and Victims reside outside of Alliance, NE. Forwarded to other agency for investigation.

P202300416 16:30 INTAKE : INTAKE Reports of a human trafficking/child abuse reported through DHHS. Suspects and Victims reside outside of Alliance, NE. Forwarded to other agency for investigation. Forward to Other Agency

P202300415 17:47 DRIVE : RECKLESS VEHICLE WAS WITNESSED DOING BURN OUTS AND SPINNING IN THE STREET / DRIVER OF VEHICLE WAS ISSUED A CITATION / Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300418 03:25 INTAKE : INTAKE Received a welfare check regarding a 6 year old boy possibly finding his mothers drugs and ingesting them. Contacted the father and the child in question and did not see any signs of impairment Closed - Unfounded

P202300420 11:59 DRIVE : RECKLESS Closed - Charges&nbsp; Recommended

P202300423 15:58 INTAKE : INTAKE Officers received a DHHS report of a female with concerns of self neglect. Welfare check completed and concerns unfounded. Closed - Unfounded

P202300422 16:01 INTAKE : INTAKE Received a DHHS intake with cancers of self-neglect of two adult individuals. Made contact with them and they are being assisted by DHHS case worker. Closed - Resolved

P202300424 21:14 DISTURBANCE : 200 block of East 3rd St // Report of a disturbance // Allegations of assault and harassment were made // An investigation was conducted // Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300427 14:09 ASSAULT : ASSAULT FEMALE REPORTED A SEXUAL ASSAULT WHICH OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AGO / THE ASSAULT IS CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED Open - Under Investigation

P202300429 21:10 INTAKE : INTAKE Intake Closed - Unfounded

P202300432 06:39 TRESPASS : TRESPASS Officers warned a male against trespassing from a house in the 500 block of Grand Avenue. The male returned again and was taken into custody for trespassing. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300433 13:06 INTAKE : INTAKE Does Not Meet intake received. Individual is living in assisted living and no concerns. Closed - Unfounded

P202300434 18:10 10-44 : MVA NON INJURY900 block of Cheyenne Ave // Report of a two vehicle accident // No injuries // One unoccupied parked vehicle and one vehicle in transport // Report taken Closed - Resolved

P202300435 21:00 SHOPLIFT : Open - Under Investigation

By Alliance Police Department06/11/23P202300410 20:34 THEFT : THEFT 1400 block of Cheyenne Ave // Report of a theft of a scooter // Suspect observed on camera // Suspect identified // Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended06/11/23 Total: 106/12/23P202300412 09:05 DEATH : UNATTENDED ELDERLY MALE FOUND DECEASED IN HIS HOME. NO FOUL PLAY WAS SUSPECTED. Closed - ResolvedP202300414 13:05 INTAKE : INTAKE ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE INTAKE / HHS IS ASSISTING THE FAMILY / NO ACTION NEEDED FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT Closed - ResolvedP202300416 16:30 INTAKE : INTAKE Reports of a human trafficking/child abuse reported through DHHS. Suspects and Victims reside outside of Alliance, NE. Forwarded to other agency for investigation.Closed - ResolvedP202300416 16:30 INTAKE : INTAKE Reports of a human trafficking/child abuse reported through DHHS. Suspects and Victims reside outside of Alliance, NE. Forwarded to other agency for investigation. Forward to Other AgencyP202300415 17:47 DRIVE : RECKLESS VEHICLE WAS WITNESSED DOING BURN OUTS AND SPINNING IN THE STREET / DRIVER OF VEHICLE WAS ISSUED A CITATION / Closed - Charges Recommended06/12/23 Total: 506/13/23P202300418 03:25 INTAKE : INTAKE Received a welfare check regarding a 6 year old boy possibly finding his mothers drugs and ingesting them. Contacted the father and the child in question and did not see any signs of impairment Closed - UnfoundedP202300420 11:59 DRIVE : RECKLESS Closed - Charges&nbsp; RecommendedP202300423 15:58 INTAKE : INTAKE Officers received a DHHS report of a female with concerns of self neglect. Welfare check completed and concerns unfounded. Closed - UnfoundedP202300422 16:01 INTAKE : INTAKE Received a DHHS intake with cancers of self-neglect of two adult individuals. Made contact with them and they are being assisted by DHHS case worker. Closed - ResolvedP202300424 21:14 DISTURBANCE : 200 block of East 3rd St // Report of a disturbance // Allegations of assault and harassment were made // An investigation was conducted // Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended06/13/23 Total: 506/15/23P202300427 14:09 ASSAULT : ASSAULT FEMALE REPORTED A SEXUAL ASSAULT WHICH OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AGO / THE ASSAULT IS CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED Open - Under InvestigationP202300429 21:10 INTAKE : INTAKE Intake Closed - Unfounded06/15/23 Total: 206/17/23P202300432 06:39 TRESPASS : TRESPASS Officers warned a male against trespassing from a house in the 500 block of Grand Avenue. The male returned again and was taken into custody for trespassing. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300433 13:06 INTAKE : INTAKE Does Not Meet intake received. Individual is living in assisted living and no concerns. Closed - UnfoundedP202300434 18:10 10-44 : MVA NON INJURY900 block of Cheyenne Ave // Report of a two vehicle accident // No injuries // One unoccupied parked vehicle and one vehicle in transport // Report taken Closed - ResolvedP202300435 21:00 SHOPLIFT : Open - Under Investigation06/17/23 Total: 4Total Records: 17

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The railroad industry on Friday sued to block new environmental rules in California, arguing they would force the premature retirement of about 25,000 diesel-powered locomotives across the country long before their zero-emission counterparts are ready to take their place.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-california-air-resources-board-climate-and-environment-dc75c11280f85a8ab134cf392497be68">California's aggressive strategy to fight climate change by weaning the state off fossil fuels</a>&nbsp;has produced some of the world's toughest environmental regulations in the past few years. Since 2020, the state has OK'd rules that would ban the sale of new gas-powered cars, lawn equipment and trucks by the middle of the next decade.

Those rules are designed to slowly phase out gas- and diesel-powered products by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-rail-train-emissions-climate-change-1b3e39ea4731422bc630a07c08c6a826">banning the sale of most new combustible engines</a>. But the rules governing railroads would ban the use of locomotives more than 23 years old starting in 2030 and would force railroads to start setting aside more than $1 billion a year starting this fall solely to purchase zero-emission locomotives and related equipment. Due to the crucial role California ports hold and the way railroads pass off trains to each other, the state's mandate would have huge effects nationwide.

In a lawsuit filed in federal court, the industry says the technology for zero-emission locomotives hasn't been sufficiently tested and won't be ready to carry the load of delivering more than 30 million carloads of freight nationwide each year.

The lawsuit asks a judge to declare the California Air Resources Board does not have the authority to issue these rules. The trade groups say that only the federal government can regulate railroads because it is an interconnected industry that crosses state lines. They note that more than 500 companies all share the 180,000 miles (289,682 kilometers) of track across 49 states, Canada and Mexico.

“While the urgency to act is real and unquestionable, CARB (the California Air Resources Board) uses unreasonable, flawed assumptions to support a rule that will not result in emissions reductions,” said Ian Jefferies, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads, an industry trade association that filed the lawsuit along with the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. "Railroads are working toward reliable, efficient zero-emissions technologies; however, they cannot simply be willed into immediate existence by policymakers.”

The railroad groups say in their lawsuit that the rules show regulators' “lack of experience with and understanding of the railroad industry.”

Another argument from opponents of the California rule is that transporting goods through railways contributes fewer planet-warming emissions than if those goods were trucked. The transportation sector contributed the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, but rail only made up 2% of those emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

CARB spokesperson Lys Mendez said Friday the board had not yet seen the lawsuit and would not comment on it.

Regulators say they must move quickly given the scope of the emissions problems from locomotives. CARB says the rules will dramatically reduce pollution from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-pollution-us-environmental-protection-agency-climate-and-environment-0103a23e4b31d1f6ddb407fb43f9c8c1">nitrogen oxides</a>, which contribute to the formation of smog, and a type of tiny pollutants that can penetrate deep into a person's lungs and has been linked to cancer. The board estimates it will save $32 billion in health care costs and prevent 3,200 premature deaths.

Adrian Martinez, a lawyer with environmental nonprofit Earthjustice, called the fate of the California rule “a matter of life and death.”

“There’s generally been a reckless disregard from the rail industry for saving lives from air pollution, and this is just another feather in their cap in their pursuit of continuing to burn really dirty diesel fuel,” Martinez said of the lawsuit.

Alicia Aguayo, a spokesperson for the advocacy group People’s Collective for Environmental Justice, is also not surprised by the lawsuit. For more than two decades, Aguayo lived near a BNSF railyard in San Bernardino, California. Aguayo, whose brother has asthma, is concerned about the health risks diesel pollution from locomotives poses to residents.

“For those of us that lived next to the railyards, it’s significant because it’s a step towards reducing something that is very harmful for our communities,” she said of the rule.

The EPA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-california-pollution-climate-and-environment-876d93b70b4ca58a292e15bace567013">said last fall</a>&nbsp;that it will consider toughening its rules for locomotive pollution that were last updated in 2008, but California regulators acted first. The California rule would need approval from the EPA to move forward.

California has some of the worst air quality in the country, mostly because of its bustling transportation sector. The state is home to two of the busiest ports in the world at Los Angeles and Long Beach. Most of that cargo is shipped to warehouses further inland before getting on trains to be transported throughout the country.

The top four most polluted cities for ozone and year-round particle pollution in the U.S. are all in California, according to the American Lung Association.

The new California rules would have the biggest effect on Union Pacific and BNSF and short-line railroads that operate in that state. But the changes would affect every railroad because they all regularly pass locomotives back and forth to keep trains moving efficiently across the U.S. A single locomotive might cross the entire country every couple of months. Any changes would have to be standardized across the industry.

The major freight railroads are already working with major manufacturers to test out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/environment-nebraska-pollution-b2655fb455bb46c5cebd9d5f778114e3">battery-powered locomotives</a>&nbsp;with the first ones starting to roll out to Union Pacific railyards in Nebraska and California this year. They're also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-north-america-4ae00e53074a1f8e276ccb2b36933204">experimenting</a>&nbsp;with alternative fuels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pa-state-wire-technology-business-c86a43dcac56a3d46031e2e1026c951f">like hydrogen</a>&nbsp;as possible replacements for their diesel-powered workhorses.

One of the leading locomotive makers, Wabtec, told California regulators that it is at least a couple years away from having battery-powered locomotive prototypes ready for widespread tests hauling freight over long distances, although it did try one out with BNSF for a few months in 2021. Wabtec also said some of the other technologies like hydrogen power face challenges related to the availability of that fuel and the need for an entirely new fueling network. And battery manufacturers may already have a hard time keeping up with all the demand from electric cars, even without upgrading thousands of locomotives.

Railroads prefer to keep using locomotives for decades after they buy them. Just last year, both Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-nebraska-pollution-fuel-efficiency-85d30af43f5dfdf3b517897981689e4c">announced plans</a>&nbsp;to modernize hundreds of locomotives in their fleets to extend their useful life and reduce their carbon emissions. Those upgrades don't do much to reduce the amount of particulate matter and nitrous oxide emissions those locomotives produce, but the industry has made progress with those also. Those emissions are associated with increased cancer risks and other health problems — particularly in neighborhoods around railyards.

By Associated PressSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The railroad industry on Friday sued to block new environmental rules in California, arguing they would force the premature retirement of about 25,000 diesel-powered locomotives across the country long before their zero-emission counterparts are ready to take their place.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-california-air-resources-board-climate-and-environment-dc75c11280f85a8ab134cf392497be68">California's aggressive strategy to fight climate change by weaning the state off fossil fuels</a>&nbsp;has produced some of the world's toughest environmental regulations in the past few years. Since 2020, the state has OK'd rules that would ban the sale of new gas-powered cars, lawn equipment and trucks by the middle of the next decade.Those rules are designed to slowly phase out gas- and diesel-powered products by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-rail-train-emissions-climate-change-1b3e39ea4731422bc630a07c08c6a826">banning the sale of most new combustible engines</a>. But the rules governing railroads would ban the use of locomotives more than 23 years old starting in 2030 and would force railroads to start setting aside more than $1 billion a year starting this fall solely to purchase zero-emission locomotives and related equipment. Due to the crucial role California ports hold and the way railroads pass off trains to each other, the state's mandate would have huge effects nationwide.In a lawsuit filed in federal court, the industry says the technology for zero-emission locomotives hasn't been sufficiently tested and won't be ready to carry the load of delivering more than 30 million carloads of freight nationwide each year.The lawsuit asks a judge to declare the California Air Resources Board does not have the authority to issue these rules. The trade groups say that only the federal government can regulate railroads because it is an interconnected industry that crosses state lines. They note that more than 500 companies all share the 180,000 miles (289,682 kilometers) of track across 49 states, Canada and Mexico.“While the urgency to act is real and unquestionable, CARB (the California Air Resources Board) uses unreasonable, flawed assumptions to support a rule that will not result in emissions reductions,” said Ian Jefferies, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads, an industry trade association that filed the lawsuit along with the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. "Railroads are working toward reliable, efficient zero-emissions technologies; however, they cannot simply be willed into immediate existence by policymakers.”The railroad groups say in their lawsuit that the rules show regulators' “lack of experience with and understanding of the railroad industry.”Another argument from opponents of the California rule is that transporting goods through railways contributes fewer planet-warming emissions than if those goods were trucked. The transportation sector contributed the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, but rail only made up 2% of those emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.CARB spokesperson Lys Mendez said Friday the board had not yet seen the lawsuit and would not comment on it.Regulators say they must move quickly given the scope of the emissions problems from locomotives. CARB says the rules will dramatically reduce pollution from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-pollution-us-environmental-protection-agency-climate-and-environment-0103a23e4b31d1f6ddb407fb43f9c8c1">nitrogen oxides</a>, which contribute to the formation of smog, and a type of tiny pollutants that can penetrate deep into a person's lungs and has been linked to cancer. The board estimates it will save $32 billion in health care costs and prevent 3,200 premature deaths.Adrian Martinez, a lawyer with environmental nonprofit Earthjustice, called the fate of the California rule “a matter of life and death.”“There’s generally been a reckless disregard from the rail industry for saving lives from air pollution, and this is just another feather in their cap in their pursuit of continuing to burn really dirty diesel fuel,” Martinez said of the lawsuit.Alicia Aguayo, a spokesperson for the advocacy group People’s Collective for Environmental Justice, is also not surprised by the lawsuit. For more than two decades, Aguayo lived near a BNSF railyard in San Bernardino, California. Aguayo, whose brother has asthma, is concerned about the health risks diesel pollution from locomotives poses to residents.“For those of us that lived next to the railyards, it’s significant because it’s a step towards reducing something that is very harmful for our communities,” she said of the rule.The EPA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-california-pollution-climate-and-environment-876d93b70b4ca58a292e15bace567013">said last fall</a>&nbsp;that it will consider toughening its rules for locomotive pollution that were last updated in 2008, but California regulators acted first. The California rule would need approval from the EPA to move forward.California has some of the worst air quality in the country, mostly because of its bustling transportation sector. The state is home to two of the busiest ports in the world at Los Angeles and Long Beach. Most of that cargo is shipped to warehouses further inland before getting on trains to be transported throughout the country.The top four most polluted cities for ozone and year-round particle pollution in the U.S. are all in California, according to the American Lung Association.The new California rules would have the biggest effect on Union Pacific and BNSF and short-line railroads that operate in that state. But the changes would affect every railroad because they all regularly pass locomotives back and forth to keep trains moving efficiently across the U.S. A single locomotive might cross the entire country every couple of months. Any changes would have to be standardized across the industry.The major freight railroads are already working with major manufacturers to test out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/environment-nebraska-pollution-b2655fb455bb46c5cebd9d5f778114e3">battery-powered locomotives</a>&nbsp;with the first ones starting to roll out to Union Pacific railyards in Nebraska and California this year. They're also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-north-america-4ae00e53074a1f8e276ccb2b36933204">experimenting</a>&nbsp;with alternative fuels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pa-state-wire-technology-business-c86a43dcac56a3d46031e2e1026c951f">like hydrogen</a>&nbsp;as possible replacements for their diesel-powered workhorses.One of the leading locomotive makers, Wabtec, told California regulators that it is at least a couple years away from having battery-powered locomotive prototypes ready for widespread tests hauling freight over long distances, although it did try one out with BNSF for a few months in 2021. Wabtec also said some of the other technologies like hydrogen power face challenges related to the availability of that fuel and the need for an entirely new fueling network. And battery manufacturers may already have a hard time keeping up with all the demand from electric cars, even without upgrading thousands of locomotives.Railroads prefer to keep using locomotives for decades after they buy them. Just last year, both Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-nebraska-pollution-fuel-efficiency-85d30af43f5dfdf3b517897981689e4c">announced plans</a>&nbsp;to modernize hundreds of locomotives in their fleets to extend their useful life and reduce their carbon emissions. Those upgrades don't do much to reduce the amount of particulate matter and nitrous oxide emissions those locomotives produce, but the industry has made progress with those also. Those emissions are associated with increased cancer risks and other health problems — particularly in neighborhoods around railyards.

Railroad industry sues to block new locomotive pollution 

In Nebraska, we have a lot to be proud of. Our women’s sports are no exception. The UNL Women’s Volleyball team has won five national championships and is one of UNL’s three profit-producing teams, along with football and men’s basketball. In August, women’s volleyball teams from across the state will be playing to a sold-out Memorial Stadium in the hopes of breaking the record for the most attended women’s sporting event in American history. The Creighton Women’s Basketball team has made the NCAA tournament four of the last six years. The UNO Women’s Softball team just made history by winning their first Summit League Championship and advancing to the NCAA Regional tournament.

For over fifty years, landmark civil rights legislation passed by Congress has prohibited sex-based discrimination in sports and education programs that receive federal government funding. In that time, we’ve seen women succeed and thrive through athletics. Sadly, today, that legislation – commonly referred to as Title IX – is under attack by those determined to allow biological males to compete in girls’ and women’s athletics. If successful, they would upend the grit and dedication of our female athletes to appease the loud voices of a few who refuse to accept simple biology and the physical advantages biological males have. This is clearly unfair.

This is not a tomorrow problem. It is happening right now in middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the country. We’re already seeing the negative repercussions on female athletes in other states.

Lia Thomas, formerly named William Thomas, began college swimming as an average athlete on the University of Pennsylvania’s men's swim team. Thomas later “transitioned” to join the women's swim team. At the 2022 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, Thomas won the women’s 500-meter freestyle. In a different event at the same meet, Thomas tied for 5th&nbsp;place with biological woman Riley Gaines. In a slap in the face to all biological women athletes, at the podium, the trophy was given to Thomas. Gaines – the biological woman – was left empty-handed.

Imagine being a little girl with one dream: to compete at the highest level and win a title, only to realize you’re at a severe disadvantage before you even dive into the pool or step onto the track, court, or field. Millions of girls have this dream. The movement to allow biological males in girls’ and women’s sports goes against the very protections put in place over fifty years ago.

The science is clear, biological men have undeniable physical advantages in athletics over biological women. These advantages don’t go away because of body-altering surgeries or hormone therapies after puberty. There is a reason we have separate leagues for men and women from elementary school all the way up to professional athletics. For years, requirements within those leagues have differed to accommodate the physical differences between biological men and biological women.

The Biden administration’s changes to Title IX would not only allow biological males to compete against women, but also force schools to allow them to use women’s locker rooms and restrooms. This is just not right.&nbsp;As a state so proud of its exceptional female athletics, we must take a stand.&nbsp;As a father of two daughters, I am committed to saving women’s sports.

That’s why I co-sponsored Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act to ensure Title IX provisions recognize gender solely as that which a person was biologically born. It will also ban recipients of federal funding from operating, sponsoring, or facilitating athletic programs that permit biological males to participate in a women’s sporting event. Previous generations’ daughters, sisters, and granddaughters have worked too hard to have opportunities denied to the current generation.&nbsp;As we approach the 51st&nbsp;anniversary of Title IX,&nbsp;we must do everything we can to protect women’s sports from the Biden administration.

Along with Senator Fischer and the rest of my colleagues in the Nebraska delegation, my team and I are here to serve you. Contact my team and I anytime by phone at 202-224-4224 or on my website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact</a>. I am honored to serve our great state and will continue to work to protect the Good Life from Washington overreach.

By Sen. Pete RickettsIn Nebraska, we have a lot to be proud of. Our women’s sports are no exception. The UNL Women’s Volleyball team has won five national championships and is one of UNL’s three profit-producing teams, along with football and men’s basketball. In August, women’s volleyball teams from across the state will be playing to a sold-out Memorial Stadium in the hopes of breaking the record for the most attended women’s sporting event in American history. The Creighton Women’s Basketball team has made the NCAA tournament four of the last six years. The UNO Women’s Softball team just made history by winning their first Summit League Championship and advancing to the NCAA Regional tournament.For over fifty years, landmark civil rights legislation passed by Congress has prohibited sex-based discrimination in sports and education programs that receive federal government funding. In that time, we’ve seen women succeed and thrive through athletics. Sadly, today, that legislation – commonly referred to as Title IX – is under attack by those determined to allow biological males to compete in girls’ and women’s athletics. If successful, they would upend the grit and dedication of our female athletes to appease the loud voices of a few who refuse to accept simple biology and the physical advantages biological males have. This is clearly unfair.This is not a tomorrow problem. It is happening right now in middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the country. We’re already seeing the negative repercussions on female athletes in other states.Lia Thomas, formerly named William Thomas, began college swimming as an average athlete on the University of Pennsylvania’s men's swim team. Thomas later “transitioned” to join the women's swim team. At the 2022 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, Thomas won the women’s 500-meter freestyle. In a different event at the same meet, Thomas tied for 5th&nbsp;place with biological woman Riley Gaines. In a slap in the face to all biological women athletes, at the podium, the trophy was given to Thomas. Gaines – the biological woman – was left empty-handed.Imagine being a little girl with one dream: to compete at the highest level and win a title, only to realize you’re at a severe disadvantage before you even dive into the pool or step onto the track, court, or field. Millions of girls have this dream. The movement to allow biological males in girls’ and women’s sports goes against the very protections put in place over fifty years ago.The science is clear, biological men have undeniable physical advantages in athletics over biological women. These advantages don’t go away because of body-altering surgeries or hormone therapies after puberty. There is a reason we have separate leagues for men and women from elementary school all the way up to professional athletics. For years, requirements within those leagues have differed to accommodate the physical differences between biological men and biological women.The Biden administration’s changes to Title IX would not only allow biological males to compete against women, but also force schools to allow them to use women’s locker rooms and restrooms. This is just not right.&nbsp;As a state so proud of its exceptional female athletics, we must take a stand.&nbsp;As a father of two daughters, I am committed to saving women’s sports.That’s why I co-sponsored Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act to ensure Title IX provisions recognize gender solely as that which a person was biologically born. It will also ban recipients of federal funding from operating, sponsoring, or facilitating athletic programs that permit biological males to participate in a women’s sporting event. Previous generations’ daughters, sisters, and granddaughters have worked too hard to have opportunities denied to the current generation.&nbsp;As we approach the 51st&nbsp;anniversary of Title IX,&nbsp;we must do everything we can to protect women’s sports from the Biden administration.Along with Senator Fischer and the rest of my colleagues in the Nebraska delegation, my team and I are here to serve you. Contact my team and I anytime by phone at 202-224-4224 or on my website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact</a>. I am honored to serve our great state and will continue to work to protect the Good Life from Washington overreach.

Ricketts: Protecting women’s sports from the Biden Administration 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — At Cleveland's Urban Kutz Barbershop, customers can flip through magazines as they wait, or help themselves to drug screening tests left out in a box on a table with a somber message: “Your drugs could contain fentanyl. Please take free test strips.”

Owner Waverly Willis has given out strips for years at his barbershop, hoping to protect others from unwittingly being exposed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-opioids-synthetic-government-and-politics-8f64b776b82d6e8bc2e324b732e4b6e2">highly potent synthetic opioid ravaging the U.S</a>. and often secretly laced into other illegal drugs.

“When I put them out, they just fly out the door,” said Willis, who proudly hands out about 30 strips a week as part of The Urban Barber Association, a Cleveland organization that provides health education to the community via local barbershops.

Nearly 18 years into his own sobriety from drugs, Willis isn't shy about making the strips available. He figures he’d be dead if fentanyl were so widely prevalent when he was using.

Fentanyl has driven overdose deaths in the U.S. since 2016, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-overdose-deaths-cdc-3c3848da5f8aa01d7b9f232ba5a34152">that isn't changing</a>&nbsp;as the cheaper and deadlier synthetic opioid continues to be cut into the drug supply. Approximately 75,000 of the nearly 110,000 overdose deaths of 2022 could be linked to fentanyl, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Legalizing test strips could bring those numbers down, advocates say, saving lives by helping more people understand just how deadly their drugs could be.

Until this spring, use of the strips was technically illegal in Ohio. It has joined at least 20 other states whose lawmakers formally decriminalized the strips since Rhode Island became the first in 2018. Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Kentucky and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fentanyl-test-strips-drug-overdose-mississippi-1a27c20c0947520373f26a89c8a3f66f">Mississippi</a>&nbsp;also followed suit this year.

The CDC recommends&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/fentanyl-test-strips.html">fentanyl test strips</a>&nbsp;as a low-cost means of helping prevent drug overdoses. They can detect fentanyl in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and many other drugs — whether in pills, powders or injectables.

Yet these small paper strips are still considered illegal in some states, outlawed under drug paraphernalia laws dating to the 1970s era war on drugs — long before fentanyl began seeping into the nation's drug supply. Every state but Alaska had an anti-paraphernalia law on the books by the mid-1980s, making materials used for testing and analyzing illicit substances illegal.

Increasingly, the strips are now being seen as potentially lifesaving.

Newark, Ohio, resident Rodney Olinger has used methamphetamines for eight years. The 45-year-old gets four to five fentanyl test strips weekly from the Newark Homeless Outreach, and calls them a “blessing.” He credits the strips with helping ensure he and his fiancée, who also uses, stay alive.

“It’s very scary,” Olinger said of fentanyl. “Just a little bit could kill you.”

While the strips may not prevent drug use overall, they allow testers to take a pause if a strip comes back positive, possibly encouraging them to reconsider drug use and seek help, said Sheila Vakharia with the national nonprofit Drug Policy Alliance, which seeks to shape U.S. drug policy.

“You never know if a fentanyl test strip can keep someone alive long enough so they can make that decision for themselves,” she said.

The CDC says any drug that dissolves in water can be tested. The strip is dipped in the solution for about 15 seconds, set out a few minutes, and is positive for fentanyl if a single pink line appears. Two pink lines is a negative result.

The strips can often be obtained from advocacy groups, local and state health departments, or purchased online.

Where strips are illegal, the push to change the law continues.

In Kansas, lawmakers debated until April whether to legalize the strips. But there was never any debate for Kansas mother Brandy Harris, who lost her 21-year-old son Sebastain Sheahan to a fentanyl overdose in April 2022. Addicted since age 13, he was first prescribed opioids after being hit by a truck.

Friends and family knew Sheahan as “big-hearted” and “goofy” with a soft spot for abused animals. He was open about his addiction issues and had been clean three years before he died after a relapse.

Harris believes her son would still be alive if he’d had test strips showing what he was ingesting. “I do believe that if these were available, that at least one person would be saved,” Harris said. “And that is the main goal -- at least one person.”

Kansas’ governor recently signed a bipartisan bill decriminalizing the strips starting July 1.

Montana and other states are considering similar legislation. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas recently dropped opposition to decriminalizing the strips, citing a “better understanding” of how they prevent opioid deaths.

And in Pennsylvania, Republican state Rep. Jim Struzzi lost his brother to a drug overdose in 2014 and lobbied colleagues for years to destigmatize the strips.

“Fentanyl isn’t going to ask you if you’re a Democrat or a Republican before it kills you,” said Struzzi, who sponsored state legislation making test strips legal in January.

The shift in how political leaders view the strips has advocacy groups, health departments and outreach programs optimistic. Increased legalization opens doors for more funding, including for strips themselves and for public education campaigns.

The SOAR Initiative, a Columbus, Ohio-based nonprofit fighting overdose deaths, distributes about 5,000 strips each month, according to executive director Jessica Warner.

SOAR sends out the strips via mail to anonymous recipients, both individuals and larger distributors. Handing them out never brought legal consequences in Ohio even before.

In fact, prosecution for possessing the strips doesn’t appear to be occurring anywhere in the U.S., according to Jonathan Woodruff of the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association, which tracks drug laws nationwide. He said drug paraphernalia possession is a minor offense in most states and law enforcement may now be more attuned to the strips' lifesaving benefits.

Northeast of Boston, police Lt. Sarko Gergerian of the Winthrop Police Department has boxes of them stacked in his office.

Legalized in Massachusetts in 2018, the strips go into “survival kits” that his department, as part of the Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery Program, gives to those struggling with substance use — as well as to recovery coaches and social workers for distribution.

Gergerian calls it a “win” when a life is saved — not the arrest of someone struggling with addiction.

“Could you imagine if your kid was addicted to a substance and they weren’t ready to give it up?” Gergerian posed. “We need to keep them alive. Anything else is immoral.""

By Associated PressCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — At Cleveland's Urban Kutz Barbershop, customers can flip through magazines as they wait, or help themselves to drug screening tests left out in a box on a table with a somber message: “Your drugs could contain fentanyl. Please take free test strips.”Owner Waverly Willis has given out strips for years at his barbershop, hoping to protect others from unwittingly being exposed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-opioids-synthetic-government-and-politics-8f64b776b82d6e8bc2e324b732e4b6e2">highly potent synthetic opioid ravaging the U.S</a>. and often secretly laced into other illegal drugs.“When I put them out, they just fly out the door,” said Willis, who proudly hands out about 30 strips a week as part of The Urban Barber Association, a Cleveland organization that provides health education to the community via local barbershops.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686932505875.jpeg" alt="Fentanyl test strips sit atop magazines in the waiting area of Urban Kutz Barbershop in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 11, 2023. Owner Waverly Willis sets them out in his businesses, hoping to protect people in his community from overdosing on drugs they're unaware contain the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl. A growing number of states are legalizing the test strips, which are often labeled as illegal drug paraphernalia, in an effort to prevent overdose deaths. (Waverly Willis via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Fentanyl test strips sit atop magazines in the waiting area of Urban Kutz Barbershop in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 11, 2023. Owner Waverly Willis sets them out in his businesses, hoping to protect people in his community from overdosing on drugs they're unaware contain the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl. A growing number of states are legalizing the test strips, which are often labeled as illegal drug paraphernalia, in an effort to prevent overdose deaths. (Waverly Willis via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nearly 18 years into his own sobriety from drugs, Willis isn't shy about making the strips available. He figures he’d be dead if fentanyl were so widely prevalent when he was using.Fentanyl has driven overdose deaths in the U.S. since 2016, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-overdose-deaths-cdc-3c3848da5f8aa01d7b9f232ba5a34152">that isn't changing</a>&nbsp;as the cheaper and deadlier synthetic opioid continues to be cut into the drug supply. Approximately 75,000 of the nearly 110,000 overdose deaths of 2022 could be linked to fentanyl, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Legalizing test strips could bring those numbers down, advocates say, saving lives by helping more people understand just how deadly their drugs could be.Until this spring, use of the strips was technically illegal in Ohio. It has joined at least 20 other states whose lawmakers formally decriminalized the strips since Rhode Island became the first in 2018. Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Kentucky and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fentanyl-test-strips-drug-overdose-mississippi-1a27c20c0947520373f26a89c8a3f66f">Mississippi</a>&nbsp;also followed suit this year.The CDC recommends&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/fentanyl-test-strips.html">fentanyl test strips</a>&nbsp;as a low-cost means of helping prevent drug overdoses. They can detect fentanyl in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and many other drugs — whether in pills, powders or injectables.Yet these small paper strips are still considered illegal in some states, outlawed under drug paraphernalia laws dating to the 1970s era war on drugs — long before fentanyl began seeping into the nation's drug supply. Every state but Alaska had an anti-paraphernalia law on the books by the mid-1980s, making materials used for testing and analyzing illicit substances illegal.Increasingly, the strips are now being seen as potentially lifesaving.Newark, Ohio, resident Rodney Olinger has used methamphetamines for eight years. The 45-year-old gets four to five fentanyl test strips weekly from the Newark Homeless Outreach, and calls them a “blessing.” He credits the strips with helping ensure he and his fiancée, who also uses, stay alive.“It’s very scary,” Olinger said of fentanyl. “Just a little bit could kill you.”While the strips may not prevent drug use overall, they allow testers to take a pause if a strip comes back positive, possibly encouraging them to reconsider drug use and seek help, said Sheila Vakharia with the national nonprofit Drug Policy Alliance, which seeks to shape U.S. drug policy.“You never know if a fentanyl test strip can keep someone alive long enough so they can make that decision for themselves,” she said.The CDC says any drug that dissolves in water can be tested. The strip is dipped in the solution for about 15 seconds, set out a few minutes, and is positive for fentanyl if a single pink line appears. Two pink lines is a negative result.The strips can often be obtained from advocacy groups, local and state health departments, or purchased online.Where strips are illegal, the push to change the law continues.In Kansas, lawmakers debated until April whether to legalize the strips. But there was never any debate for Kansas mother Brandy Harris, who lost her 21-year-old son Sebastain Sheahan to a fentanyl overdose in April 2022. Addicted since age 13, he was first prescribed opioids after being hit by a truck.Friends and family knew Sheahan as “big-hearted” and “goofy” with a soft spot for abused animals. He was open about his addiction issues and had been clean three years before he died after a relapse.Harris believes her son would still be alive if he’d had test strips showing what he was ingesting. “I do believe that if these were available, that at least one person would be saved,” Harris said. “And that is the main goal -- at least one person.”Kansas’ governor recently signed a bipartisan bill decriminalizing the strips starting July 1.Montana and other states are considering similar legislation. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas recently dropped opposition to decriminalizing the strips, citing a “better understanding” of how they prevent opioid deaths.And in Pennsylvania, Republican state Rep. Jim Struzzi lost his brother to a drug overdose in 2014 and lobbied colleagues for years to destigmatize the strips.“Fentanyl isn’t going to ask you if you’re a Democrat or a Republican before it kills you,” said Struzzi, who sponsored state legislation making test strips legal in January.The shift in how political leaders view the strips has advocacy groups, health departments and outreach programs optimistic. Increased legalization opens doors for more funding, including for strips themselves and for public education campaigns.The SOAR Initiative, a Columbus, Ohio-based nonprofit fighting overdose deaths, distributes about 5,000 strips each month, according to executive director Jessica Warner.SOAR sends out the strips via mail to anonymous recipients, both individuals and larger distributors. Handing them out never brought legal consequences in Ohio even before.In fact, prosecution for possessing the strips doesn’t appear to be occurring anywhere in the U.S., according to Jonathan Woodruff of the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association, which tracks drug laws nationwide. He said drug paraphernalia possession is a minor offense in most states and law enforcement may now be more attuned to the strips' lifesaving benefits.Northeast of Boston, police Lt. Sarko Gergerian of the Winthrop Police Department has boxes of them stacked in his office.Legalized in Massachusetts in 2018, the strips go into “survival kits” that his department, as part of the Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery Program, gives to those struggling with substance use — as well as to recovery coaches and social workers for distribution.Gergerian calls it a “win” when a life is saved — not the arrest of someone struggling with addiction.“Could you imagine if your kid was addicted to a substance and they weren’t ready to give it up?” Gergerian posed. “We need to keep them alive. Anything else is immoral.""

Lifesaving fentanyl test strips still illegal in some states under '70s-era war on drugs law

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A jury on Wednesday ordered the electric utility PacifiCorp to pay punitive damages for causing devastating wildfires in Oregon in 2020 — on top of an earlier verdict already expected to amount to billions of dollars.

The decision came&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-utility-company-berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-ff26bcf69a111e7343e7f806c6c7c937">two days after the jurors found PacifiCorp liable</a>&nbsp;for the fires and said it must pay for damage to property as well as emotional distress. The jury on Monday awarded more than $70 million to 17 homeowners named as plaintiffs in the case, with damages to be determined later for a broader class that could include the owners of about 2,500 properties, as estimated by plaintiffs' attorneys.

The property owners alleged that PacifiCorp negligently failed to shut off power to its 600,000 customers during a windstorm over Labor Day weekend, despite warnings from then-Gov. Kate Brown’s chief of staff and top fire officials, and that its power lines were responsible for multiple blazes.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs said that after the fires, PacifiCorp started an internal investigation — without communicating that to workers in the field. As a result, the workers repaired or replaced some damaged equipment without documenting or preserving evidence of how broken poles or power lines contributed to the fires.

The fires&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kate-brown-fires-us-news-wa-state-wire-ca-state-wire-8e4e0818146a72c713de625e902f9962">were among the worst natural disasters</a>&nbsp;in Oregon’s history. They killed nine people, burned more than 1,875 square miles (4,856 square kilometers) and destroyed upward of 5,000 homes and other structures.

PacifiCorp, owned by billionaire Warren Buffett’s Omaha, Nebraska-based investment conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, said it plans to appeal.

“We are disappointed in and disagree with the jury’s decision in this case,” PacifiCorp said in an emailed statement.

The Multnomah County Circuit Court jury in Portland found Wednesday that the additional damages were warranted to punish the utility’s alleged indifference to the safety of others and to deter such conduct in the future.

The jury determined the amount should be one-quarter of whatever is eventually awarded for property damage and emotional distress — meaning the punitive damages could reach hundreds of millions of dollars or more.

One of the plaintiffs, Rachelle McMaster, said she was overwhelmed by feelings of happiness and relief when she heard Wednesday’s verdict. McMaster, 45, lost her home in the central coast community of Otis to the Echo Mountain Complex Fire.

“I got so emotional knowing that we won everything,” McMaster said. “We did it. We convinced the jury that we deserved to be compensated for everything that we lost.”

Cody Berne, an attorney for the plaintiffs, also welcomed the verdict.

"The jury’s verdict is extremely gratifying after PacifiCorp refused to accept responsibility for any of the damages caused by its incompetence and utter disregard for people and property on Labor Day 2020,” Berne said in a news release Wednesday.

Doug Dixon, an attorney for the power company, told the jury Tuesday that punitive damages were unwarranted, saying that PacifiCorp “was not indifferent to the threat of wildfire risk, let alone outrageously or consciously so.”

The company has invested hundreds of millions of dollars since the fires to upgrade equipment and expand its weather stations and weather modeling, he said.

Further, Dixon said, the utility could face bankruptcy if punitive damages exceed its net worth of $10.7 billion.

The plaintiffs' attorney told the jury such damages would be the only way to hold the company accountable.

“This should’ve never happened,” Berne said. “The way to make sure it never happens again is to speak to them in the language that they know. And it’s the language of money.”

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686932271710.jpeg" alt="A statue of a bear still stands by a home burned by the Beachie Creek Fire on Sept. 12, 2020, in Detroit, Ore. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)" />
 <figcaption>A statue of a bear still stands by a home burned by the Beachie Creek Fire on Sept. 12, 2020, in Detroit, Ore. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A jury on Wednesday ordered the electric utility PacifiCorp to pay punitive damages for causing devastating wildfires in Oregon in 2020 — on top of an earlier verdict already expected to amount to billions of dollars.The decision came&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-utility-company-berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-ff26bcf69a111e7343e7f806c6c7c937">two days after the jurors found PacifiCorp liable</a>&nbsp;for the fires and said it must pay for damage to property as well as emotional distress. The jury on Monday awarded more than $70 million to 17 homeowners named as plaintiffs in the case, with damages to be determined later for a broader class that could include the owners of about 2,500 properties, as estimated by plaintiffs' attorneys.The property owners alleged that PacifiCorp negligently failed to shut off power to its 600,000 customers during a windstorm over Labor Day weekend, despite warnings from then-Gov. Kate Brown’s chief of staff and top fire officials, and that its power lines were responsible for multiple blazes.Attorneys for the plaintiffs said that after the fires, PacifiCorp started an internal investigation — without communicating that to workers in the field. As a result, the workers repaired or replaced some damaged equipment without documenting or preserving evidence of how broken poles or power lines contributed to the fires.The fires&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kate-brown-fires-us-news-wa-state-wire-ca-state-wire-8e4e0818146a72c713de625e902f9962">were among the worst natural disasters</a>&nbsp;in Oregon’s history. They killed nine people, burned more than 1,875 square miles (4,856 square kilometers) and destroyed upward of 5,000 homes and other structures.PacifiCorp, owned by billionaire Warren Buffett’s Omaha, Nebraska-based investment conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, said it plans to appeal.“We are disappointed in and disagree with the jury’s decision in this case,” PacifiCorp said in an emailed statement.The Multnomah County Circuit Court jury in Portland found Wednesday that the additional damages were warranted to punish the utility’s alleged indifference to the safety of others and to deter such conduct in the future.The jury determined the amount should be one-quarter of whatever is eventually awarded for property damage and emotional distress — meaning the punitive damages could reach hundreds of millions of dollars or more.One of the plaintiffs, Rachelle McMaster, said she was overwhelmed by feelings of happiness and relief when she heard Wednesday’s verdict. McMaster, 45, lost her home in the central coast community of Otis to the Echo Mountain Complex Fire.“I got so emotional knowing that we won everything,” McMaster said. “We did it. We convinced the jury that we deserved to be compensated for everything that we lost.”Cody Berne, an attorney for the plaintiffs, also welcomed the verdict."The jury’s verdict is extremely gratifying after PacifiCorp refused to accept responsibility for any of the damages caused by its incompetence and utter disregard for people and property on Labor Day 2020,” Berne said in a news release Wednesday.Doug Dixon, an attorney for the power company, told the jury Tuesday that punitive damages were unwarranted, saying that PacifiCorp “was not indifferent to the threat of wildfire risk, let alone outrageously or consciously so.”The company has invested hundreds of millions of dollars since the fires to upgrade equipment and expand its weather stations and weather modeling, he said.Further, Dixon said, the utility could face bankruptcy if punitive damages exceed its net worth of $10.7 billion.The plaintiffs' attorney told the jury such damages would be the only way to hold the company accountable.“This should’ve never happened,” Berne said. “The way to make sure it never happens again is to speak to them in the language that they know. And it’s the language of money.”

PacifiCorp must pay punitive damages for fires, plus award that could reach billions

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

-Zachary L Dubray, Class 2 Felony, Robbery, Class 3A Felony, Terroristic threats, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace

-Rubi E Guerrero, Class 4 Felony, Operate motor vehicle/avoid arrest-flny, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Resist arrest, Obstruct a peace officer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susp/before reinstated-state, Willful reckless driving, Disturbing the peace

-A J Stanec, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession under 19&nbsp;

-Evelyn Picket Pin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Compulsory education attendance required

-Vanessa A Uhley, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Unauth use propelled vehicle

-Franklin Jealous of Him, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault 3rd degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace&nbsp;

*All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Panhandle Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint via the “Contact Us” tab on the homepage.Box Butte Co:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686942309770.jpeg" alt="-Natasha White Butterfly, Class 3A Felony, Domestic assault 2nd degree, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault 3rd degree, Obstruct a peace officer, Resist arrest, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace, Class 2 Felony, Use deadly weapon to commit a felony" />
 <figcaption>-Natasha White Butterfly, Class 3A Felony, Domestic assault 2nd degree, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault 3rd degree, Obstruct a peace officer, Resist arrest, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace, Class 2 Felony, Use deadly weapon to commit a felony</figcaption>
 </figure>-Zachary L Dubray, Class 2 Felony, Robbery, Class 3A Felony, Terroristic threats, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace-Rubi E Guerrero, Class 4 Felony, Operate motor vehicle/avoid arrest-flny, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Resist arrest, Obstruct a peace officer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susp/before reinstated-state, Willful reckless driving, Disturbing the peace-A J Stanec, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession under 19&nbsp;-Evelyn Picket Pin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Compulsory education attendance required-Vanessa A Uhley, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Unauth use propelled vehicle-Franklin Jealous of Him, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault 3rd degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace&nbsp;-Andrew B Flye III, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Trespass 2nd degree/defy order to leave, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace, Infraction, Possess or use drug paraphernalia-Damon R Dubray, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20, Infraction, Zero tolerance violation-Jason A Fisher, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace-Kaitlyn Dubray, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20-Bertha M Conquering Bear, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession under 19-Troy W Meyer, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Leave accident-fail to furnish info-Winston X Woerner, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Trespass 2nd degree/defy order to leave-Beverly C Pierce, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Criminal mischief $0-500, Disturbing the peace-Bianca I Moreno, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20, Infraction, Possess or use drug paraphernaliaScotts Bluff Co:&nbsp;-Ashley Lara,&nbsp;Trespassing-Teresa Good Road,&nbsp;Poss cont sub&gt;140g. Poss w. intent to&nbsp;distribute X2. Poss cont sub, Poss drug&nbsp;para-Richard Glover,&nbsp;Poss cont sub&gt;140g. Poss w. intent to&nbsp;distribute X2. Poss cont sub, Poss drug&nbsp;para-Xavier Vallejo,&nbsp;Child abuse, Use of deadly weapon to&nbsp;commit a (F), Domestic Assault,&nbsp;Obstructing, Terroristic Threats-Summer Lone Dog,&nbsp;Theft - Shoplifting-Nicole Lackey,&nbsp;Assault 3rd degree-Anne Mousseaux,&nbsp;False imprisonment, Poss cont sub-Katia Olomos,&nbsp;Assault 2nd degree-Marcelino Alvarez,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para, Poss open&nbsp;container; tamper with phyisical evidence-Angel Bush,&nbsp;Fugitive from Justice&nbsp;South Dakota- Pennington County,&nbsp;DUI 4th, DUI 3rdDawes Co:&nbsp;-Zachary J Verdin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations-Jacob Smith,&nbsp;Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations-Brian F Smith, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Over bag limit - fish/small game/turkey-Steven Rozmiarek,&nbsp;Class 3 Misdemeanor, Over bag limit - fish/small game/turkey-Raymond Cook, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree-Devin Trueblood, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI-Lliana Reyes-Soriano, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Theft-shoplifting $501-`1,499-Amanda Renz, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Theft-unlawful taking $501-1,499, Obstruct a peace officer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive-under sups/before reinstated by state-Sylvanus W Lame Jr., Class 2 Misdemeanor, Trespass 2nd degree/defy order to leave-Tex Wells, Class 4 Felony, Drive while revoked from DUI/refusal, Infraction, Fail to use child passenger restraint-Kaycee Kittell, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor misrepresent age to obtain liquor, Minor in possession ages 19/20-Johanna Black Eyes, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20-Jadyn Cady, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Misrepresent age to obtain tobacco/elec nic&nbsp;-Dennis Latka, Class 4 Felony, Fail to appear when on bail-felony-Ming An Liu, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations-Danielle Kaiser, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Acts declared unlawful-license/driving-Rose Little Thunder, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Fail to appear or comply with citation-Augustine Taylor, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace-Rubi E Guerrero, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Theft-shoplifting $501-1,499-Ruddy Flores Perez, Class 3 Misdemeanor, No operator's license/waiverable, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Unlawful entry without park permit-Samuel Glick, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Operate vessel without required equipment-Desirae N McLaughlin, Misdemeanor, No operator's license-Sylvanus J Lame, Felony, Fugitive from justice-Sylis Little Moon, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree, Class 3A Felony, Terroristic threats, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Obstruct a peace officer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20