BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A judge ruled Friday that the U.S. government can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-retardant-pollution-lawsuit-1fa9557473357d03f01b592713afd4a3">keep using chemical retardant</a>&nbsp;to fight wildfires, despite finding that the practice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-retardant-pollution-lawsuit-81e195428e748bbb36116128e35c7e39">pollutes streams in western states</a>&nbsp;in violation of federal law.

Halting the use of the red slurry material could have resulted in greater environmental damage from wildfires, said U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen in Missoula, Montana.

The judge agreed with U.S. Forest Service officials who said dropping retardant from aircraft into areas with waterways was sometimes necessary to protect lives and property.

The ruling came after came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-forests-lawsuits-fish-montana-0e3b777d2df198826587e702b34ebb9d">environmentalists sued</a>&nbsp;following revelations that the Forest Service dropped retardant into waterways hundreds of times over the past decade.

Government officials say chemical fire retardant can be crucial to slowing the advance of dangerous blazes. Wildfires across North America have grown bigger and more destructive over the past two decades as climate change warms the planet.

More than 200 loads of retardant got into waterways over the past decade. Federal officials say those situations usually occurred by mistake and in less than 1% of the thousands of loads annually.

A coalition that includes Paradise, California — where a 2018 blaze killed 85 people and destroyed the town — had said a court ruling that stopped the use of retardant would have put lives, homes and forests at risk.

“This case was very personal for us,” Paradise Mayor Greg Bolin said. “Our brave firefighters need every tool in the toolbox to protect human lives and property against wildfires, and today’s ruling ensures we have a fighting chance this fire season.”

State and local agencies lean heavily on the U.S. Forest Service to help fight fires, many of which originate or include federal land.

Fire retardant is a specialized mixture of water and chemicals including inorganic fertilizers or salts. It’s designed to alter the way fire burns, making blazes less intense and slowing their advance.

That can give firefighters time to steer flames away from inhabited areas and in extreme situations to evacuate people from danger.

“Retardant lasts and even works if it’s dry,” said Scott Upton, a former region chief and air attack group supervisor for California’s state fire agency. “Water is only so good because it dries out. It does very well to suppress fires, but it won’t last.”

The Oregon-based group Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics argued in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-forests-lawsuits-fish-montana-0e3b777d2df198826587e702b34ebb9d">lawsuit filed last year</a>&nbsp;that the Forest Service was disregarding the Clean Water Act by continuing to use retardant without taking adequate precautions to protect streams and rivers.

Christensen said stopping the use of fire retardant would “conceivably result in greater harm from wildfires — including to human life and property and to the environment.” The judge said his ruling was limited to 10 western states where members of the plaintiff's group alleged harm from pollution into waterways that they use.

After the lawsuit was filed the Forest Service applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for a permit that would allow it to continue using retardant without breaking the law. That process could take years.

Christensen ordered federal officials to report every six months on their progress.

Experts say climate change, people moving into fire-prone areas, and overgrown forests are creating more catastrophic megafires that are harder to fight.

More than 100 million gallons (378 million liters) of fire retardant were used during the past decade, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Health risks to firefighters or other people who come into contact with fire retardant are considered low, according to a 2021 risk assessment.

But the chemicals can be harmful to some fish, frogs, crustaceans and other aquatic species. A government study found misapplied retardant could adversely affect dozens of imperiled species, including crawfish, spotted owls and fish such as shiners and suckers.

Forest Service officials said they are trying to come into compliance with the law by getting a pollution permit but that could take years.

To keep streams from getting polluted, officials in recent years have avoided drops inside buffer zones within 300 feet (92 meters) of waterways. Retardant may only be applied inside those zones when human life or public safety is threatened. Of 213 instances of fire retardant landing in water between 2012 and 2019, 190 were accidents and the remainder were necessary to save lives or property, officials said.

As the 2023 fire season gets underway, California Forestry Association President Matt Dias said the prospect of not having fire retardant available to a federal agency that plays a key role on many blazes was “terrifying.”

Many areas of the Western U.S. experienced heavy snowfalls this past winter, and as a result fire dangers are lower than in recent years across much of the region.

By Associated PressBILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A judge ruled Friday that the U.S. government can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-retardant-pollution-lawsuit-1fa9557473357d03f01b592713afd4a3">keep using chemical retardant</a>&nbsp;to fight wildfires, despite finding that the practice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-retardant-pollution-lawsuit-81e195428e748bbb36116128e35c7e39">pollutes streams in western states</a>&nbsp;in violation of federal law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685127858166.jpeg" alt="An aircraft lays down a line of fire retardant between a wildfire and homes in the dry, densely wooded Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, Colo., on June 13, 2013. A federal judge said Friday, May 26, 2023, that chemical retardant dropped on wildfires by the U.S. Forest Service is polluting streams in western states in violation of federal law, but said it can keep being use to fight fires. (AP Photo/John Wark, File)" />
 <figcaption>An aircraft lays down a line of fire retardant between a wildfire and homes in the dry, densely wooded Black Forest area northeast of Colorado Springs, Colo., on June 13, 2013. A federal judge said Friday, May 26, 2023, that chemical retardant dropped on wildfires by the U.S. Forest Service is polluting streams in western states in violation of federal law, but said it can keep being use to fight fires. (AP Photo/John Wark, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Halting the use of the red slurry material could have resulted in greater environmental damage from wildfires, said U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen in Missoula, Montana.The judge agreed with U.S. Forest Service officials who said dropping retardant from aircraft into areas with waterways was sometimes necessary to protect lives and property.The ruling came after came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-forests-lawsuits-fish-montana-0e3b777d2df198826587e702b34ebb9d">environmentalists sued</a>&nbsp;following revelations that the Forest Service dropped retardant into waterways hundreds of times over the past decade.Government officials say chemical fire retardant can be crucial to slowing the advance of dangerous blazes. Wildfires across North America have grown bigger and more destructive over the past two decades as climate change warms the planet.More than 200 loads of retardant got into waterways over the past decade. Federal officials say those situations usually occurred by mistake and in less than 1% of the thousands of loads annually.A coalition that includes Paradise, California — where a 2018 blaze killed 85 people and destroyed the town — had said a court ruling that stopped the use of retardant would have put lives, homes and forests at risk.“This case was very personal for us,” Paradise Mayor Greg Bolin said. “Our brave firefighters need every tool in the toolbox to protect human lives and property against wildfires, and today’s ruling ensures we have a fighting chance this fire season.”State and local agencies lean heavily on the U.S. Forest Service to help fight fires, many of which originate or include federal land.Fire retardant is a specialized mixture of water and chemicals including inorganic fertilizers or salts. It’s designed to alter the way fire burns, making blazes less intense and slowing their advance.That can give firefighters time to steer flames away from inhabited areas and in extreme situations to evacuate people from danger.“Retardant lasts and even works if it’s dry,” said Scott Upton, a former region chief and air attack group supervisor for California’s state fire agency. “Water is only so good because it dries out. It does very well to suppress fires, but it won’t last.”The Oregon-based group Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics argued in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-forests-lawsuits-fish-montana-0e3b777d2df198826587e702b34ebb9d">lawsuit filed last year</a>&nbsp;that the Forest Service was disregarding the Clean Water Act by continuing to use retardant without taking adequate precautions to protect streams and rivers.Christensen said stopping the use of fire retardant would “conceivably result in greater harm from wildfires — including to human life and property and to the environment.” The judge said his ruling was limited to 10 western states where members of the plaintiff's group alleged harm from pollution into waterways that they use.After the lawsuit was filed the Forest Service applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for a permit that would allow it to continue using retardant without breaking the law. That process could take years.Christensen ordered federal officials to report every six months on their progress.Experts say climate change, people moving into fire-prone areas, and overgrown forests are creating more catastrophic megafires that are harder to fight.More than 100 million gallons (378 million liters) of fire retardant were used during the past decade, according to the Department of Agriculture.Health risks to firefighters or other people who come into contact with fire retardant are considered low, according to a 2021 risk assessment.But the chemicals can be harmful to some fish, frogs, crustaceans and other aquatic species. A government study found misapplied retardant could adversely affect dozens of imperiled species, including crawfish, spotted owls and fish such as shiners and suckers.Forest Service officials said they are trying to come into compliance with the law by getting a pollution permit but that could take years.To keep streams from getting polluted, officials in recent years have avoided drops inside buffer zones within 300 feet (92 meters) of waterways. Retardant may only be applied inside those zones when human life or public safety is threatened. Of 213 instances of fire retardant landing in water between 2012 and 2019, 190 were accidents and the remainder were necessary to save lives or property, officials said.As the 2023 fire season gets underway, California Forestry Association President Matt Dias said the prospect of not having fire retardant available to a federal agency that plays a key role on many blazes was “terrifying.”Many areas of the Western U.S. experienced heavy snowfalls this past winter, and as a result fire dangers are lower than in recent years across much of the region.

Judge says fire retardant drops are polluting streams but allows use to continue

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — An appeals court is sending a plan to allow continued cattle grazing in a vast, mountainous area of western Wyoming back to federal forest and wildlife officials, telling them to consider limiting how many of the area's female grizzly bears may be killed for preying on livestock.

Thursday's ruling by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver sides largely with environmental groups who sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service in 2020 over female grizzly deaths — a key factor in the species' survival in and around Yellowstone National Park.

Many consider the Yellowstone region's grizzlies a conservation success story. While they remain protected under the Endangered Species Act, their numbers have surged as much as tenfold, to as many as 1,000 animals, since the 1970s.

Population growth has meant more encounters with people and livestock, however, with the bears often on the losing end. Hunters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grizzly-bear-wyoming-killed-hunter-1197c42c132192540b798327e7b64ecd">sometimes mistake</a>&nbsp;grizzlies for legal-to-hunt black bears or kill grizzlies in self-defense — and wildlife managers often kill grizzlies that prey on cattle and sheep.

Such deaths have been increasingly common in the Green River headwaters in the Wind River Range, where in 2019 the U.S. Forest Service granted a 10-year extension allowing almost 9,000 cattle to graze on 270 square miles (690 square kilometers) of Bridger-Teton National Forest.

The plan said wildlife managers could kill up to 72 grizzlies — or about seven bears a year — over 10 years of grizzlies continuing to attack grazing livestock. The total would be double the number of grizzlies killed in the area over the previous 20 years.

Exceeding the plan's limit, which doesn't distinguish between male and female grizzlies, could result in stricter conservation measures to protect grizzlies.

Environmental groups sued, saying the plan should specify limits on killing female grizzlies, whose numbers are especially critical to the species' success since they bear cubs.

A district court judge in Wyoming ruled against the groups in 2022 but the five groups that sued, including the Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity, welcomed the appeals court ruling.

“This ruling confirms that federal officials can’t sidestep the law to allow grizzly bears to be killed on public lands to appease the livestock industry," Center for Biological Diversity attorney Andrea Zaccardi said in a statement.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson Joe Szuszwalak declined to comment on the ruling. U.S. Forest Service officials didn't immediately return an email request Thursday seeking comment.

Previous grazing plans for the area had put limits on killing female grizzlies, the three-judge appeals court panel pointed out, but the latest offered no explanation for not doing so again.

Not considering limits on killing female grizzly bears or how female grizzly deaths would affect the area's overall population was “arbitrary and capricious,” the appeals court ruled.

The judges upheld part of the plan that seeks to reduce deadly encounters between grizzlies and livestock, such as by requiring those tending to the cattle to carry bear-repellent spray.

By Associated PressCHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — An appeals court is sending a plan to allow continued cattle grazing in a vast, mountainous area of western Wyoming back to federal forest and wildlife officials, telling them to consider limiting how many of the area's female grizzly bears may be killed for preying on livestock.Thursday's ruling by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver sides largely with environmental groups who sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service in 2020 over female grizzly deaths — a key factor in the species' survival in and around Yellowstone National Park.Many consider the Yellowstone region's grizzlies a conservation success story. While they remain protected under the Endangered Species Act, their numbers have surged as much as tenfold, to as many as 1,000 animals, since the 1970s.Population growth has meant more encounters with people and livestock, however, with the bears often on the losing end. Hunters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grizzly-bear-wyoming-killed-hunter-1197c42c132192540b798327e7b64ecd">sometimes mistake</a>&nbsp;grizzlies for legal-to-hunt black bears or kill grizzlies in self-defense — and wildlife managers often kill grizzlies that prey on cattle and sheep.Such deaths have been increasingly common in the Green River headwaters in the Wind River Range, where in 2019 the U.S. Forest Service granted a 10-year extension allowing almost 9,000 cattle to graze on 270 square miles (690 square kilometers) of Bridger-Teton National Forest.The plan said wildlife managers could kill up to 72 grizzlies — or about seven bears a year — over 10 years of grizzlies continuing to attack grazing livestock. The total would be double the number of grizzlies killed in the area over the previous 20 years.Exceeding the plan's limit, which doesn't distinguish between male and female grizzlies, could result in stricter conservation measures to protect grizzlies.Environmental groups sued, saying the plan should specify limits on killing female grizzlies, whose numbers are especially critical to the species' success since they bear cubs.A district court judge in Wyoming ruled against the groups in 2022 but the five groups that sued, including the Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity, welcomed the appeals court ruling.“This ruling confirms that federal officials can’t sidestep the law to allow grizzly bears to be killed on public lands to appease the livestock industry," Center for Biological Diversity attorney Andrea Zaccardi said in a statement.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson Joe Szuszwalak declined to comment on the ruling. U.S. Forest Service officials didn't immediately return an email request Thursday seeking comment.Previous grazing plans for the area had put limits on killing female grizzlies, the three-judge appeals court panel pointed out, but the latest offered no explanation for not doing so again.Not considering limits on killing female grizzly bears or how female grizzly deaths would affect the area's overall population was “arbitrary and capricious,” the appeals court ruled.The judges upheld part of the plan that seeks to reduce deadly encounters between grizzlies and livestock, such as by requiring those tending to the cattle to carry bear-repellent spray.

Environmental groups prevail on limit to grizzly bear deaths in Wyoming cattle grazing area

Alliance –The Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center staff and volunteers will be hosting a&nbsp;“Grave Witching” program and demonstration on Friday May 26th at 2 p.m. at the Alliance&nbsp;Cemetery. Grave Witching, also known as Grave Dowsing is a process to determine if a grave&nbsp;has someone buried in it or not, along with other fascinating information. Staff and volunteers&nbsp;will be showing the process, teaching you how, and answering other cemetery questions until 4&nbsp;p.m. This is a fascinating procedure, similar to divining water that is very helpful and intriguing. &nbsp; Weather permitting, staff will also be at the Alliance Cemetery Saturday, May 27th, Sunday, May&nbsp;28th, and Memorial Day from 9am to 5pm to help patrons in locating graves and giving tutorials&nbsp;using the kiosk. For more information, please call Becci at the Knight Museum at 308-762-2384

By City of Alliance&nbsp; Alliance –The Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center staff and volunteers will be hosting a&nbsp;“Grave Witching” program and demonstration on Friday May 26th at 2 p.m. at the Alliance&nbsp;Cemetery. Grave Witching, also known as Grave Dowsing is a process to determine if a grave&nbsp;has someone buried in it or not, along with other fascinating information. Staff and volunteers&nbsp;will be showing the process, teaching you how, and answering other cemetery questions until 4&nbsp;p.m. This is a fascinating procedure, similar to divining water that is very helpful and intriguing. &nbsp; Weather permitting, staff will also be at the Alliance Cemetery Saturday, May 27th, Sunday, May&nbsp;28th, and Memorial Day from 9am to 5pm to help patrons in locating graves and giving tutorials&nbsp;using the kiosk. For more information, please call Becci at the Knight Museum at 308-762-2384

Grave Witching, cemetery education to be held in Alliance 

By Nebraska Medal of Honor Highway 20 Thunder Run

 A group of riders and Robyn Nicodemus, the niece of Ronald Coker who is a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient from Alliance will be in town today. They are Planning on doing a Short Ceremony at Fairview Cemetery on today, around 10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. 

Robyn and the Legion Riders out of Gordon are riding to honor Ronald this year and Alliance will be Named a Medal of Honor city in Honor of Ronald’s heroic efforts in Vietnam. 

Alliance will be getting 4 vinyl signs.&nbsp; Here is the updated schedule for the Medal of Honor ride across Nebraska. We will ride to Lusk Wyoming on Thursday May 25th and spend the night. Friday morning May 26th we will all meet at the Covered Wagon Motel parking lot and leave Lusk Wyoming at 8:00 AM MST and ride 57.5 miles to Crawford Nebraska arriving 9.00 AM MST. Take a 20-minute break for gas and stretching. And to call the City of Alliance with a headcount of riders to be transported. Then kickstands up at 9.30 AM MST ride 57.2 miles to Alliance Nebraska. Arriving at the VFW hall at 10.30 AM MST. We will be escorted to the Fairview Cemetery by the City of Alliance Transit buses to where CMOH Recipient Ronald Coker was laid to rest. We will have an honoring ceremony along with the Alliance American Legion Color Guard. We must have a head count of how many riders we will have for the ceremony so we can arrange bus transportation to the cemetery there is 4 miles of gravel road and would not be good on a motorcycle please Call Casey Walton and reserve a seat on the bus. 308-282-2100 work 308-207-5709 cell. After the Honoring ceremony we will return to the VFW hall. The whole ceremony and bus ride to and from should take approx. 1.5 hours. Kick stands up in Alliance will be approx. 12.00. We will then ride to 72.4 miles Gordon Nebraska arriving at 1.15 MST. And get fuel and lunch. Eating at the Fuel Grille on main street. We will all meet at the Gordon American Legion and take pictures of the Coker Family in front of the AH1 Cobra Helicopter in the Veterans Memorial Park. We will leave Gordon at approx. 2.30 MST and ride 90 miles to Valentine arriving approx. 5:00 CST and spend the evening. This will end the Friday ride. The Nebraska American Legion Riders are having a Legacy ride on Friday as well and will end in Valentine Friday evening and spend the night. Saturday morning May 27th we will merge with the American Legion Riders and meet at the McDonalds Restaurant parking lot on Highway 20 and have kickstands up at 9:00 AM CST. We will ride 111 miles to Oneill Nebraska and have lunch at the Holt County Annex Building at 128 North 6th street turn left on 6th street and go one block and you will see the building. The feed is Beef Brisket and all the trimmings for a free will offering. All proceeds go to a local girl having trouble with seizures we will be arriving at approx. 11:00 AM CST we will have lunch and then fuel up and meet at Cubby’s truck stop parking lot on highway 20 at 1:00 CST and exit Oneill at 1:15 CST. We will then ride 65.2 miles to Plainview stopping at Caseys convenience store for fuel and to stretch our legs. Arriving at 2:15 and leaving at 2:45. We will ride 36 miles to the Laurel Nebraska cemetery on the south side of the highway just before you get to town. Arriving approx. 3.30 CST. We will have an honoring ceremony for Gene Twiford the man responsible for the birth of the Medal of Honor Highway. The ceremony will take approx. 30 minutes. Leaving Laurel at 4:00 CST riding 45.2 miles to South Sioux City to Freedom Park arriving approx. 5:00 CST for a short ceremony to honor the Medal of Honor Recipients. And to give thanks for a safe ride. Then it’s off to the Ickey Nickle to join the 3rd ride the Thunder on the Missouri. All the riders will meet at this location and have good food and live entertainment. And spend the night at the motel of your choice and then the next morning we will all ride 7.2 miles to Sargeant Bluff Iowa and ride on the Thunder on The Missouri ride that comes back into South Sioux City. The Flyer for this ride will be posted on this Facebook page and they also have their own Facebook page for reference. The Medal of honor ride and the Thunder on the Missouri ride is open to all bikes. The Coker family and friends will ride the whole distance with us in vehicles. Anyone that feels Patriotic can join us anywhere along the route where it makes the best sense for them you can ride along any of the 3 days or all 3 days. Ride Caption for the ride will be Casey Walton call with any questions 308-282-2100 work and 308-207-5709 cell.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information go to their facebook page at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083154377895&amp;mibextid=LQQJ4d">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083154377895&amp;mibextid=LQQJ4d</a>

By Nebraska Medal of Honor Highway 20 Thunder Run A group of riders and Robyn Nicodemus, the niece of Ronald Coker who is a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient from Alliance will be in town today. They are Planning on doing a Short Ceremony at Fairview Cemetery on today, around 10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Robyn and the Legion Riders out of Gordon are riding to honor Ronald this year and Alliance will be Named a Medal of Honor city in Honor of Ronald’s heroic efforts in Vietnam. Alliance will be getting 4 vinyl signs.&nbsp; Here is the updated schedule for the Medal of Honor ride across Nebraska. We will ride to Lusk Wyoming on Thursday May 25th and spend the night. Friday morning May 26th we will all meet at the Covered Wagon Motel parking lot and leave Lusk Wyoming at 8:00 AM MST and ride 57.5 miles to Crawford Nebraska arriving 9.00 AM MST. Take a 20-minute break for gas and stretching. And to call the City of Alliance with a headcount of riders to be transported. Then kickstands up at 9.30 AM MST ride 57.2 miles to Alliance Nebraska. Arriving at the VFW hall at 10.30 AM MST. We will be escorted to the Fairview Cemetery by the City of Alliance Transit buses to where CMOH Recipient Ronald Coker was laid to rest. We will have an honoring ceremony along with the Alliance American Legion Color Guard. We must have a head count of how many riders we will have for the ceremony so we can arrange bus transportation to the cemetery there is 4 miles of gravel road and would not be good on a motorcycle please Call Casey Walton and reserve a seat on the bus. 308-282-2100 work 308-207-5709 cell. After the Honoring ceremony we will return to the VFW hall. The whole ceremony and bus ride to and from should take approx. 1.5 hours. Kick stands up in Alliance will be approx. 12.00. We will then ride to 72.4 miles Gordon Nebraska arriving at 1.15 MST. And get fuel and lunch. Eating at the Fuel Grille on main street. We will all meet at the Gordon American Legion and take pictures of the Coker Family in front of the AH1 Cobra Helicopter in the Veterans Memorial Park. We will leave Gordon at approx. 2.30 MST and ride 90 miles to Valentine arriving approx. 5:00 CST and spend the evening. This will end the Friday ride. The Nebraska American Legion Riders are having a Legacy ride on Friday as well and will end in Valentine Friday evening and spend the night. Saturday morning May 27th we will merge with the American Legion Riders and meet at the McDonalds Restaurant parking lot on Highway 20 and have kickstands up at 9:00 AM CST. We will ride 111 miles to Oneill Nebraska and have lunch at the Holt County Annex Building at 128 North 6th street turn left on 6th street and go one block and you will see the building. The feed is Beef Brisket and all the trimmings for a free will offering. All proceeds go to a local girl having trouble with seizures we will be arriving at approx. 11:00 AM CST we will have lunch and then fuel up and meet at Cubby’s truck stop parking lot on highway 20 at 1:00 CST and exit Oneill at 1:15 CST. We will then ride 65.2 miles to Plainview stopping at Caseys convenience store for fuel and to stretch our legs. Arriving at 2:15 and leaving at 2:45. We will ride 36 miles to the Laurel Nebraska cemetery on the south side of the highway just before you get to town. Arriving approx. 3.30 CST. We will have an honoring ceremony for Gene Twiford the man responsible for the birth of the Medal of Honor Highway. The ceremony will take approx. 30 minutes. Leaving Laurel at 4:00 CST riding 45.2 miles to South Sioux City to Freedom Park arriving approx. 5:00 CST for a short ceremony to honor the Medal of Honor Recipients. And to give thanks for a safe ride. Then it’s off to the Ickey Nickle to join the 3rd ride the Thunder on the Missouri. All the riders will meet at this location and have good food and live entertainment. And spend the night at the motel of your choice and then the next morning we will all ride 7.2 miles to Sargeant Bluff Iowa and ride on the Thunder on The Missouri ride that comes back into South Sioux City. The Flyer for this ride will be posted on this Facebook page and they also have their own Facebook page for reference. The Medal of honor ride and the Thunder on the Missouri ride is open to all bikes. The Coker family and friends will ride the whole distance with us in vehicles. Anyone that feels Patriotic can join us anywhere along the route where it makes the best sense for them you can ride along any of the 3 days or all 3 days. Ride Caption for the ride will be Casey Walton call with any questions 308-282-2100 work and 308-207-5709 cell.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information go to their facebook page at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083154377895&amp;mibextid=LQQJ4d">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083154377895&amp;mibextid=LQQJ4d</a>

Medal of Honor ride to travel through Panhandle 

Alliance – The Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance (NVCA) will be hosting its annual Memorial Day program on Monday, May 29, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. MT. Cemetery Manager Jim Goodwin will recognize the sacrifices made by service members who are interred at NVCA. St. John’s Brass will contribute to the program with the playing of patriotic music. As homage to our fallen heroes, Alliance American Legion Post 7 will conduct a rifle salute and play “Taps.” The event is open to the public. Seating is available but families are welcome to bring lawn chairs.

NVCA is located at 2610 County Road 57 in Alliance. For more information, contact Cemetery Manager Jim Goodwin at 308-763-2958.

By City of Alliance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684782059989.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alliance – The Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance (NVCA) will be hosting its annual Memorial Day program on Monday, May 29, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. MT. Cemetery Manager Jim Goodwin will recognize the sacrifices made by service members who are interred at NVCA. St. John’s Brass will contribute to the program with the playing of patriotic music. As homage to our fallen heroes, Alliance American Legion Post 7 will conduct a rifle salute and play “Taps.” The event is open to the public. Seating is available but families are welcome to bring lawn chairs.NVCA is located at 2610 County Road 57 in Alliance. For more information, contact Cemetery Manager Jim Goodwin at 308-763-2958.

Nebraska Veteran's Cemetery at Alliance to host Memorial Day Program

Chadron State Park's 102nd Anniversary Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 10.&nbsp;

Chadron City Transit will be offering rides to CSP for $10 round trip.&nbsp;

Pick up location will be at Walmart and CSP every half-hour.&nbsp;

For more information call Julie at 308-432-0520

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685113691153.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State Park's 102nd Anniversary Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 10.&nbsp;Chadron City Transit will be offering rides to CSP for $10 round trip.&nbsp;Pick up location will be at Walmart and CSP every half-hour.&nbsp;For more information call Julie at 308-432-0520

Chadron City Transit to offer rides to CSP Anniversary Celebration

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance Beautiful

“Look how much would have ended up in the landfill!”

At Keep Alliance Beautiful, keeping “x, y” or “z” from ending up in what everyone had referred to as the “city dump” is usually our first selling point for newbies or potential recyclers. I like to tout whatever the number of tons was that we processed the previous year. When talking to old hands at recycling we describe where the roughly baker’s dozen categories in our shop go from here.

So . . . what about everything our neighbors have/use that is not left for Spud to haul away? Throughout the rest of 2023 I plan (God willing and the creek don’t rise) to explore where “it” all comes from and where “it” all goes. Looking down this rabbit hole, I am considering a broad spectrum from the smelly mid-July Dumpster overflowing down your alley to where our time, talent and treasure goes to make our communities better places.

Like other column sprouts, this topic has been kept in the cooler waiting for the ideal conditions to grow. The fertilizer proved to be a routine stop in the alley to gather boxes from the Mission Store Inc. One of the volunteers showed us how what had been an acceptable (king?) mattress was now a soggy piece of refuse nobody would want, much less buy. Closer to the back door nearly a half dozen bedding pieces were piled – none acceptable when left after hours.

KAB Executive Director Kathy Worley called the landfill, which was unable to help as far as pick up. They were still partially closed after more than two inches of rainfall. After exploring other options for transport, she offered our old diesel truck as a possible conveyance. The next day volunteers at The Mission Store and our crew of three completed the task.

KAB and The Mission Store enjoy a strong reciprocal relationship that I have fleshed out on this weekly soapbox a time or two. A significant portion of our former downtown office contents went to the venerable thrift store. We process their cardboard almost daily, large bags of hangers and plastic sacks and whatever else they have. Not long ago, KAB delivered a tote of family photos that the Mission Store wanted to ensure found its way to grandma and grandpa. KAB has benefited from the store’s sales in the form of annual grants that enrich many not-for-profits here. Those are the highlights that come to mind.

As for this debut of “where it goes” – the above situation is an example of furnishing/large possessions that have worn out and no longer hold value. These items are not easily pieced out for the City, H&amp;H or SWANN to collect in alley or roll away containers. Taken to the landfill there is a fee for disposal by the pound. As to the example of the southbound alley between the 200 block of Box Butte and Niobrara: This is an anonymous option where it can be assumed the individuals thought these mattresses and box springs could still be sold to benefit the community. (Nobody handling them last week, however, concurred). One positive is that, as has been the case throughout any rural area, this 460-pound load was not dumped in a ditch for the county or local landowner to handle.

When my family moved to the country, dumps on your place were your business. Aging implements, scrap iron, tires – whatever – may have been in plain sight, or, more often, blended into the landscape hundreds of yards away. One such site was within walking distance and a

prime place for boys to haul back treasures. Time goes on. Trash comes into town by family vehicle or rides to the landfill in a garbage truck instead of generating heat and soot in the burn barrel. There are ramifications for illegal dumping. Overall, the environment has benefitted.

Know where “it” goes? Comment via our Facebook page or email at keepalliancebeautiful@gmail.com

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance Beautiful“Look how much would have ended up in the landfill!”At Keep Alliance Beautiful, keeping “x, y” or “z” from ending up in what everyone had referred to as the “city dump” is usually our first selling point for newbies or potential recyclers. I like to tout whatever the number of tons was that we processed the previous year. When talking to old hands at recycling we describe where the roughly baker’s dozen categories in our shop go from here.So . . . what about everything our neighbors have/use that is not left for Spud to haul away? Throughout the rest of 2023 I plan (God willing and the creek don’t rise) to explore where “it” all comes from and where “it” all goes. Looking down this rabbit hole, I am considering a broad spectrum from the smelly mid-July Dumpster overflowing down your alley to where our time, talent and treasure goes to make our communities better places.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685063185249.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Like other column sprouts, this topic has been kept in the cooler waiting for the ideal conditions to grow. The fertilizer proved to be a routine stop in the alley to gather boxes from the Mission Store Inc. One of the volunteers showed us how what had been an acceptable (king?) mattress was now a soggy piece of refuse nobody would want, much less buy. Closer to the back door nearly a half dozen bedding pieces were piled – none acceptable when left after hours.KAB Executive Director Kathy Worley called the landfill, which was unable to help as far as pick up. They were still partially closed after more than two inches of rainfall. After exploring other options for transport, she offered our old diesel truck as a possible conveyance. The next day volunteers at The Mission Store and our crew of three completed the task.KAB and The Mission Store enjoy a strong reciprocal relationship that I have fleshed out on this weekly soapbox a time or two. A significant portion of our former downtown office contents went to the venerable thrift store. We process their cardboard almost daily, large bags of hangers and plastic sacks and whatever else they have. Not long ago, KAB delivered a tote of family photos that the Mission Store wanted to ensure found its way to grandma and grandpa. KAB has benefited from the store’s sales in the form of annual grants that enrich many not-for-profits here. Those are the highlights that come to mind.As for this debut of “where it goes” – the above situation is an example of furnishing/large possessions that have worn out and no longer hold value. These items are not easily pieced out for the City, H&amp;H or SWANN to collect in alley or roll away containers. Taken to the landfill there is a fee for disposal by the pound. As to the example of the southbound alley between the 200 block of Box Butte and Niobrara: This is an anonymous option where it can be assumed the individuals thought these mattresses and box springs could still be sold to benefit the community. (Nobody handling them last week, however, concurred). One positive is that, as has been the case throughout any rural area, this 460-pound load was not dumped in a ditch for the county or local landowner to handle.When my family moved to the country, dumps on your place were your business. Aging implements, scrap iron, tires – whatever – may have been in plain sight, or, more often, blended into the landscape hundreds of yards away. One such site was within walking distance and aprime place for boys to haul back treasures. Time goes on. Trash comes into town by family vehicle or rides to the landfill in a garbage truck instead of generating heat and soot in the burn barrel. There are ramifications for illegal dumping. Overall, the environment has benefitted.Know where “it” goes? Comment via our Facebook page or email at keepalliancebeautiful@gmail.com

KAB: Where It Goes

LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — The summer travel season has arrived! As Nebraskans kick-off summer, the Nebraska State Patrol is urging all motorists to practice safe driving.

“Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year and our troopers will be working hard to keep Nebraska roads safe,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “With millions of people hitting the road this weekend, travelers should plan ahead for busy roadways and share the road safely.”

Troopers will be on patrol throughout the state as part of the annual&nbsp;Click It or Ticket&nbsp;campaign, which began on May 15 and runs through June 4.&nbsp;AAA is predicting more than 37 million people will be driving at least 50 miles this Memorial Day weekend.

Here are some travel tips to be ready for a summer road trip:

The NSP Highway Helpline is available 24/7. If you need a roadway assist or want to report a dangerous driver, call *55 or 800-525-5555 to speak with an NSP dispatcher.

LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — The summer travel season has arrived! As Nebraskans kick-off summer, the Nebraska State Patrol is urging all motorists to practice safe driving.“Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year and our troopers will be working hard to keep Nebraska roads safe,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “With millions of people hitting the road this weekend, travelers should plan ahead for busy roadways and share the road safely.”Troopers will be on patrol throughout the state as part of the annual&nbsp;Click It or Ticket&nbsp;campaign, which began on May 15 and runs through June 4.&nbsp;AAA is predicting more than 37 million people will be driving at least 50 miles this Memorial Day weekend.Here are some travel tips to be ready for a summer road trip:<ul>
 <li>Get your vehicle ready for the road – Check your tires, windshield wipers, and other necessities to make sure your vehicle can get you safely to your destination.</li><li>Plan ahead – Allow extra time to reach your destination to account for additional traffic on the road.</li><li>Follow traffic safety laws – Sharing the road responsibly will help everyone travel safely. Follow posted speed limits, signal lanes changes, use appropriate following distance, etc.</li><li>Drive sober – As many Memorial Day celebrations may involve alcohol, plan ahead to have a sober driver for the trip home.</li><li>Stay alert – Avoid driving distracted or fatigued on your road trip. Put the phone down and make sure you have enough rest to stay alert while driving.</li><li>Buckle up – Wearing your seatbelt increases the likelihood of survival in a crash by 45%. Always wear a seatbelt for every trip.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The NSP Highway Helpline is available 24/7. If you need a roadway assist or want to report a dangerous driver, call *55 or 800-525-5555 to speak with an NSP dispatcher.

Troopers urge safe travel for Memorial Day, summer road trips

NORTH PLATTE — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the North Platte Police Department, have arrested a person following a brief pursuit with a large box truck Tuesday night.

At approximately 11:40 p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a large box truck driving with defective lights on Highway 83 in North Platte near W. Rodeo Road. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield, jumped a curb, and fled through a parking lot. The truck then sideswiped a building and came to a stop near W. Rodeo Road and N. Sycamore Street. The driver then fled on foot and was not immediately apprehended.

The truck was determined to have been stolen from a business in North Platte. The trooper located multiple items inside the truck that belonged to the driver. Wednesday morning, the business from which the truck had been stolen reported finding a wallet where the truck had been parked. Items in the wallet matched the identifying items that had been found inside the truck.

The North Platte Police Department located the suspect and took him into custody on Wednesday. The suspect, Jeremiah Hebner, 32, of North Platte, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under suspension, and theft by unlawful taking $5,000+. He was lodged in Lincoln County Jail.

By NSP&nbsp;NORTH PLATTE — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the North Platte Police Department, have arrested a person following a brief pursuit with a large box truck Tuesday night.At approximately 11:40 p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a large box truck driving with defective lights on Highway 83 in North Platte near W. Rodeo Road. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield, jumped a curb, and fled through a parking lot. The truck then sideswiped a building and came to a stop near W. Rodeo Road and N. Sycamore Street. The driver then fled on foot and was not immediately apprehended.The truck was determined to have been stolen from a business in North Platte. The trooper located multiple items inside the truck that belonged to the driver. Wednesday morning, the business from which the truck had been stolen reported finding a wallet where the truck had been parked. Items in the wallet matched the identifying items that had been found inside the truck.The North Platte Police Department located the suspect and took him into custody on Wednesday. The suspect, Jeremiah Hebner, 32, of North Platte, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under suspension, and theft by unlawful taking $5,000+. He was lodged in Lincoln County Jail.

North Platte man arrested after pursuit with stolen truck

During the mowing season in Greenwood Cemetery, flowers, floral arrangements, or ornaments of any kind are only allowed in the containers that are attached to the marker base and provided for that purpose.

Exceptions to the above are the following:

• Three days before Memorial Day and three days after;

• During a funeral, and three days after.

Flowers may be placed outside of the grave marker base three days prior to Memorial Day on Thursday, May 25, 2023. All items remaining outside of the marker base will be removed by cemetery personnel on Friday, June 2, 2023.

If you anticipate you will not be able to return in this time period and would like your arrangement saved for an additional seven days (ten days total following Memorial Day), flower tags will be available at the Greenwood Cemetery sexton’s building. You may write your name on the back of the tag and attach it to your arrangement. All arrangements with tags will be stored alongside the shop building for one week for you to pick up.

Thank you for helping keep our cemetery beautiful!

By City of Chadron&nbsp;During the mowing season in Greenwood Cemetery, flowers, floral arrangements, or ornaments of any kind are only allowed in the containers that are attached to the marker base and provided for that purpose.Exceptions to the above are the following:• Three days before Memorial Day and three days after;• During a funeral, and three days after.Flowers may be placed outside of the grave marker base three days prior to Memorial Day on Thursday, May 25, 2023. All items remaining outside of the marker base will be removed by cemetery personnel on Friday, June 2, 2023.If you anticipate you will not be able to return in this time period and would like your arrangement saved for an additional seven days (ten days total following Memorial Day), flower tags will be available at the Greenwood Cemetery sexton’s building. You may write your name on the back of the tag and attach it to your arrangement. All arrangements with tags will be stored alongside the shop building for one week for you to pick up.Thank you for helping keep our cemetery beautiful!

Memorial Day reminder at Chadron Greenwood Cemetery 

WASHINGTON —The ESOP Association represents the interests of millions of Employee Owners and their companies across the nation.&nbsp;

On May 18, the organization honored Eagle Communications Chairman Gary Shorman for a career spent helping to grow employee ownership in America, with the Michael Keeling Founder’s Award.&nbsp;

The award honors an individual for their contributions to the founding of Employee Stock Ownership Programs (ESOP) and for working to elevate awareness of the benefit and value of ESOPs.&nbsp;Eagle Communications has been an employee-owned company since 1998 with employees now owning 100 percent of the company.

The award was presented at the organization's Annual Awards Ceremony during The ESOP Association’s National Conference in Washington, DC.&nbsp;

The Founder's award was created upon Michael Keeling's retirement from The ESOP Association after 28 years as President. The organization only presented this award one other time, and that was to the founder himself.

"Shorman has set a lifelong example we can all be inspired by," the ESOP Association stated. “Shorman has been a passionate advocate while serving on the organization's Board of Directors, and worked to create the organization's Silver Tsunami video series to encourage ESOP formation."&nbsp;

"It has been an honor to serve the ESOP association and be recognized with this award," said Shorman. "Helping build the Eagle ESOP and being a champion for employee owned companies has been rewarding. Employee ownership creates a unique business environment where everyone shares in the success and shares in the growth of their company."

"Shorman also chaired the organization's search committee for the first leadership transition at TEA in nearly three decades. He chaired the Association during COVID, led the way as we modernized our Board governance procedures, and has helped direct more than one hundred thousand dollars to the Employee Ownership Foundation."

"Any one of these things would be worthy of recognition, but together they exemplify a special dedication to ESOPs and future ESOP formation."

The annual awards honor excellence and achievement in the ESOP community and the people and companies that make significant contributions to The ESOP Association’s cause and membership.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684942928292.png" alt="The award was presented at the organization's Annual Awards Ceremony during The ESOP Association’s National Conference in Washington, DC. -Photo courtesy ESOP Association&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The award was presented at the organization's Annual Awards Ceremony during The ESOP Association’s National Conference in Washington, DC. -Photo courtesy ESOP Association&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The ESOP Association represents the interests of millions of Employee Owners and their companies across the nation.&nbsp;On May 18, the organization honored Eagle Communications Chairman Gary Shorman for a career spent helping to grow employee ownership in America, with the Michael Keeling Founder’s Award.&nbsp;The award honors an individual for their contributions to the founding of Employee Stock Ownership Programs (ESOP) and for working to elevate awareness of the benefit and value of ESOPs.&nbsp;Eagle Communications has been an employee-owned company since 1998 with employees now owning 100 percent of the company.The award was presented at the organization's Annual Awards Ceremony during The ESOP Association’s National Conference in Washington, DC.&nbsp;The Founder's award was created upon Michael Keeling's retirement from The ESOP Association after 28 years as President. The organization only presented this award one other time, and that was to the founder himself."Shorman has set a lifelong example we can all be inspired by," the ESOP Association stated. “Shorman has been a passionate advocate while serving on the organization's Board of Directors, and worked to create the organization's Silver Tsunami video series to encourage ESOP formation."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684942961408.png" alt="Photo courtesy ESOP Association&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy ESOP Association&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"It has been an honor to serve the ESOP association and be recognized with this award," said Shorman. "Helping build the Eagle ESOP and being a champion for employee owned companies has been rewarding. Employee ownership creates a unique business environment where everyone shares in the success and shares in the growth of their company."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684768242932.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Shorman also chaired the organization's search committee for the first leadership transition at TEA in nearly three decades. He chaired the Association during COVID, led the way as we modernized our Board governance procedures, and has helped direct more than one hundred thousand dollars to the Employee Ownership Foundation.""Any one of these things would be worthy of recognition, but together they exemplify a special dedication to ESOPs and future ESOP formation."The annual awards honor excellence and achievement in the ESOP community and the people and companies that make significant contributions to The ESOP Association’s cause and membership.

Association honors Eagle Chairman Gary Shorman with Founder's award 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Engineers who operate trains for Union Pacific will soon have much more predictable schedules that will allow them to plan when they are going to be off, a change addressing one of the key&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality-of-life concerns</a>&nbsp;that pushed the rail industry to the brink of a strike last fall.

The Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad announced a deal with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union Wednesday that will let UP's roughly 5,600 engineers plan on having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-business-strikes-df14983a4b7b7623bf68390587beef94">four days off in a row</a>&nbsp;after spending 11 days straight on call. Within those 11 days, there will likely be some breaks between shifts because federal rules require 24 hours off after engineers work four straight days, but it's hard to predict where that time off will fall.

“The 11-4 work/rest schedule will be life-altering for employees who are used to working on-call 24/7, 365 days a year,” said BLET National President Eddie Hall. “This significant change in scheduling not only will make life better for locomotive engineers and their families, it also should help Union Pacific retain and recruit employees.”

Workers said during the contract talks that demanding schedules, combined with the railroads' strict attendance policies, were making it difficult, if not impossible, to take any time off, with train crews having the most unpredictable schedules. The engineers and conductors that operate the trains routinely get the worst of it because railroads cannot predict exactly when trains, which run around the clock, will be ready to leave.

But since Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-pete-buttigieg-strikes-congress-c95510555dcd4cdc2d839e61d1195b06">intervened and blocked</a>&nbsp;rail workers from going on strike because they worried about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-climate-and-environment-government-politics-92ea7632a29f807ccc0e2658c50d731e">potential economic consequences</a>, Union Pacific and the other major freight railroads have made strides by reaching a number of agreements to start providing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/labor-unions-kansas-city-southern-strikes-business-6e66b66a99415e12c2c1fa642d6a842f">paid sick time</a>&nbsp;to workers. The union that represents conductors announced a deal with Norfolk Southern that's similar to the new BLET deal with UP to make their schedules more predictable. That pact will put conductors on a schedule of working six days in a row followed by two days off.

In another sign of progress, the conductors’ union — the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers — just announced another agreement Wednesday with CSX that will provide sick time for about 3,000 more conductors. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-workers-csx-contract-paid-sick-time-strike-12b7de359b80c275e49d0f37c54c0759">previous deal</a>&nbsp;with CSX provided sick time to about 2,400 other conductors.

Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz said this agreement with the BLET will improve “the quality of life for the locomotive engineers who move the goods Americans rely on every day.” But the engineers union&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-workers-unions-paid-sick-time-negotiations-10c5e688b85ef9be4f231499666ab756">still lacks</a>&nbsp;a sick time agreement with Union Pacific. So far, the only railroad the engineers union has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-engineers-sick-time-norfolk-southern-contract-1a48b079655c28acdc2444f41949f5d8">secured sick time</a>&nbsp;from is Norfolk Southern.

A pilot project earlier this year in the Kansas City area showed that the schedule changes helped reduce the number of days engineers took off at the last minute and kept some engineers from walking away from the railroad. If that continues once these new schedules are put in place across the railroad over the next year, that will help it count on having more of the workers it needs to drive its trains show up when they are scheduled to work. The railroad said the result should be fewer delays and better morale.

Union Pacific, one of the nation's largest railroads, hauls all kinds of goods across 23 western states.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Engineers who operate trains for Union Pacific will soon have much more predictable schedules that will allow them to plan when they are going to be off, a change addressing one of the key&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality-of-life concerns</a>&nbsp;that pushed the rail industry to the brink of a strike last fall.The Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad announced a deal with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union Wednesday that will let UP's roughly 5,600 engineers plan on having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-business-strikes-df14983a4b7b7623bf68390587beef94">four days off in a row</a>&nbsp;after spending 11 days straight on call. Within those 11 days, there will likely be some breaks between shifts because federal rules require 24 hours off after engineers work four straight days, but it's hard to predict where that time off will fall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685033204682.jpeg" alt="A train sits at the Union Pacific LATC Intermodal Terminal on April 25, 2023, in Los Angeles. Engineers who operate trains for Union Pacific will soon have much more predictable schedules allowing them to plan when they are going to be off, a change announced Wednesday, May 24, that addresses one of the key quality-of-life concerns that pushed the rail industry to the brink of a strike last fall. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)" />
 <figcaption>A train sits at the Union Pacific LATC Intermodal Terminal on April 25, 2023, in Los Angeles. Engineers who operate trains for Union Pacific will soon have much more predictable schedules allowing them to plan when they are going to be off, a change announced Wednesday, May 24, that addresses one of the key quality-of-life concerns that pushed the rail industry to the brink of a strike last fall. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>“The 11-4 work/rest schedule will be life-altering for employees who are used to working on-call 24/7, 365 days a year,” said BLET National President Eddie Hall. “This significant change in scheduling not only will make life better for locomotive engineers and their families, it also should help Union Pacific retain and recruit employees.”Workers said during the contract talks that demanding schedules, combined with the railroads' strict attendance policies, were making it difficult, if not impossible, to take any time off, with train crews having the most unpredictable schedules. The engineers and conductors that operate the trains routinely get the worst of it because railroads cannot predict exactly when trains, which run around the clock, will be ready to leave.But since Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-pete-buttigieg-strikes-congress-c95510555dcd4cdc2d839e61d1195b06">intervened and blocked</a>&nbsp;rail workers from going on strike because they worried about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-climate-and-environment-government-politics-92ea7632a29f807ccc0e2658c50d731e">potential economic consequences</a>, Union Pacific and the other major freight railroads have made strides by reaching a number of agreements to start providing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/labor-unions-kansas-city-southern-strikes-business-6e66b66a99415e12c2c1fa642d6a842f">paid sick time</a>&nbsp;to workers. The union that represents conductors announced a deal with Norfolk Southern that's similar to the new BLET deal with UP to make their schedules more predictable. That pact will put conductors on a schedule of working six days in a row followed by two days off.In another sign of progress, the conductors’ union — the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers — just announced another agreement Wednesday with CSX that will provide sick time for about 3,000 more conductors. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-workers-csx-contract-paid-sick-time-strike-12b7de359b80c275e49d0f37c54c0759">previous deal</a>&nbsp;with CSX provided sick time to about 2,400 other conductors.Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz said this agreement with the BLET will improve “the quality of life for the locomotive engineers who move the goods Americans rely on every day.” But the engineers union&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-workers-unions-paid-sick-time-negotiations-10c5e688b85ef9be4f231499666ab756">still lacks</a>&nbsp;a sick time agreement with Union Pacific. So far, the only railroad the engineers union has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-engineers-sick-time-norfolk-southern-contract-1a48b079655c28acdc2444f41949f5d8">secured sick time</a>&nbsp;from is Norfolk Southern.A pilot project earlier this year in the Kansas City area showed that the schedule changes helped reduce the number of days engineers took off at the last minute and kept some engineers from walking away from the railroad. If that continues once these new schedules are put in place across the railroad over the next year, that will help it count on having more of the workers it needs to drive its trains show up when they are scheduled to work. The railroad said the result should be fewer delays and better morale.Union Pacific, one of the nation's largest railroads, hauls all kinds of goods across 23 western states.

Train engineers deal with UP will improve schedules, address quality-of-life concerns

Alliance, NE – The Alliance Public Library will host a summer farmers market beginning Thursday, June 15th from 5pm-7pm in the Alliance Public Library West Parking Lot. The farmers market will be every Thursday through the end of August. The market is free and open to the public.

Vendors who grow or hand make their products, and insured food truck vendors, are welcome to apply. The registration fee is $10 a day, and vendors will be assigned an 18’ x 18’ space. We will begin registration for vendors Monday, May 22, 2023.

If you are interested vendor or have questions, please call 308.762.1387 or email nstewart@cityofalliance.net.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The Alliance Public Library will host a summer farmers market beginning Thursday, June 15th from 5pm-7pm in the Alliance Public Library West Parking Lot. The farmers market will be every Thursday through the end of August. The market is free and open to the public.Vendors who grow or hand make their products, and insured food truck vendors, are welcome to apply. The registration fee is $10 a day, and vendors will be assigned an 18’ x 18’ space. We will begin registration for vendors Monday, May 22, 2023.If you are interested vendor or have questions, please call 308.762.1387 or email nstewart@cityofalliance.net.

Alliance Public Library Farmers Market vendor registration open

LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — 21 troopers were honored for their efforts to remove impaired drivers from the road during the annual ‘MADD Heroes Awards’ Tuesday in Lincoln.

Each year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) honors troopers, officers, deputies, and advocates for their work to prevent drunk driving through enforcement and education efforts. In total, 21 troopers from across Nebraska were among this year’s honorees.

“Impaired driving enforcement is a key aspect of the Nebraska State Patrol mission to keep our roadways safe,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “These troopers have done excellent work across our state. We look forward to a safe summer and urge all motorists to always have a sober driver. Thank you to MADD for their important work.”

By NSPLINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — 21 troopers were honored for their efforts to remove impaired drivers from the road during the annual ‘MADD Heroes Awards’ Tuesday in Lincoln.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684986707329.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Each year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) honors troopers, officers, deputies, and advocates for their work to prevent drunk driving through enforcement and education efforts. In total, 21 troopers from across Nebraska were among this year’s honorees.“Impaired driving enforcement is a key aspect of the Nebraska State Patrol mission to keep our roadways safe,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “These troopers have done excellent work across our state. We look forward to a safe summer and urge all motorists to always have a sober driver. Thank you to MADD for their important work.”The troopers who were recognized were:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684986674357.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

21 troopers honored at annual MADD Awards

Alliance –The Alliance Public Library is now running on summer hours. The new hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00am-6:00pm, Friday 8:00am-12:00pm, and closed on Saturday/Sunday. The change was made to better utilize staffing hours needed for new summer programming, such as the upcoming weekly Farmer’s Market.

If you have any questions, please call the library at 308-762-1387.

For more programming information, please visit us on Facebook and check out our website at http://libraries.ne.gov/alliance/.

By City of AllianceAlliance –The Alliance Public Library is now running on summer hours. The new hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00am-6:00pm, Friday 8:00am-12:00pm, and closed on Saturday/Sunday. The change was made to better utilize staffing hours needed for new summer programming, such as the upcoming weekly Farmer’s Market.If you have any questions, please call the library at 308-762-1387.For more programming information, please visit us on Facebook and check out our website at http://libraries.ne.gov/alliance/.

Alliance library announce summer hours

By<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">ZACH WENDLING</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/19/nebraska-gives-final-passage-to-concealed-carry-of-handguns-without-permit-or-training/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska lawmakers are one step away from repealing mandated motorcycle helmets in the state, advancing a long-sought proposal Wednesday.

State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, offered an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/AM/AM1975.pdf">amendment</a>&nbsp;to do so during debate on a bill related to the Department of Motor Vehicles. His proposal, originally&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49880">Legislative Bill 91</a>, would allow motorcycle riders to ride without a helmet if they are older than 21, have completed a safety course and wear eye protection.

Lawmakers voted 30-5 to amend the provisions of LB 91 into&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49977">LB 138</a>, a bill by Lincoln State Sen. Carolyn Bosn related to DMV.

Hansen said numerous senators —&nbsp;Republican and Democrat —&nbsp;have tried for at least a couple of decades to change the law.

“There’s actually a coveted helmet that gets passed around to each senator who introduces it,” Hansen told the Examiner after the vote. “So now, I’m stuck with it, I guess.”

Hansen’s proposal differs from laws in other states that have allowed a blanket repeal of helmet requirements for adults. The advanced measure stipulates the completion of a DMV-approved basic motorcycle safety course. The DMV would update past driver records to show completion.

Training would include defensive driving, Hansen said, which can make the difference in avoiding some accidents.&nbsp;

The law would be a secondary enforcement for those older than 21, enforced as an infraction only if there is another reason for a stop. The proposal also increases the fine from $50 to $250. It would be enforced as a primary violation for those younger than 21.

Not all senators were not sold on the measure, including State Sens. Bruce Bostelman of Brainard, Mike Moser of Columbus, Merv Riepe of Ralston, Carol Blood of Bellevue and Megan Hunt of Omaha.

Bostelman and Moser, chair of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, voted against advancing Hansen’s bill from the Transportation Committee to the full Legislature.

Hunt said the bill is not a “helmet” law but a “halo” law because rather than personal freedom, it could increase cyclist deaths.

Blood said the efforts could lead to an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33334475/">uptick in organ donations</a>, as has happened in other states where similar laws have been repealed. Motorcycles are sometimes called “donorcycles” for this reason.

Riepe, a former hospital administrator, said he’s seen the harm of motorcycle-involved crashes as well as what they can cost taxpayers in Medicaid payments.

State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard said, however, there’s an economic benefit in welcoming cyclists to the state and not sending a message they should drive around Nebraska.

He pointed to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, where some cyclists from the west decide to travel through Wyoming instead of entering the Cornhusker State.

Nonresidents older than 21 could ride without a helmet if they wear eye protection and complete an equivalent course to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic course or some other substantially similar course in the driver’s resident state.

State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth said the bill is more about personal freedom. Some of his constituents, he said, expressed intent to ditch a helmet in town but still wear one on interstate highways.

Hansen said his proposal remains in line with allowing individuals to make decisions when they are of age.

“Your decision to wear a helmet or not wear a helmet does not affect anybody else’s civil liberties,” Hansen said.

Hansen and other senators said they still encourage people to wear helmets after the bill becomes law.

The law would take effect Jan. 1, 2024, if passed as early as next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685010262531.png" alt=" State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair speaks on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair speaks on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">ZACH WENDLING</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/19/nebraska-gives-final-passage-to-concealed-carry-of-handguns-without-permit-or-training/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska lawmakers are one step away from repealing mandated motorcycle helmets in the state, advancing a long-sought proposal Wednesday.State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, offered an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/AM/AM1975.pdf">amendment</a>&nbsp;to do so during debate on a bill related to the Department of Motor Vehicles. His proposal, originally&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49880">Legislative Bill 91</a>, would allow motorcycle riders to ride without a helmet if they are older than 21, have completed a safety course and wear eye protection.Lawmakers voted 30-5 to amend the provisions of LB 91 into&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49977">LB 138</a>, a bill by Lincoln State Sen. Carolyn Bosn related to DMV.Hansen said numerous senators —&nbsp;Republican and Democrat —&nbsp;have tried for at least a couple of decades to change the law.“There’s actually a coveted helmet that gets passed around to each senator who introduces it,” Hansen told the Examiner after the vote. “So now, I’m stuck with it, I guess.”Hansen’s proposal differs from laws in other states that have allowed a blanket repeal of helmet requirements for adults. The advanced measure stipulates the completion of a DMV-approved basic motorcycle safety course. The DMV would update past driver records to show completion.Training would include defensive driving, Hansen said, which can make the difference in avoiding some accidents.&nbsp;The law would be a secondary enforcement for those older than 21, enforced as an infraction only if there is another reason for a stop. The proposal also increases the fine from $50 to $250. It would be enforced as a primary violation for those younger than 21.Not all senators were not sold on the measure, including State Sens. Bruce Bostelman of Brainard, Mike Moser of Columbus, Merv Riepe of Ralston, Carol Blood of Bellevue and Megan Hunt of Omaha.Bostelman and Moser, chair of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, voted against advancing Hansen’s bill from the Transportation Committee to the full Legislature.Hunt said the bill is not a “helmet” law but a “halo” law because rather than personal freedom, it could increase cyclist deaths.Blood said the efforts could lead to an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33334475/">uptick in organ donations</a>, as has happened in other states where similar laws have been repealed. Motorcycles are sometimes called “donorcycles” for this reason.Riepe, a former hospital administrator, said he’s seen the harm of motorcycle-involved crashes as well as what they can cost taxpayers in Medicaid payments.State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard said, however, there’s an economic benefit in welcoming cyclists to the state and not sending a message they should drive around Nebraska.He pointed to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, where some cyclists from the west decide to travel through Wyoming instead of entering the Cornhusker State.Nonresidents older than 21 could ride without a helmet if they wear eye protection and complete an equivalent course to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic course or some other substantially similar course in the driver’s resident state.State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth said the bill is more about personal freedom. Some of his constituents, he said, expressed intent to ditch a helmet in town but still wear one on interstate highways.Hansen said his proposal remains in line with allowing individuals to make decisions when they are of age.“Your decision to wear a helmet or not wear a helmet does not affect anybody else’s civil liberties,” Hansen said.Hansen and other senators said they still encourage people to wear helmets after the bill becomes law.The law would take effect Jan. 1, 2024, if passed as early as next week.

Nebraska lawmakers advance proposal to repeal motorcycle helmet mandate

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 5/24/23

Alliance – Big Blue Bay will open on Saturday, May 27, 2023 weather and water conditions permitting.

Season passes for 2023 swimming season can be purchased at the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center from 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Please bring an individual 1” x 1” photo of each individual person who will need a pass. If you do not have the necessary photos, staff can take the photo for a $2.00 fee. Season Pass prices are as follows:

For the beginning of the season pool hours will be as follows:

Noon – 1:00pm Lap Swim &amp; 8 and Under Swim

5:00pm – 6:00pm Lap Swim &amp; 8 and Under Swim

*Extended hours in the morning and evening will be added when temperatures allow.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Big Blue Bay will open on Saturday, May 27, 2023 weather and water conditions permitting.Season passes for 2023 swimming season can be purchased at the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center from 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Please bring an individual 1” x 1” photo of each individual person who will need a pass. If you do not have the necessary photos, staff can take the photo for a $2.00 fee. Season Pass prices are as follows:Household pass - $150.0017 and under - $65.0018 and older - $80.00Lap Swim Only - $50.00For the beginning of the season pool hours will be as follows:Noon – 1:00pm Lap Swim &amp; 8 and Under Swim1:00pm – 5:00pm Open Swim5:00pm – 6:00pm Lap Swim &amp; 8 and Under Swim*Extended hours in the morning and evening will be added when temperatures allow.

Alliance Big Blue Bay set to open for season

The Lung Cancer Awareness benefit poker run will be held in Alliance, Crawford, Hay Springs and Hemingford on June 24. All donations will be accepted.&nbsp;

Check in starts at 8 a.m. on June 24 at Gathering Spot in Alliance. Kickstands start at 10 a.m.

This benefit is open to all vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, etc.&nbsp;

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682611725032.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Lung Cancer Awareness benefit poker run will be held in Alliance, Crawford, Hay Springs and Hemingford on June 24. All donations will be accepted.&nbsp;Check in starts at 8 a.m. on June 24 at Gathering Spot in Alliance. Kickstands start at 10 a.m.This benefit is open to all vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, etc.&nbsp;

Lung Cancer Awareness poker run in Alliance, Crawford, Hay Springs, Hemingford

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

Last week I wrote about abuses of migrant children who are forced to work long hours and nights in dangerous jobs throughout the United States. Many teenagers are now looking for summer jobs, so let's look at what the child labor laws, which should be protecting them, actually contain.

Child Labor Laws were established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Child labor provisions under FLSA are designed to protect the educational opportunities of youth and prohibit their employment in jobs that are detrimental to their health and safety. FLSA restricts the hours that youth under 16 years of age can work and lists hazardous occupations too dangerous for young workers to perform until at least age 18.

All states have child labor laws and compulsory school attendance laws, and establish the minimum ages and conditions under which youths may operate motor vehicles. Minor employees in most cases are entitled to receive the same minimum wage, overtime, occupational safety and health, and non-discrimination protections as adult workers.

What do these Child Labor Laws say? Let's start with hours children may work.

Federal hour restrictions apply to any business that engages in interstate commerce - that is, they buy or sell across state lines. Federal rules say not more than three hours on a school day; not more than 18 hours in a school week; not more than 8 hours on a non-school day; not more than 40 hours in a non-school week; and not before 7 a.m. nor after 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day).

Our state child labor laws are less restrictive and only apply to small, local businesses. From the Nebraska Department of Labor: Youth 14 and 15 years of age shall not be permitted to work more than eight hours a day, 48 hours a week, before the hour of 6 a.m. or after the hour of 10 p.m. The Nebraska Department of Labor is authorized to issue a special work permit to allow the employment of 14 and 15-year-old youth before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m. provided there is no school scheduled the following day and after an inspection of the working conditions at the business premises. The special permit, available from the office of the Superintendent of Schools, may be issued for periods not to exceed 90 days and may be renewed. The fee for each special permit or renewal shall be $10. Special permits cannot be issued if the business falls under Federal Law.

There is no training wage under current state law. All ages must be paid at least the minimum wage of $10.50 an hour. Those who are doing tipped work may be paid $2.13 an hour, but if tips do not bring the wage to $10.50, the business must pay the difference.

Children cannot use any hazardous equipment until they are at least 18. This includes working in factories, restaurant kitchens, or construction jobs. They cannot work in jobs where "their health may be injured or their morals depraved."

In agriculture, the laws are much less restrictive. A child of any age may be employed by his or her parent or guardian at any time in any occupation on their farm. Employees of farms or ranches are subject to FLSA’s child labor provisions if they are engaged in interstate commerce or produce goods for interstate commerce and their annual gross sales are more than $500,000. The minimum age for employment on farms or ranches is 14, but 14-15 year-olds can only work when school is not in session, cannot use any machinery, cannot handle chemicals, and cannot work in storage bins. At age 16 minors may perform any farm job, including agricultural occupations declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor, at any time, including during school hours. However, agriculture is where we see the most young-worker injuries and fatalities.

In the future we will look at the history of child labor and why Congress, almost 100 years ago, decided it was necessary to put these restrictions in place.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityLast week I wrote about abuses of migrant children who are forced to work long hours and nights in dangerous jobs throughout the United States. Many teenagers are now looking for summer jobs, so let's look at what the child labor laws, which should be protecting them, actually contain.Child Labor Laws were established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Child labor provisions under FLSA are designed to protect the educational opportunities of youth and prohibit their employment in jobs that are detrimental to their health and safety. FLSA restricts the hours that youth under 16 years of age can work and lists hazardous occupations too dangerous for young workers to perform until at least age 18.All states have child labor laws and compulsory school attendance laws, and establish the minimum ages and conditions under which youths may operate motor vehicles. Minor employees in most cases are entitled to receive the same minimum wage, overtime, occupational safety and health, and non-discrimination protections as adult workers.What do these Child Labor Laws say? Let's start with hours children may work.Federal hour restrictions apply to any business that engages in interstate commerce - that is, they buy or sell across state lines. Federal rules say not more than three hours on a school day; not more than 18 hours in a school week; not more than 8 hours on a non-school day; not more than 40 hours in a non-school week; and not before 7 a.m. nor after 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day).Our state child labor laws are less restrictive and only apply to small, local businesses. From the Nebraska Department of Labor: Youth 14 and 15 years of age shall not be permitted to work more than eight hours a day, 48 hours a week, before the hour of 6 a.m. or after the hour of 10 p.m. The Nebraska Department of Labor is authorized to issue a special work permit to allow the employment of 14 and 15-year-old youth before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m. provided there is no school scheduled the following day and after an inspection of the working conditions at the business premises. The special permit, available from the office of the Superintendent of Schools, may be issued for periods not to exceed 90 days and may be renewed. The fee for each special permit or renewal shall be $10. Special permits cannot be issued if the business falls under Federal Law.There is no training wage under current state law. All ages must be paid at least the minimum wage of $10.50 an hour. Those who are doing tipped work may be paid $2.13 an hour, but if tips do not bring the wage to $10.50, the business must pay the difference.Children cannot use any hazardous equipment until they are at least 18. This includes working in factories, restaurant kitchens, or construction jobs. They cannot work in jobs where "their health may be injured or their morals depraved."In agriculture, the laws are much less restrictive. A child of any age may be employed by his or her parent or guardian at any time in any occupation on their farm. Employees of farms or ranches are subject to FLSA’s child labor provisions if they are engaged in interstate commerce or produce goods for interstate commerce and their annual gross sales are more than $500,000. The minimum age for employment on farms or ranches is 14, but 14-15 year-olds can only work when school is not in session, cannot use any machinery, cannot handle chemicals, and cannot work in storage bins. At age 16 minors may perform any farm job, including agricultural occupations declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor, at any time, including during school hours. However, agriculture is where we see the most young-worker injuries and fatalities.In the future we will look at the history of child labor and why Congress, almost 100 years ago, decided it was necessary to put these restrictions in place.

Getting Ahead: Child labor laws

CHADRON – Whether it’s events like Fur Trade Days and Old West Trail Rodeo, or one of the region’s many museums, feeding the underprivileged or delivering flowers to the hospital-bound, Northwest Nebraska depends on volunteers to fill a variety of roles.

What happens when enough volunteers aren’t available?

“Northwest Nebraska almost lost the Ride the Ridge and Governor’s Pine Ridge Turkey Hunt this year because the volunteers who served those events for decades retired,” said Discover Northwest Nebraska director Kerri Rempp. “No one wants to see our events discontinued or our museums shuttered. Likewise, the importance of volunteers to efforts like the Flower Mission or Closer to Home are important to the quality of life for our neighbors and family.”

“Community development depends on volunteers in a variety of leadership positions including boards, committees and even elected office,” added Deb Cottier, director of Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation and the manager of Leadership Chadron. “We are looking for ways to help sustain the pool of volunteers needed for all those roles.”

Discover Northwest Nebraska, the Chadron Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation, the Heartland Center for Leadership Development and UNL Rural Prosperity have teamed up to bring “Creating Relationships to Cultivate Community” to help the region build connections and volunteer capacity.

The session will be led by Milan Wall of the Heartland Center for Leadership Development and also draw upon experience from UNL Rural Prosperity Extension representatives.

“Communities can be intentional about transitioning their leadership roles to the next generation, and those that do will continue to thrive into the future,” Wall said. “Leadership recruitment and engagement and its role in creating thriving communities will all be topics of conversation.”

The first session will be June 6 at 6 p.m. at City S’liquors Tap Room with light refreshments served. The final session will be June 7 at noon at the Platte Valley Bank Community Center, with a light lunch served. Civic organizations, leaders, mentors and potential volunteers are encouraged to attend to learn how to make a difference in Northwest Nebraska.

News ReleaseCHADRON – Whether it’s events like Fur Trade Days and Old West Trail Rodeo, or one of the region’s many museums, feeding the underprivileged or delivering flowers to the hospital-bound, Northwest Nebraska depends on volunteers to fill a variety of roles.What happens when enough volunteers aren’t available?“Northwest Nebraska almost lost the Ride the Ridge and Governor’s Pine Ridge Turkey Hunt this year because the volunteers who served those events for decades retired,” said Discover Northwest Nebraska director Kerri Rempp. “No one wants to see our events discontinued or our museums shuttered. Likewise, the importance of volunteers to efforts like the Flower Mission or Closer to Home are important to the quality of life for our neighbors and family.”“Community development depends on volunteers in a variety of leadership positions including boards, committees and even elected office,” added Deb Cottier, director of Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation and the manager of Leadership Chadron. “We are looking for ways to help sustain the pool of volunteers needed for all those roles.”Discover Northwest Nebraska, the Chadron Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation, the Heartland Center for Leadership Development and UNL Rural Prosperity have teamed up to bring “Creating Relationships to Cultivate Community” to help the region build connections and volunteer capacity.The session will be led by Milan Wall of the Heartland Center for Leadership Development and also draw upon experience from UNL Rural Prosperity Extension representatives.“Communities can be intentional about transitioning their leadership roles to the next generation, and those that do will continue to thrive into the future,” Wall said. “Leadership recruitment and engagement and its role in creating thriving communities will all be topics of conversation.”The first session will be June 6 at 6 p.m. at City S’liquors Tap Room with light refreshments served. The final session will be June 7 at noon at the Platte Valley Bank Community Center, with a light lunch served. Civic organizations, leaders, mentors and potential volunteers are encouraged to attend to learn how to make a difference in Northwest Nebraska.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684194613698.jpeg" alt="" />
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Discover Northwest Nebraska: Help lead our communities into the future

Alliance – The City of Alliance Facilities will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023 in observance of Memorial Day. This closure includes the Utility Office, Senior Center, Sallows Military Museum, Public Works and the Municipal Building.

Public Transit will be available for medical rides only on Monday, May 29th.

The Alliance Municipal Landfill and the Alliance Public Library, will be closed Saturday, May 27th and Monday, May 29th for the holiday weekend.

Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center will be open from 1:00 pm - 4:00pm on Monday, May 29th.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The City of Alliance Facilities will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023 in observance of Memorial Day. This closure includes the Utility Office, Senior Center, Sallows Military Museum, Public Works and the Municipal Building.Public Transit will be available for medical rides only on Monday, May 29th.The Alliance Municipal Landfill and the Alliance Public Library, will be closed Saturday, May 27th and Monday, May 29th for the holiday weekend.Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center will be open from 1:00 pm - 4:00pm on Monday, May 29th.Please contact the City Administration Offices at (308) 762-5400 for any questions or for more information.

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