Two Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team members are the recipients of $800 educational scholarships from NEBRASKAland Days. The students are DJ Martian, of Bowman, N.D., and Madison McGee, of Deloraine, Manitoba, Canada.

Martian and McGee were recognized Friday night at the Wild West Arena in North Platte during the evening performance of the 2023 MPCC Stampede.

“I am extremely proud of each of these kid’s hard work and effort both in the arena and in the classroom,” said Aukai Kaai, MPCC Rodeo Team roughstock coach. “They stepped up and helped take care of practice stock when needed and help during practice without asking. They are true team leaders in and out of the arena.”

The scholarships were awarded based on the students’ performance in the arena and classroom as well as their leadership skills, volunteerism and promotion of the team.

Funding for the scholarships came from entry fees to the annual NLD Cowboy Kickball Competition in June.

Martian is a saddle bronc rider and team roper. He is studying entrepreneurship at Mid-Plains.

McGee competes in breakaway roping, team roping and barrel racing for MPCC. She is a sophomore studying Agribusiness and Business Administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695043710299.jpeg" alt="Scholarship winners - Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team members DJ Martian and Madison McGee were presented with $800 scholarships from NEBRASKAland Days Saturday during the MPCC Stampede. Pictured to left to right are: NLD Executive Director David Fudge, McGee, Martian and MPCC Roughstock Coach Aukai Kaai." />
 <figcaption>Scholarship winners - Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team members DJ Martian and Madison McGee were presented with $800 scholarships from NEBRASKAland Days Saturday during the MPCC Stampede. Pictured to left to right are: NLD Executive Director David Fudge, McGee, Martian and MPCC Roughstock Coach Aukai Kaai.</figcaption>
 </figure>Heather JohnsonTwo Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team members are the recipients of $800 educational scholarships from NEBRASKAland Days. The students are DJ Martian, of Bowman, N.D., and Madison McGee, of Deloraine, Manitoba, Canada.Martian and McGee were recognized Friday night at the Wild West Arena in North Platte during the evening performance of the 2023 MPCC Stampede.“I am extremely proud of each of these kid’s hard work and effort both in the arena and in the classroom,” said Aukai Kaai, MPCC Rodeo Team roughstock coach. “They stepped up and helped take care of practice stock when needed and help during practice without asking. They are true team leaders in and out of the arena.”The scholarships were awarded based on the students’ performance in the arena and classroom as well as their leadership skills, volunteerism and promotion of the team.Funding for the scholarships came from entry fees to the annual NLD Cowboy Kickball Competition in June.Martian is a saddle bronc rider and team roper. He is studying entrepreneurship at Mid-Plains.McGee competes in breakaway roping, team roping and barrel racing for MPCC. She is a sophomore studying Agribusiness and Business Administration.

MPCC Rodeo Team members earn NLD scholarships

Ogallala, Nebr - Second Chapter Brewing in Ogallala is gearing up for a huge week! Tomorrow during the Ogallala Indian Summer Rendezvous, Second Chapter Brewing with will be helping with the Kids Corner event. Mini's House Childcare will be on hand with Storytime for the kids at 11am, noon and 1pm, plus&nbsp;Sprecher Root Beer on tap and Tillamook Ice Cream for floats available while supplies last. 

Listen To Podcast about Rendezvous and Octoberfest on September 23.

SCB is also getting ready for their Octoberfest, join them in Ogallala on September 23 for food, music, fun, and of course, lots of German-style beer! Plus stop into Second Chapter Brewing beginning on Wednesday, September 20th and register for the Sandhills Post Kawasaki Mule giveaway! At 1pm during Octoberfest on the 23rd we'll draw qualifiers for the Mule Giveaway. You must be present to win! See ya there!

Get more info at&nbsp;<a href="https://secondchapterbrewing.com/index.html">SecondChapterBrewing.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678312663288.png" alt="Lisa Kraus-Rick Gibson Second Chapter Brewing" />
 <figcaption>Lisa Kraus-Rick Gibson Second Chapter Brewing</figcaption>
 </figure>Ogallala, Nebr - Second Chapter Brewing in Ogallala is gearing up for a huge week! Tomorrow during the Ogallala Indian Summer Rendezvous, Second Chapter Brewing with will be helping with the Kids Corner event. Mini's House Childcare will be on hand with Storytime for the kids at 11am, noon and 1pm, plus&nbsp;Sprecher Root Beer on tap and Tillamook Ice Cream for floats available while supplies last. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSecondChapterBrewing%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0Ys4D8KuueD3bdToKo9Ld9Cshsik6DURDLSD3sWp6EwhZqF8chNMqSuYV1ex6Rahvl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="715" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Listen To Podcast about Rendezvous and Octoberfest on September 23.<div><iframe title="Second Chapter Brewing chat with Canon Rath about Rendezvous & Octoberfest on September 23" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rzj8m-14a8735-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>SCB is also getting ready for their Octoberfest, join them in Ogallala on September 23 for food, music, fun, and of course, lots of German-style beer! Plus stop into Second Chapter Brewing beginning on Wednesday, September 20th and register for the Sandhills Post Kawasaki Mule giveaway! At 1pm during Octoberfest on the 23rd we'll draw qualifiers for the Mule Giveaway. You must be present to win! See ya there!<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSecondChapterBrewing%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0NS99mkSFQNKqzhPpZ4kswvXguvV4VE1cUcDPGhzTRUJkZEQ7fnaUENrensPBkbHBl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="323" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Get more info at&nbsp;<a href="https://secondchapterbrewing.com/index.html">SecondChapterBrewing.com</a>

Podcast - Second Chapter Brewing in Ogallala gearing up for huge week

Sandhills Post, Z 93.5 Country &amp; Flatrock 100.7 are giving away a brand new Kawasaki  Mule on December 12. Post viewers and listeners of Z 93.5 Country &amp; Flatrock 100.7 can register starting Tuesday, September 19th at Second Chapter Brewing in Ogallala, 308 Lounge in Ogallala, T's Bar and Grill in Wallace, Ogallala Ag Supply or at&nbsp;Eichners.&nbsp; At each location this fall, we'll draw 4 names from registration boxes in each store. On December 12 those who have had their names drawn will be invited to a "drawdown party" where one of the lucky people will win this Kawasaki  Mule.

On Saturday, September 23rd&nbsp;we'll draw our first names from Second Chapter Brewing at 1pm MDT before the Husker football game for a chance at winning this Brand New Mule! Second Chapter Brewing is hosting a Octoberfest celebration that day!

Sandhills Post, Z 93.5 Country &amp; Flatrock 100.7 are giving away a brand new Kawasaki Mule on December 12. Post viewers and listeners of Z 93.5 Country &amp; Flatrock 100.7 can register starting Tuesday, September 19th at Second Chapter Brewing in Ogallala, 308 Lounge in Ogallala, T's Bar and Grill in Wallace, Ogallala Ag Supply or at&nbsp;Eichners.&nbsp; At each location this fall, we'll draw 4 names from registration boxes in each store. On December 12 those who have had their names drawn will be invited to a "drawdown party" where one of the lucky people will win this Kawasaki Mule.On Saturday, September 23rd&nbsp;we'll draw our first names from Second Chapter Brewing at 1pm MDT before the Husker football game for a chance at winning this Brand New Mule! Second Chapter Brewing is hosting a Octoberfest celebration that day!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694804176938.jpeg" alt="Kawasaki Mule from Eichners Sales &amp; Service, Sandhills Post, Z93.5 Country &amp; Flatrock 100.7 will give away on December 12." />
 <figcaption>Kawasaki Mule from Eichners Sales &amp; Service, Sandhills Post, Z93.5 Country &amp; Flatrock 100.7 will give away on December 12.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Z 93.5 Country & Flatrock 100.7 giving away brand new Kawasaki Mule

Wallace (0-2) is hosting South Platte (1-1) today for a 2pm CDT kickoff. Pregame at 1:30pm CDT on Flatrock 100.7 FM Listen Online at <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">www.Flatrock1007.com</a>&nbsp;. It's Homecoming for Wallace and the unofficial kickoff to the Wallace Fall Festival this weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566831712490.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wallace (0-2) is hosting South Platte (1-1) today for a 2pm CDT kickoff. Pregame at 1:30pm CDT on Flatrock 100.7 FM Listen Online at <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">www.Flatrock1007.com</a>&nbsp;. It's Homecoming for Wallace and the unofficial kickoff to the Wallace Fall Festival this weekend.

Wallace vs. South Platte Football on Flatrock 100.7 Now

On February 22, 2023, 48 year old David D. Cooper was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of First Degree Sexual Abuse by a School Employee.&nbsp; He was later released on bond and one of the bond conditions was not to have contact with the victim in the sexual abuse case.&nbsp;

The North Platte Police Department received information that David Cooper was contacting the victim and initiated an investigation for tampering with a witness.&nbsp; The investigation involved the examination of electronic devices, subpoenas involving social media and surveillance.

While conducting surveillance, members of the criminal investigation division of the North Platte Police Department observed David Cooper visiting a storage unit near 4th&nbsp;and McCabe.&nbsp; On September 14, 2023, an investigator saw David arrive at the storage facility and enter a storage unit.&nbsp; A short time later, the victim in the sexual abuse case arrived at the facility and entered the same storage unit.&nbsp; The occupants shut the door to the storage unit.&nbsp; Investigators knocked on the door of the storage unit and contacted David Copper and his victim inside of the unit.&nbsp; David was subsequently arrested for Tampering with a Witness—Class II Felony.&nbsp;

The Lincoln County Attorney has filed a bond revocation with the Lincoln County District Court on the pending sexual abuse case.

On February 22, 2023, 48 year old David D. Cooper was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of First Degree Sexual Abuse by a School Employee.&nbsp; He was later released on bond and one of the bond conditions was not to have contact with the victim in the sexual abuse case.&nbsp;The North Platte Police Department received information that David Cooper was contacting the victim and initiated an investigation for tampering with a witness.&nbsp; The investigation involved the examination of electronic devices, subpoenas involving social media and surveillance.While conducting surveillance, members of the criminal investigation division of the North Platte Police Department observed David Cooper visiting a storage unit near 4th&nbsp;and McCabe.&nbsp; On September 14, 2023, an investigator saw David arrive at the storage facility and enter a storage unit.&nbsp; A short time later, the victim in the sexual abuse case arrived at the facility and entered the same storage unit.&nbsp; The occupants shut the door to the storage unit.&nbsp; Investigators knocked on the door of the storage unit and contacted David Copper and his victim inside of the unit.&nbsp; David was subsequently arrested for Tampering with a Witness—Class II Felony.&nbsp;The Lincoln County Attorney has filed a bond revocation with the Lincoln County District Court on the pending sexual abuse case.

Former school employee arrested for Tampering with a Witness

UPDATE: 9:30am - The suspect in the stolen car pursuit this morning has been apprehended. The car actually crashed near North Bicentennial near Nebraska Truck Center. More details will be released soon. The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office is conducting the investigation.&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE, Nebr - Around 8:30am North Platte law enforcement were involved in a pursuit of what is currently believed to be a stolen vehicle. Scanner traffic indicated the pursuit went down Burlington Avenue east bound. Police and other law enforcement also began searching for this vehicle. A few minutes later the car that was being pursued crashed near 2505 East 4th street near Carhart Kitchen and Bath.

No more information is available as of this posting. The Post will continue to monitor the situation. Traffic is discouraged in this area.

UPDATE: 9:30am - The suspect in the stolen car pursuit this morning has been apprehended. The car actually crashed near North Bicentennial near Nebraska Truck Center. More details will be released soon. The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office is conducting the investigation.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694787797893.jpeg" alt="Police presence on east side of North Platte" />
 <figcaption>Police presence on east side of North Platte</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Nebr - Around 8:30am North Platte law enforcement were involved in a pursuit of what is currently believed to be a stolen vehicle. Scanner traffic indicated the pursuit went down Burlington Avenue east bound. Police and other law enforcement also began searching for this vehicle. A few minutes later the car that was being pursued crashed near 2505 East 4th street near Carhart Kitchen and Bath.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694787716181.jpeg" alt="North Platte Police presence near Carhart Kitchen and Bath" />
 <figcaption>North Platte Police presence near Carhart Kitchen and Bath</figcaption>
 </figure>No more information is available as of this posting. The Post will continue to monitor the situation. Traffic is discouraged in this area.

North Platte Police pursuit ends in crash, suspect apprehended

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An explosion inside a shipping container at the world’s largest railyard prompted evacuations in western Nebraska Thursday because of the toxic smoke generated when one of the chemicals aboard caught fire.&nbsp; Officials lifted the evacuation order just before 6p.m. CDT.

Around noon, an explosion occurred inside an intermodal container on a railcar at Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte, though it wasn’t clear what caused the explosion, railroad spokeswoman Robynn Tysver said. No one was injured, and no cars derailed.

Authorities evacuated everyone within a one-mile radius of the explosion in the western end of the railyard because of the smoke, and U.S. Highway 30 was closed between North Platte and Hershey.

 Interstate 80 wasn’t affected by the smoke. It wasn’t immediately clear how many homes were included in the mostly rural area that was evacuated on the edge of the city. North Platte, which is about 230 miles east of Denver and about 250 miles&nbsp; west of Omaha, has a population of about 23,000.

The railroad said the fire had been extinguished by 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Earlier, the North Platte Fire Department said in a in a post on X the evacuations were done because of the fire at the railyard involved “heavy toxic smoke.”&nbsp;

At about 12 p.m. CDT, an explosion occurred inside a container at Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte, Nebraska, resulting in several cars catching on fire. There was no derailment and the car had been stationary in the yard for a couple hours.

One of the containers involved in the incident contains perchloric acid, a hazardous material, used for a number of things, including food, drug and biocidal products, as well as explosives.

The North Platte Fire Department is evacuating people within a four-mile radius around the explosion. A hotline is available for those impacted with immediate needs. They can call 877-877-2567, Option 1.

No Union Pacific personnel were injured, and our employees have been safely evacuated.

Union Pacific’s hazmat team is also responding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694733621676.png" alt="Smoke over the rail yard Thursday-photo by Melanie Standiford/Midwest Media via AP" />
 <figcaption>Smoke over the rail yard Thursday-photo by Melanie Standiford/Midwest Media via AP</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An explosion inside a shipping container at the world’s largest railyard prompted evacuations in western Nebraska Thursday because of the toxic smoke generated when one of the chemicals aboard caught fire.&nbsp; Officials lifted the evacuation order just before 6p.m. CDT.Around noon, an explosion occurred inside an intermodal container on a railcar at Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte, though it wasn’t clear what caused the explosion, railroad spokeswoman Robynn Tysver said. No one was injured, and no cars derailed.Authorities evacuated everyone within a one-mile radius of the explosion in the western end of the railyard because of the smoke, and U.S. Highway 30 was closed between North Platte and Hershey. Interstate 80 wasn’t affected by the smoke. It wasn’t immediately clear how many homes were included in the mostly rural area that was evacuated on the edge of the city. North Platte, which is about 230 miles east of Denver and about 250 miles&nbsp; west of Omaha, has a population of about 23,000.The railroad said the fire had been extinguished by 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Earlier, the North Platte Fire Department said in a in a post on X the evacuations were done because of the fire at the railyard involved “heavy toxic smoke.”&nbsp;-----------At about 12 p.m. CDT, an explosion occurred inside a container at Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte, Nebraska, resulting in several cars catching on fire. There was no derailment and the car had been stationary in the yard for a couple hours.One of the containers involved in the incident contains perchloric acid, a hazardous material, used for a number of things, including food, drug and biocidal products, as well as explosives.The North Platte Fire Department is evacuating people within a four-mile radius around the explosion. A hotline is available for those impacted with immediate needs. They can call 877-877-2567, Option 1.No Union Pacific personnel were injured, and our employees have been safely evacuated.Union Pacific’s hazmat team is also responding.The cause is under investigation.

Union Pacific releases statement about rail car explosion, fire 

OGALLALA - The Ogallala Rotary hosted a blood drive yesterday at the Keith County Fairgrounds. Folks who donated blood received a t-shirt. The event was to help donate blood to the Red Cross.&nbsp;

Sandhills PostOGALLALA - The Ogallala Rotary hosted a blood drive yesterday at the Keith County Fairgrounds. Folks who donated blood received a t-shirt. The event was to help donate blood to the Red Cross.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694704910438.jpeg" alt="Left to Right Mike McQuillan, Shelly McQuillan, Jim Delahunty, Theresa Delahunty, Brian Vasa, Jamie Fleet, LuRae Hagen, Craig Draucker and Jerman Sanchez" />
 <figcaption>Left to Right Mike McQuillan, Shelly McQuillan, Jim Delahunty, Theresa Delahunty, Brian Vasa, Jamie Fleet, LuRae Hagen, Craig Draucker and Jerman Sanchez</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694704939375.jpeg" alt="Photo taken by Jerman Sanchez/Sandhills Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo taken by Jerman Sanchez/Sandhills Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694704966391.jpeg" alt="Photo taken by Jerman Sanchez/Sandhills Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo taken by Jerman Sanchez/Sandhills Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ogallala Rotary hosted a blood drive at the Keith County Fairgrounds on Wednesday

Highway 30 is closed east and west bound. Hershey residents between Front and Splinter Roads along Highway 30 and North are to evacuate.&nbsp; Those easts of the fire may travel to the Salvation Army.

Those west of the fire may travel to the Legion Hall. A rail car has caught fire near Hershey. Please avoid the area at this time. We will update as more information becomes available.

IF YOU NEED A SHELTER TO EVACUATE TO PLEASE CONTACT SALVATION ARMY BUILDING IN NORTH PLATTE OR THE LEGION IN HERSHEY

NSP Troop DALERT: PLEASE AVOID THE AREA
RAILCAR FIRE near Hershey. Highway 30 is closed east and west bound. Hershey residents between Front and Splinter Roads along Highway 30 and North are to evacuate.&nbsp; Those easts of the fire may travel to the Salvation Army.

Those west of the fire may travel to the Legion Hall. A rail car has caught fire near Hershey. Please avoid the area at this time. We will update as more information becomes available.IF YOU NEED A SHELTER TO EVACUATE TO PLEASE CONTACT SALVATION ARMY BUILDING IN NORTH PLATTE OR THE LEGION IN HERSHEY<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ALERT ‼️ RAILCAR FIRE near Hershey Attention Hershey residents between Front and Splinter Roads along Highway 30 and North are to evacuate. Those east if the fire may travel to the Salvation Army. Those west of the may travel to the Legion Hall.&mdash; NSP Troop D (@NSP_TroopD) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSP_TroopD/status/1702377158109262036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

BREAKING: Rail Car Fire near Hershey-evacuations in progress. Highway 30 closed east & west bound

LINCOLN, Nebraska&nbsp;– During Husker Harvest Days this afternoon, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognized three individuals, who will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame later this month.

“Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts’ projects involve many dedicated individuals working to make the good life great,” said Dr. Orval Gigstad, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD). “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding individuals for the significant improvements they’ve made to our natural resources, and the NRD Hall of Fame is one small way to thank them.”

Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter. The NRD Supporter includes an individual outside the NRD system who has shown tremendous care and leadership in Nebraska’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Darwin Anderson – NRD Director

<a>In 1975, Anderson was sworn onto the Lower Loup NRD board. Now, 48 years later he continues to be an active, valued member of the board.</a>

In his time with the Lower Loup NRD, Anderson has attended nearly 600 board meetings (so far), racking up more than 115,000 miles traveling to the NRD headquarters in Ord, Nebraska, and back home again. In addition to his many other roles and committees with the NRD, he served as secretary for 25 years.

As a former Platte County highway superintendent, Anderson’s professional experience in bridge construction, road maintenance, culvert placement, right of way policies, and public safety has proved valuable to the Lower Loup NRD when working on flood prevention and erosion issues. Anderson has also been a member of the Lower Platte Weed Management Area (LPWMA) since its founding. The group works to control the spread of noxious and invasive plants, and to raise awareness through education. A priority for the group is working with landowners to control invasive phragmites in wetlands and in riparian areas.

“Darwin is always willing to donate his time to help at the regional Envirothon competition or hand out trees at Husker Harvest Days,” said Lower Loup NRD General Manager Russ Callan.

Kent O. Miller – NRD Employee

<a>Miller was hired as Twin Platte NRD’s general manager in 1973 and is the only original manager still working in the NRD system.</a>

During his 50-year career, Miller has been instrumental in many beneficial conservation projects. In the 1980s, he worked with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the irrigation canal companies to help set up the incidental water rights system, which allowed the canal systems to operate with less water and keep their water rights across the system. Miller has promoted the South Platte Compact for more than 20 years and due to his persistence, headway is currently being made to bring additional water to the State of Nebraska from Colorado. In 2012, under Miller’s guidance the Twin Platte NRD and the Republican Basin NRDs formed the Nebraska Cooperative Republican Platte Enhancement (NCROPE) project. Most recently, Miller has been instrumental in the creation of the Twin Platte NRD’s Water Data Program that uses technology to calculate ag producers’ real-time water use.

Miller has both Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 1975 he was certified as a Professional Engineer in both Nebraska and Colorado.

James Cannia – NRD Supporter (posthumously)

Before his untimely death in August 2020, Cannia worked with many NRDs across that state during his varied career in hydrology.

According to Lower Platte South NRD Water Resources Coordinator Dick Ehrman, Cannia developed what is arguably the most comprehensive groundwater monitoring network in Nebraska while working for the North Platte NRD. Cannia systematically installed hundreds of monitoring wells in a grid-like pattern throughout the North Platte valley. In the early 2000s, this network of wells was critical in building the Platte River Cooperative Hydrology Study model.

After many years of public service, Cannia co-founded Aqua Geo Frameworks, a company specializing in airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys and hydrogeologic framework models. He was directly involved in nearly every AEM survey in Nebraska before his passing. He advocated strongly for its widespread adoption to solve critical groundwater challenges. Today, nearly 30,000 line-miles of AEM surveys have been flown in the State, making Nebraska a world leader in the use of this technology.

“Jim had the foresight to know the long-term value of the monitoring data,” Ehrman said. “His dedication to the profession and boundless enthusiasm had a profound impact on the conservation and protection of Nebraska’s groundwater.”

Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the NRD annual conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 25.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdnet.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdnet.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694704357504.jpeg" alt="Kent Miller/Photo provided by NRD" />
 <figcaption>Kent Miller/Photo provided by NRD</figcaption>
 </figure>Megan GrimesLINCOLN, Nebraska&nbsp;– During Husker Harvest Days this afternoon, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognized three individuals, who will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame later this month.“Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts’ projects involve many dedicated individuals working to make the good life great,” said Dr. Orval Gigstad, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD). “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding individuals for the significant improvements they’ve made to our natural resources, and the NRD Hall of Fame is one small way to thank them.”Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter. The NRD Supporter includes an individual outside the NRD system who has shown tremendous care and leadership in Nebraska’s ongoing conservation efforts.2023 NRD Hall of Fame inductees:<ul>
 <li>NRD Director – Darwin Anderson, Columbus, Nebraska</li><li>NRD Employee – Kent O. Miller, North Platte, Nebraska</li><li>NRD Supporter – James Cannia (posthumously), Mitchell, Nebraska</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694704400574.jpeg" alt="Darwin Anderson/Photo provided by NRD" />
 <figcaption>Darwin Anderson/Photo provided by NRD</figcaption>
 </figure>Darwin Anderson – NRD Director<a>In 1975, Anderson was sworn onto the Lower Loup NRD board. Now, 48 years later he continues to be an active, valued member of the board.</a>In his time with the Lower Loup NRD, Anderson has attended nearly 600 board meetings (so far), racking up more than 115,000 miles traveling to the NRD headquarters in Ord, Nebraska, and back home again. In addition to his many other roles and committees with the NRD, he served as secretary for 25 years.As a former Platte County highway superintendent, Anderson’s professional experience in bridge construction, road maintenance, culvert placement, right of way policies, and public safety has proved valuable to the Lower Loup NRD when working on flood prevention and erosion issues. Anderson has also been a member of the Lower Platte Weed Management Area (LPWMA) since its founding. The group works to control the spread of noxious and invasive plants, and to raise awareness through education. A priority for the group is working with landowners to control invasive phragmites in wetlands and in riparian areas.“Darwin is always willing to donate his time to help at the regional Envirothon competition or hand out trees at Husker Harvest Days,” said Lower Loup NRD General Manager Russ Callan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694704432693.jpeg" alt="Kent Miller/Photo provided by NRD" />
 <figcaption>Kent Miller/Photo provided by NRD</figcaption>
 </figure>Kent O. Miller – NRD Employee<a>Miller was hired as Twin Platte NRD’s general manager in 1973 and is the only original manager still working in the NRD system.</a>During his 50-year career, Miller has been instrumental in many beneficial conservation projects. In the 1980s, he worked with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the irrigation canal companies to help set up the incidental water rights system, which allowed the canal systems to operate with less water and keep their water rights across the system. Miller has promoted the South Platte Compact for more than 20 years and due to his persistence, headway is currently being made to bring additional water to the State of Nebraska from Colorado. In 2012, under Miller’s guidance the Twin Platte NRD and the Republican Basin NRDs formed the Nebraska Cooperative Republican Platte Enhancement (NCROPE) project. Most recently, Miller has been instrumental in the creation of the Twin Platte NRD’s Water Data Program that uses technology to calculate ag producers’ real-time water use.Miller has both Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 1975 he was certified as a Professional Engineer in both Nebraska and Colorado.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694704456220.jpeg" alt="James Cannia/Photo provided by NRD" />
 <figcaption>James Cannia/Photo provided by NRD</figcaption>
 </figure>James Cannia – NRD Supporter (posthumously)Before his untimely death in August 2020, Cannia worked with many NRDs across that state during his varied career in hydrology.According to Lower Platte South NRD Water Resources Coordinator Dick Ehrman, Cannia developed what is arguably the most comprehensive groundwater monitoring network in Nebraska while working for the North Platte NRD. Cannia systematically installed hundreds of monitoring wells in a grid-like pattern throughout the North Platte valley. In the early 2000s, this network of wells was critical in building the Platte River Cooperative Hydrology Study model.After many years of public service, Cannia co-founded Aqua Geo Frameworks, a company specializing in airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys and hydrogeologic framework models. He was directly involved in nearly every AEM survey in Nebraska before his passing. He advocated strongly for its widespread adoption to solve critical groundwater challenges. Today, nearly 30,000 line-miles of AEM surveys have been flown in the State, making Nebraska a world leader in the use of this technology.“Jim had the foresight to know the long-term value of the monitoring data,” Ehrman said. “His dedication to the profession and boundless enthusiasm had a profound impact on the conservation and protection of Nebraska’s groundwater.”Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the NRD annual conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 25.The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdnet.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdnet.org</a>.

NRD Hall of Fame Inductees Announced at Husker Harvest Days

Members of the public are invited to attend a Health Occupations Job Fair Oct. 9 at North Platte Community College.

The event, designed to connect area businesses with prospective employees, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon in the McDonald-Belton Gym on the NPCC South Campus.

Participants are encouraged to take résumés with them. At their discretion, employers may choose to interview candidates on site.

Businesses can register for a booth at:&nbsp;<a href="https://joinhandshake.com/" target="_blank">https://joinhandshake.com/</a>. More information about the fair is available through Amy Sabatka, career placement coordinator, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sabatkaa@mpcc.edu">sabatkaa@mpcc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (308) 535-3619.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694703554039.jpeg" alt="A guest at a Health Occupations Job Fair at North Platte Community College visits with area business leaders last spring. NPCC will host its next Health Occupations Job Fair Oct. 9." />
 <figcaption>A guest at a Health Occupations Job Fair at North Platte Community College visits with area business leaders last spring. NPCC will host its next Health Occupations Job Fair Oct. 9.</figcaption>
 </figure>Heather JohnsonMembers of the public are invited to attend a Health Occupations Job Fair Oct. 9 at North Platte Community College.The event, designed to connect area businesses with prospective employees, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon in the McDonald-Belton Gym on the NPCC South Campus.Participants are encouraged to take résumés with them. At their discretion, employers may choose to interview candidates on site.Businesses can register for a booth at:&nbsp;<a href="https://joinhandshake.com/" target="_blank">https://joinhandshake.com/</a>. More information about the fair is available through Amy Sabatka, career placement coordinator, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sabatkaa@mpcc.edu">sabatkaa@mpcc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (308) 535-3619.

NPCC Health Occupations Job Fair will be Oct. 9

Ogallala, Neb - Indian Hills Manor and WEL-Life Assisted Living in Ogallala have teamed up for an afternoon of fun, food and festivities coming up on September 22 at the WEL-Life Parking Lot at 1610 North Spruce in Ogallala. The event will run from 11am-3pm. It's open to all resident, their friends, families and employees of Indian Hills Manor and WEL-Life.&nbsp;

Derek Beck was joined by Grace Hoffman/Indian Hills Manor and Carla Dominick/WEL-Life to visit about the upcoming block party.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694635767619.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ogallala, Neb - Indian Hills Manor and WEL-Life Assisted Living in Ogallala have teamed up for an afternoon of fun, food and festivities coming up on September 22 at the WEL-Life Parking Lot at 1610 North Spruce in Ogallala. The event will run from 11am-3pm. It's open to all resident, their friends, families and employees of Indian Hills Manor and WEL-Life.&nbsp;Derek Beck was joined by Grace Hoffman/Indian Hills Manor and Carla Dominick/WEL-Life to visit about the upcoming block party.<div><iframe title="End Of Summer Block Party for Elderly Ogallala Residents" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=apxue-14a5afc-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid02rSe1nGfG7Q26yAH6znQ4yG6aJAwRX6pVYWo8wWp46GvfThc95nD36jDEFKTCMAcBl%26id%3D100063474623639&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="758" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Podcast - End Of Summer Block Party for Elderly Ogallala Residents

Perkin's County Thrift Shoppe Open

Perkin's County Public Transit to have limited service September 14th

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific's new CEO, who came into the job last month with a reputation for cost-cutting, says he won't shy away from that but no one should expect the kind of sweeping changes he made when he first oversaw the railroad's operations a few years ago.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-railroad-ceo-jim-vena-06b2fbdf515e7f5aa8d82c0b2cafbc88">Jim Vena</a>&nbsp;told investors Tuesday in some of his first public comments since he became CEO Aug. 14 that he's focused on improving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-derailments-tank-car-ohio-minnesota-c60f33b64e9c7dc05768a78ae20f3ce5">safety</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">service</a>&nbsp;at the railroad. While he's willing to invest in that, mostly he wants to make sure Union Pacific's day-to-day operations are steadily improving.

“When you’re operating the railroad, you don’t make one big mistake normally and you cause yourself to impact the system and you slow down and then you can’t provide the service,” Vena said. “What happens is you make a lot of small mistakes, and if you make small mistakes, they come back all of a sudden and add up and you wake up one day and you go, Wow! So that’s what I want to make sure that we’re on top of.”

Initially, that means Vena is looking closely over the shoulder of Union Pacific's chief operating officer, the job that Vena previously held at the railroad in 2019 and 2020. He's also working to speed up decision making at the railroad to help make Union Pacific more responsive to customers. Vena was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-railroad-earnings-ceo-jim-vena-6e9cefb37dacede8874dac62061e9850">hired</a>&nbsp;after a hedge fund that was disappointed in the results under previous CEO Lance Fritz put&nbsp;<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60ad6c502b44e43fe7a303b9/t/63fbc01f43115a3c065fa353/1677443103154/Soroban+-+Letter+to+Union+Pacific%27s+Board+of+Directors.pdf">pressure</a>&nbsp;on UP.

Vena said he's not changing from the lean operating principles he honed during four decades at Canadian National railroad, so more cuts are likely coming. But he said they won't be as drastic as in his first tenure because Union Pacific already made most of the big moves when it first adopted the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-aab7d3084a8d17d8d721d2cb750be323">“precision scheduled railroading”</a>&nbsp;model and slashed thousands of jobs and shut down a number of railyards across its 23-state network in the West.

Going forward, Union Pacific will also be focused on attracting new business and boosting rates to cover higher costs like the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">raises</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-paid-sick-time-negotiations-norfolk-southern-70327831f881dcf86a43e05d22a5bdd5">sick leave</a>&nbsp;the railroad agreed to give workers over the past year to address some of their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-congress-d2ae4d3aecb27f176418518d977e69e1">quality-of-life concerns</a>. Both those things will also help the bottom line.

“I promise you this: we’re going to be the best,” Vena said. “We’re going to have the best margins. We’re going to have the best service, and we’re going to have the best safety record. And if we do that, customers will want to come with us.”

But the current weak consumer demand amid the uncertain economy and inflation has translated into a 3% drop in volume so far in the third quarter, even though most industrial shipments have remained steady. That will put pressure on Union Pacific’s profits.

Vena's comments about continuing to improve safety will likely be welcomed by the head of the Federal Railroad Administration who took the railroad to task&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-railroad-safety-fra-defects-a3727942095fc3bd585b42d60c45fa6e">in a letter</a>&nbsp;last week detailing an alarming number of defects found by inspectors this summer on freight cars and locomotives in use at Union Pacific's largest railyard.

After Vena spoke with FRA Administrator Amit Bose on the phone Monday, he wrote a letter stressing Union Pacific's commitment to addressing the concerns and making any needed changes or repairs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694625922494.jpeg" alt="A Union Pacific locomotive with passenger cars in tow is parked, Oct. 17, 2013, in Omaha, Neb. Union Pacific's new CEO Jim Vena, who came into the job in August 2023 with a reputation for cost-cutting, says he won't shy away from that but no one should expect the kind of sweeping changes he made when he first oversaw the railroad's operations a few years ago. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)" />
 <figcaption>A Union Pacific locomotive with passenger cars in tow is parked, Oct. 17, 2013, in Omaha, Neb. Union Pacific's new CEO Jim Vena, who came into the job in August 2023 with a reputation for cost-cutting, says he won't shy away from that but no one should expect the kind of sweeping changes he made when he first oversaw the railroad's operations a few years ago. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific's new CEO, who came into the job last month with a reputation for cost-cutting, says he won't shy away from that but no one should expect the kind of sweeping changes he made when he first oversaw the railroad's operations a few years ago.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-railroad-ceo-jim-vena-06b2fbdf515e7f5aa8d82c0b2cafbc88">Jim Vena</a>&nbsp;told investors Tuesday in some of his first public comments since he became CEO Aug. 14 that he's focused on improving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-derailments-tank-car-ohio-minnesota-c60f33b64e9c7dc05768a78ae20f3ce5">safety</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">service</a>&nbsp;at the railroad. While he's willing to invest in that, mostly he wants to make sure Union Pacific's day-to-day operations are steadily improving.“When you’re operating the railroad, you don’t make one big mistake normally and you cause yourself to impact the system and you slow down and then you can’t provide the service,” Vena said. “What happens is you make a lot of small mistakes, and if you make small mistakes, they come back all of a sudden and add up and you wake up one day and you go, Wow! So that’s what I want to make sure that we’re on top of.”Initially, that means Vena is looking closely over the shoulder of Union Pacific's chief operating officer, the job that Vena previously held at the railroad in 2019 and 2020. He's also working to speed up decision making at the railroad to help make Union Pacific more responsive to customers. Vena was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-railroad-earnings-ceo-jim-vena-6e9cefb37dacede8874dac62061e9850">hired</a>&nbsp;after a hedge fund that was disappointed in the results under previous CEO Lance Fritz put&nbsp;<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60ad6c502b44e43fe7a303b9/t/63fbc01f43115a3c065fa353/1677443103154/Soroban+-+Letter+to+Union+Pacific%27s+Board+of+Directors.pdf">pressure</a>&nbsp;on UP.Vena said he's not changing from the lean operating principles he honed during four decades at Canadian National railroad, so more cuts are likely coming. But he said they won't be as drastic as in his first tenure because Union Pacific already made most of the big moves when it first adopted the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-aab7d3084a8d17d8d721d2cb750be323">“precision scheduled railroading”</a>&nbsp;model and slashed thousands of jobs and shut down a number of railyards across its 23-state network in the West.Going forward, Union Pacific will also be focused on attracting new business and boosting rates to cover higher costs like the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">raises</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-paid-sick-time-negotiations-norfolk-southern-70327831f881dcf86a43e05d22a5bdd5">sick leave</a>&nbsp;the railroad agreed to give workers over the past year to address some of their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-congress-d2ae4d3aecb27f176418518d977e69e1">quality-of-life concerns</a>. Both those things will also help the bottom line.“I promise you this: we’re going to be the best,” Vena said. “We’re going to have the best margins. We’re going to have the best service, and we’re going to have the best safety record. And if we do that, customers will want to come with us.”But the current weak consumer demand amid the uncertain economy and inflation has translated into a 3% drop in volume so far in the third quarter, even though most industrial shipments have remained steady. That will put pressure on Union Pacific’s profits.Vena's comments about continuing to improve safety will likely be welcomed by the head of the Federal Railroad Administration who took the railroad to task&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-railroad-safety-fra-defects-a3727942095fc3bd585b42d60c45fa6e">in a letter</a>&nbsp;last week detailing an alarming number of defects found by inspectors this summer on freight cars and locomotives in use at Union Pacific's largest railyard.After Vena spoke with FRA Administrator Amit Bose on the phone Monday, he wrote a letter stressing Union Pacific's commitment to addressing the concerns and making any needed changes or repairs.

Union Pacific's new CEO won't forego cuts as he works to improve safety and service at the railroad

Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with MPCC Roughstock Coach Aukai Kaai and MPCC Rodeo student-athlete Koby Jackson about the MPCC Stampede. The event is a three-day event beginning September 14th - September 16th at the Wild West Arena in North Platte.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE - The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo team is hosting the 2023 Stampede this Thursday - Saturday at the Wild West Arena in North Platte. The event is scheduled to feature competitors from 14 different colleges in 5 states will be competing in events like team roping, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and so much more.&nbsp;

Sanctioned by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, the Stampede is a qualifying event, meaning any points contestants earn at the competition will count toward an end-of-year shot at the College National Finals Rodeo. The Sept. 14 performance will begin at 7 p.m. and will be followed by slack - the overflow of events from the main rodeo. Sept. 15-16, slack will start at 9 a.m., and the main performances will be at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

Admission to get in is $10 a day or $20 for a three-day pass. Children ages 10 and under get in for FREE. Employees of MPCC or college students get in for free with their college ID. To learn more in-depth about the event, check out the podcast above. To also learn more about MPCC Roughstock Coach Aukai Kaai and MPCC Rodeo student-athlete Koby Jackson journey to MPCC, check out the podcast as well.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota" />
 <figcaption>Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</figcaption>
 </figure>Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with MPCC Roughstock Coach Aukai Kaai and MPCC Rodeo student-athlete Koby Jackson about the MPCC Stampede. The event is a three-day event beginning September 14th - September 16th at the Wild West Arena in North Platte.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) MPCC Stampede Rodeo Event" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8ppgj-14a559a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>NORTH PLATTE - The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo team is hosting the 2023 Stampede this Thursday - Saturday at the Wild West Arena in North Platte. The event is scheduled to feature competitors from 14 different colleges in 5 states will be competing in events like team roping, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and so much more.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694619049787.jpeg" alt="Aukai Kaai, MPCC Roughstock Coach/Photo from MPCC Rodeo website" />
 <figcaption>Aukai Kaai, MPCC Roughstock Coach/Photo from MPCC Rodeo website</figcaption>
 </figure>Sanctioned by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, the Stampede is a qualifying event, meaning any points contestants earn at the competition will count toward an end-of-year shot at the College National Finals Rodeo. The Sept. 14 performance will begin at 7 p.m. and will be followed by slack - the overflow of events from the main rodeo. Sept. 15-16, slack will start at 9 a.m., and the main performances will be at 7 p.m.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694619133133.jpeg" alt="Koby Jackson MPCC Rodeo Team/Photo From MPCC Rodeo Website" />
 <figcaption>Koby Jackson MPCC Rodeo Team/Photo From MPCC Rodeo Website</figcaption>
 </figure>Admission to get in is $10 a day or $20 for a three-day pass. Children ages 10 and under get in for FREE. Employees of MPCC or college students get in for free with their college ID. To learn more in-depth about the event, check out the podcast above. To also learn more about MPCC Roughstock Coach Aukai Kaai and MPCC Rodeo student-athlete Koby Jackson journey to MPCC, check out the podcast as well.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid0LggcqmNKRjPKpawNsX2XYF3RxeL29iEVZ8QHbXkTJ2yyMfoSQngDh93TzRdH3yrol%26id%3D100057812703422&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="319" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

(Audio) MPCC Stampede Rodeo Event 

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department

September is National Preparedness Month, and Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) would like to remind everyone that this time of year it is important to review our emergency supplies and preparedness plans. It is also important to not neglect the preparedness skills that may be lifesaving in an emergency. One skill that we tend to overlook until a disaster strikes is using a communication plan.

Your family may not be together if a disaster occurs. Communication plans allow everyone to stay in touch by listing when communication needs to happen and how information will be shared. In today’s world of smart phones, many people do not memorize or remember critical contact information that they may need, especially when a disaster strikes.

Following are some key questions to explore while constructing your communication plan.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How will you receive emergency notifications?

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you have a dedicated phone charger to grab and take with you if you need to evacuate?

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you have key information for family members written down, including phone numbers, social media names, email addresses, etc.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you have emergency contact information for family members?

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you have your medical providers’ contact information written down?

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How will you let family members know you are safe?

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How often do your family members expect you to check in with them?

Once you have your communication plan constructed, it is important to practice your plan to ensure phone numbers are correct and everyone understands the plan. Share your family’s emergency plan with your extended family to make sure they can know you are safe as well.

For more information contact SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. The website swhealth.ne.gov contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. For questions, call 308-345-4223, one&nbsp;

Southwest Nebraska Public Health DepartmentSeptember is National Preparedness Month, and Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) would like to remind everyone that this time of year it is important to review our emergency supplies and preparedness plans. It is also important to not neglect the preparedness skills that may be lifesaving in an emergency. One skill that we tend to overlook until a disaster strikes is using a communication plan.Your family may not be together if a disaster occurs. Communication plans allow everyone to stay in touch by listing when communication needs to happen and how information will be shared. In today’s world of smart phones, many people do not memorize or remember critical contact information that they may need, especially when a disaster strikes.Following are some key questions to explore while constructing your communication plan.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How will you receive emergency notifications?•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you have a dedicated phone charger to grab and take with you if you need to evacuate?•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you have key information for family members written down, including phone numbers, social media names, email addresses, etc.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you have emergency contact information for family members?•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you have your medical providers’ contact information written down?•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How will you let family members know you are safe?•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How often do your family members expect you to check in with them?Once you have your communication plan constructed, it is important to practice your plan to ensure phone numbers are correct and everyone understands the plan. Share your family’s emergency plan with your extended family to make sure they can know you are safe as well.For more information contact SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. The website swhealth.ne.gov contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. For questions, call 308-345-4223, one&nbsp;

National Preparedness Month

LINCOLN, NEB.–&nbsp;The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded 24 teachers with funds in support of agricultural education and FFA programs in Nebraska.

“The Dr. Allen G. and Kay L. Blezek Teacher Retention Award is an investment in the future of Nebraska agriculture,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “We are very proud to support these teachers as they get established in their classrooms and communities. The return on investment is clear as the number of schools that offer agricultural education and FFA grows, and alumni go on to contribute to Nebraska’s number one industry.”

Recipients are all agricultural&nbsp;education teachers in their first through fifth year of teaching. Teachers are eligible for increasing awards over time. As the teachers’ impact grows in the classroom, in their FFA chapters, and in their communities each year, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation aims to recognize and support their efforts. &nbsp;A longtime program of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, the award was renamed in recognition of an estate gift from Dr. Allen Blezek. Dr. Blezek was an agricultural education teacher, the first director of the Nebraska LEAD program, and a founding member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation board of directors.

The 24 recipients of the scholarships are Paige Aylward, Hershey Public Schools; Kaydie Brandl, Lakeview Community Schools; Danie Brandl, Elm Creek Public Schools; Rylee Dexter, Chamber Public Schools; Amanda Hafer, Lutheran High Northeast; Hunter Hill, Franklin Public Schools; Toriann Holly, Fairbury Jr./Sr. High; Miranda Hornug, Exeter-Milligan Public Schools; Carrie Johns, Gering High School; Allison Johnson, Falls City High School; Alex Meyer, St. Edward Public Schools; Hallett Moomey, Schuyler Community School; Katie Nolles, Stuart Public Schools; Tanner Nun, Diller-Odell Public Schools; Jocelyn Pohl, Alliance High School; Emily Santero, Morrill High School; Alex Stocker, Central City High School; Caleb tenBensel, Broken Bow Public Schools; Maggie Vyhnalek, Bruning-Davenport Schools; Brooke Wehrbein, Auburn High School; Emily Whipple, Ainsworth Community Schools, Kealey Widdowson, Gibbon High School; Cara Wolverton-Holtorf, Wilber-Clatonia; and Payden Woodruff, Palmer Public Schools.

LINCOLN, NEB.–&nbsp;The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded 24 teachers with funds in support of agricultural education and FFA programs in Nebraska.“The Dr. Allen G. and Kay L. Blezek Teacher Retention Award is an investment in the future of Nebraska agriculture,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “We are very proud to support these teachers as they get established in their classrooms and communities. The return on investment is clear as the number of schools that offer agricultural education and FFA grows, and alumni go on to contribute to Nebraska’s number one industry.”Recipients are all agricultural&nbsp;education teachers in their first through fifth year of teaching. Teachers are eligible for increasing awards over time. As the teachers’ impact grows in the classroom, in their FFA chapters, and in their communities each year, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation aims to recognize and support their efforts. &nbsp;A longtime program of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, the award was renamed in recognition of an estate gift from Dr. Allen Blezek. Dr. Blezek was an agricultural education teacher, the first director of the Nebraska LEAD program, and a founding member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation board of directors.The 24 recipients of the scholarships are Paige Aylward, Hershey Public Schools; Kaydie Brandl, Lakeview Community Schools; Danie Brandl, Elm Creek Public Schools; Rylee Dexter, Chamber Public Schools; Amanda Hafer, Lutheran High Northeast; Hunter Hill, Franklin Public Schools; Toriann Holly, Fairbury Jr./Sr. High; Miranda Hornug, Exeter-Milligan Public Schools; Carrie Johns, Gering High School; Allison Johnson, Falls City High School; Alex Meyer, St. Edward Public Schools; Hallett Moomey, Schuyler Community School; Katie Nolles, Stuart Public Schools; Tanner Nun, Diller-Odell Public Schools; Jocelyn Pohl, Alliance High School; Emily Santero, Morrill High School; Alex Stocker, Central City High School; Caleb tenBensel, Broken Bow Public Schools; Maggie Vyhnalek, Bruning-Davenport Schools; Brooke Wehrbein, Auburn High School; Emily Whipple, Ainsworth Community Schools, Kealey Widdowson, Gibbon High School; Cara Wolverton-Holtorf, Wilber-Clatonia; and Payden Woodruff, Palmer Public Schools.

Awards Aim to Keep Agricultural Education Teachers in Nebraska

Omaha, NE&nbsp;–&nbsp;Today,&nbsp;the U.S. Small Business Administration&nbsp;announced that, Firespring,&nbsp;has been named an SBA Legacy Business. Firespring&nbsp;is one of 68&nbsp;Legacy Businesses that got their start with help from the SBA and that are being recognized nationwide as part of the agency's 70th anniversary celebrations&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sba.gov/article/2023/09/05/small-business-administration-recognizes-legacy-businesses-during-sbas-70th-anniversary-celebration" target="_blank">Small Business Administration Recognizes Legacy Businesses during SBA’s 70th Anniversary Celebration | U.S. Small Business Administration</a>.

Today’s announcement follows SBA Administrator Guzman’s visit to the New York Stock Exchange&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nyse.com/bell" target="_blank">The Bell | NYSE</a>, where she rang the closing bell to mark the SBA’s milestone anniversary and celebrate Legacy Businesses that have grown from small startups into some of the most recognizable brands in the United States with the support of the SBA.

NEBRASKA Winner:&nbsp;Jay Wilkinson, Founder and CEO, Firespring, Lincoln

Over the past 30 years, Firespring, has utilized SBA funding for startup costs utilizing a SBA 7a loan, a SBA 504 loan for expansion to a new location, the Payroll Projection Program to keep employees working through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) while continuing to weather uncertain times to once again thrive and be resilient now and for generations to come.

Tim Mittan, District Director, Nebraska SBA, states, “Firespring opened their doors as a printshop, and soon evolved into a company that built websites for other printing companies, small businesses, and nonprofits. Over the years, they have emerged as one of the largest marketing communications firms in the Midwest. Because of their commitment to communities, their team members log volunteer hours, serving local organizations, and made a substantial financial impact in local communities. Firespring used SBA services early on in their growth and have continued to reach out through the years.&nbsp; It is a pleasure to honor Jay Wilkinson and Firespring for all they do in Nebraska.”

The SBA’s Legacy Businesses recognize&nbsp;past or current small businesses that benefitted from SBA resources in their early stages.&nbsp;For 70 years, America’s entrepreneurs have relied on SBA support to help start and grow their small businesses. Today, the SBA is&nbsp;building upon its success, particularly with the historic progress made under the Biden-Harris Administration.&nbsp;The federal agency has provided billions of dollars in support to small businesses and has helped millions of small business owners build meaningful lifelong connections and help power their local economies.&nbsp;Now, amid soaring consumer confidence, historic low unemployment, and falling inflation, applications to start new businesses continue to boom under the Biden-Harris Administration. Since the start of 2021, more than 12.2 million people have applied to start a small business – including Firespring in Nebraska.

Jay Wilkinson, Founder and CEO, Firespring states, “On behalf of the employee-owners at Firespring, we are deeply honored to be a recipient of the prestigious SBA Legacy Business recognition. This recognition not only highlights our journey and growth as a company but also underscores the vital role that the U.S. Small Business Administration plays in nurturing and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our economy. We are proud to be one of the 68 Legacy Businesses that got their start with help from the SBA. As we celebrate the agency's 70th anniversary, we are reminded of the countless stories of success and resilience that have emerged from the small business landscape. Firespring's journey aligns with these narratives of growth, and we are excited to continue our mission of making a positive impact and empowering our local economy. This nomination fuels our passion to drive innovation, serve our community, and inspire future entrepreneurs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the SBA and everyone who has been a part of our journey so far.

Omaha, NE&nbsp;–&nbsp;Today,&nbsp;the U.S. Small Business Administration&nbsp;announced that, Firespring,&nbsp;has been named an SBA Legacy Business. Firespring&nbsp;is one of 68&nbsp;Legacy Businesses that got their start with help from the SBA and that are being recognized nationwide as part of the agency's 70th anniversary celebrations&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sba.gov/article/2023/09/05/small-business-administration-recognizes-legacy-businesses-during-sbas-70th-anniversary-celebration" target="_blank">Small Business Administration Recognizes Legacy Businesses during SBA’s 70th Anniversary Celebration | U.S. Small Business Administration</a>.Today’s announcement follows SBA Administrator Guzman’s visit to the New York Stock Exchange&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nyse.com/bell" target="_blank">The Bell | NYSE</a>, where she rang the closing bell to mark the SBA’s milestone anniversary and celebrate Legacy Businesses that have grown from small startups into some of the most recognizable brands in the United States with the support of the SBA.NEBRASKA Winner:&nbsp;Jay Wilkinson, Founder and CEO, Firespring, LincolnOver the past 30 years, Firespring, has utilized SBA funding for startup costs utilizing a SBA 7a loan, a SBA 504 loan for expansion to a new location, the Payroll Projection Program to keep employees working through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) while continuing to weather uncertain times to once again thrive and be resilient now and for generations to come.Tim Mittan, District Director, Nebraska SBA, states, “Firespring opened their doors as a printshop, and soon evolved into a company that built websites for other printing companies, small businesses, and nonprofits. Over the years, they have emerged as one of the largest marketing communications firms in the Midwest. Because of their commitment to communities, their team members log volunteer hours, serving local organizations, and made a substantial financial impact in local communities. Firespring used SBA services early on in their growth and have continued to reach out through the years.&nbsp; It is a pleasure to honor Jay Wilkinson and Firespring for all they do in Nebraska.”The SBA’s Legacy Businesses recognize&nbsp;past or current small businesses that benefitted from SBA resources in their early stages.&nbsp;For 70 years, America’s entrepreneurs have relied on SBA support to help start and grow their small businesses. Today, the SBA is&nbsp;building upon its success, particularly with the historic progress made under the Biden-Harris Administration.&nbsp;The federal agency has provided billions of dollars in support to small businesses and has helped millions of small business owners build meaningful lifelong connections and help power their local economies.&nbsp;Now, amid soaring consumer confidence, historic low unemployment, and falling inflation, applications to start new businesses continue to boom under the Biden-Harris Administration. Since the start of 2021, more than 12.2 million people have applied to start a small business – including Firespring in Nebraska.Jay Wilkinson, Founder and CEO, Firespring states, “On behalf of the employee-owners at Firespring, we are deeply honored to be a recipient of the prestigious SBA Legacy Business recognition. This recognition not only highlights our journey and growth as a company but also underscores the vital role that the U.S. Small Business Administration plays in nurturing and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our economy. We are proud to be one of the 68 Legacy Businesses that got their start with help from the SBA. As we celebrate the agency's 70th anniversary, we are reminded of the countless stories of success and resilience that have emerged from the small business landscape. Firespring's journey aligns with these narratives of growth, and we are excited to continue our mission of making a positive impact and empowering our local economy. This nomination fuels our passion to drive innovation, serve our community, and inspire future entrepreneurs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the SBA and everyone who has been a part of our journey so far.

SBA Nebraska District Office Announces FIRESPRING As SBA Legacy Business

OGALLALA - The 2023 Ogallala Indian Summer Rendezvous three-day celebration is set to kick off this September 14th - September 16th. The three-day event is highlighted by many different events for everyone to enjoy. There will be live music, food, kid activities, a parade, and so much more. Below is the 2023 schedule of events. All times are in the mountain time zone. 

If you would like to learn more about the three-day event, the Post's Derek Beck talked with&nbsp;Keith County Chamber Membership and Events coordinator Tawny Craig about the celebration. <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/aa8b25f8-0f84-46d5-9b2e-578478a3c8e2">Click here</a> to hear their conversation.

Sandhills PostOGALLALA - The 2023 Ogallala Indian Summer Rendezvous three-day celebration is set to kick off this September 14th - September 16th. The three-day event is highlighted by many different events for everyone to enjoy. There will be live music, food, kid activities, a parade, and so much more. Below is the 2023 schedule of events. All times are in the mountain time zone. If you would like to learn more about the three-day event, the Post's Derek Beck talked with&nbsp;Keith County Chamber Membership and Events coordinator Tawny Craig about the celebration. <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/aa8b25f8-0f84-46d5-9b2e-578478a3c8e2">Click here</a> to hear their conversation.<figure>
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2023 Ogallala Indian Summer Rendezvous to kick off Thursday

OGALLALA -&nbsp;The Ogallala City Council is hosting their meeting tonight, September 12th. Below is tonight's agenda for the meeting.

OGALLALA -&nbsp;The Ogallala City Council is hosting their meeting tonight, September 12th. Below is tonight's agenda for the meeting.<figure>
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Ogallala City Council Meeting Tonight's Agenda

North Platte/Sandhills Post News Director Canon Rath caught up with 4-H'er Ezri Bay and 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Caitlyn Jacobson about the 4-H Dog Skillathon category.&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE - 4-H is America's largest youth development program across the United States that helps learn skills that will last a lifetime. The age requirement for 4-H is the ages of 8-18. There are many different categories that 4-H'ers can participate in during their time in the program. A unique category is Dog Skillathon.&nbsp;

The Dog Skillathon contest is an opportunity that 4-H'rs can patriciate and test their knowledge of dogs. "It's a giant mess test and it's kind of interesting and so you walk in this big room and there's a whole bunch of tables with different activities," said 4-H'er Ezri Bay. "They hand you a test and you go to one of the tables and at each table there's like questions and photos that go with you questions and you have to answer those."&nbsp;

Dogs Skillathon has many different aspects during competition. If you would like to learn a more in-depth about the Dogs Skillathon and Bay's involvement with 4-H with the trio, check out the podcast linked above or <a href="https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/contests/43">click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota" />
 <figcaption>Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte/Sandhills Post News Director Canon Rath caught up with 4-H'er Ezri Bay and 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Caitlyn Jacobson about the 4-H Dog Skillathon category.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) 4-H Dogs Skillathon -Conversation with Caitlyn Jacobson and Ezri Bay" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qs7z5-14a29b4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>NORTH PLATTE - 4-H is America's largest youth development program across the United States that helps learn skills that will last a lifetime. The age requirement for 4-H is the ages of 8-18. There are many different categories that 4-H'ers can participate in during their time in the program. A unique category is Dog Skillathon.&nbsp;The Dog Skillathon contest is an opportunity that 4-H'rs can patriciate and test their knowledge of dogs. "It's a giant mess test and it's kind of interesting and so you walk in this big room and there's a whole bunch of tables with different activities," said 4-H'er Ezri Bay. "They hand you a test and you go to one of the tables and at each table there's like questions and photos that go with you questions and you have to answer those."&nbsp;Dogs Skillathon has many different aspects during competition. If you would like to learn a more in-depth about the Dogs Skillathon and Bay's involvement with 4-H with the trio, check out the podcast linked above or <a href="https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/contests/43">click here.</a>

(Audio) 4-H Dogs Skillathon - Conversation with Caitlyn Jacobson and Ezri Bay

Professional barrel racer and motivational speaker Amberley Snyder will speak in Ogallala and North Platte in October.

Snyder is the subject of the Netflix movie, “Walk. Ride. Rodeo,” released in 2019. The biopic focuses on her journey leading up to and following a vehicle accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down.

The Mid-Plains Community College Student Life Department is organizing her visit to local communities.

The first presentation will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 23 at Ogallala High School, followed by a meet-and-greet with Snyder.

She will then speak at 1 p.m. Oct. 24 in the McDonald-Belton Theater on the North Platte Community College South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd, in North Platte. There is no meet-and-greet with the North Platte presentation.

Snyder fell in love with horses early in life and was barrel racing by the age of 7. She subsequently competed in junior and high school rodeos, winning multiple titles and awards.

Snyder qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo in pole bending in 2009, her senior year of high school, and won the National Little Britches Rodeo Association All-Around Cowgirl World Championship.

She was on top of the world at that point but came crashing down in January of 2010. Snyder was on her way to the Denver Stock Show and Rodeo, driving through Sinclair, Wyo., when she looked down at her map and crossed the centerline.

Snyder attempted to get back into her lane but overcorrected and rolled her truck. She was ejected and slammed into a fence post, breaking her back.

She underwent five hours of emergency surgery and was told by her doctor that she would never regain use of or feeling in her legs.

Four months later, she was back on her horse. Eighteen months after her accident, Snyder returned to competing in rodeo.

In 2015, she was voted the fan exemption contestant at the world’s richest one day rodeo, RFD-TV’s The American. Snyder competed with the best in the industry and was just 0.6 seconds short of the winning time. She received a standing ovation from over 40,000 fans in the AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

When “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” came along, Snyder served as co-producer and her own stunt double. She also co-wrote the song, “Ride,” for the soundtrack and published a book by the same name, “Walk Ride Rodeo: A Story About Amberley Snyder.”

Today, Snyder continues to barrel race as part of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. She qualified for the Wilderness Circuit Finals in 2021 and 2022.

Snyder also travels the country sharing her story of triumph over tragedy and has become one of the most sought-after social influencers and motivational speakers in western sports.

Snyder’s presentations in Ogallala and North Platte are open to the public. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in both locations.

Tickets are required and nonrefundable. They must be purchased in advance as they will not be available at the events. Tickets are $10 each with the exception of those for MPCC students and employees who will be admitted free. FFA and other school organizations will also be admitted free with pre-registration.

Tickets are available by calling the MPCC Business and Community Education department at (308) 535-3678 and asking for Jeff Smeltzer or Mandy Brandes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694456582875.jpeg" alt="Amberley Snyder/Photo provided by MPCC" />
 <figcaption>Amberley Snyder/Photo provided by MPCC</figcaption>
 </figure>Heather Johnson MPCCProfessional barrel racer and motivational speaker Amberley Snyder will speak in Ogallala and North Platte in October.Snyder is the subject of the Netflix movie, “Walk. Ride. Rodeo,” released in 2019. The biopic focuses on her journey leading up to and following a vehicle accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down.The Mid-Plains Community College Student Life Department is organizing her visit to local communities.The first presentation will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 23 at Ogallala High School, followed by a meet-and-greet with Snyder.She will then speak at 1 p.m. Oct. 24 in the McDonald-Belton Theater on the North Platte Community College South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd, in North Platte. There is no meet-and-greet with the North Platte presentation.About SnyderSnyder fell in love with horses early in life and was barrel racing by the age of 7. She subsequently competed in junior and high school rodeos, winning multiple titles and awards.Snyder qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo in pole bending in 2009, her senior year of high school, and won the National Little Britches Rodeo Association All-Around Cowgirl World Championship.She was on top of the world at that point but came crashing down in January of 2010. Snyder was on her way to the Denver Stock Show and Rodeo, driving through Sinclair, Wyo., when she looked down at her map and crossed the centerline.Snyder attempted to get back into her lane but overcorrected and rolled her truck. She was ejected and slammed into a fence post, breaking her back.She underwent five hours of emergency surgery and was told by her doctor that she would never regain use of or feeling in her legs.Snyder set out to prove him wrong.Back in the saddleFour months later, she was back on her horse. Eighteen months after her accident, Snyder returned to competing in rodeo.In 2015, she was voted the fan exemption contestant at the world’s richest one day rodeo, RFD-TV’s The American. Snyder competed with the best in the industry and was just 0.6 seconds short of the winning time. She received a standing ovation from over 40,000 fans in the AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.When “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” came along, Snyder served as co-producer and her own stunt double. She also co-wrote the song, “Ride,” for the soundtrack and published a book by the same name, “Walk Ride Rodeo: A Story About Amberley Snyder.”Today, Snyder continues to barrel race as part of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. She qualified for the Wilderness Circuit Finals in 2021 and 2022.Snyder also travels the country sharing her story of triumph over tragedy and has become one of the most sought-after social influencers and motivational speakers in western sports.Her story in her wordsSnyder’s presentations in Ogallala and North Platte are open to the public. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in both locations.Tickets are required and nonrefundable. They must be purchased in advance as they will not be available at the events. Tickets are $10 each with the exception of those for MPCC students and employees who will be admitted free. FFA and other school organizations will also be admitted free with pre-registration.Tickets are available by calling the MPCC Business and Community Education department at (308) 535-3678 and asking for Jeff Smeltzer or Mandy Brandes.

Motivational speaker Amberley Snyder to visit Ogallala/North Platte

Paxton FFA Welcome Back To School BBQ happening this evening

SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 (NORTH PLATTE, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is investigating a death that occurred Friday at Swanson Reservoir State Rec Area in Hitchcock County.

Friday morning at approximately 9:30, Nebraska Game and Parks requested assistance from NSP at the scene of a missing person and boat. A Ford F-150 pickup and empty boat trailer had been located unoccupied at a boat ramp. Game and Parks officers were able to locate the boat, which was also unoccupied, out on the lake. Officers then used sonar equipment and identified what was suspected to be a body underwater near the boat ramp.

The Imperial Search and Rescue dive team was called in and recovered the body of the boat’s owner. The deceased has been identified as Michael Harrison, 68, of Goodland, Kansas.

Hitchcock County has requested that the Nebraska State Patrol investigate the death. Pending a scheduled autopsy, foul play in not suspected at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

The Hitchcock County Sheriff’s Office and Trenton Fire Department also assisted on the scene.

Cody Thomas SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 (NORTH PLATTE, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is investigating a death that occurred Friday at Swanson Reservoir State Rec Area in Hitchcock County.Friday morning at approximately 9:30, Nebraska Game and Parks requested assistance from NSP at the scene of a missing person and boat. A Ford F-150 pickup and empty boat trailer had been located unoccupied at a boat ramp. Game and Parks officers were able to locate the boat, which was also unoccupied, out on the lake. Officers then used sonar equipment and identified what was suspected to be a body underwater near the boat ramp.The Imperial Search and Rescue dive team was called in and recovered the body of the boat’s owner. The deceased has been identified as Michael Harrison, 68, of Goodland, Kansas.Hitchcock County has requested that the Nebraska State Patrol investigate the death. Pending a scheduled autopsy, foul play in not suspected at this time. The investigation is ongoing.The Hitchcock County Sheriff’s Office and Trenton Fire Department also assisted on the scene.

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