&nbsp; On 1/29/24 at approximately 14:06, Scottsbluff Police were dispatched to the intersection of Ave B and W 20th ST in reference to a four-vehicle injury accident. The investigation found that the four vehicles involved were a black 2016 Ford F350 driven by Jared Whiting 41 of Mitchell, a US Postal Service vehicle driven by Robert Hesse 49 of Gering, a white 2007 GMC pickup driven by Chesnie Le 28 of Scottsbluff, and a black 2015 Ford Expedition driven by Alan Carter 62 of Rushville.

The investigation found that the 2016 Ford F350 was north bound in the 1800 block of Ave B when it sideswiped the 2015 Ford Expedition. After the initial impact with the Expedition, the F350 continued north on Ave B until it impacted the rear end of the US Postal vehicle, causing the US Postal vehicle to impact the rear of the 2007 GMC pickup. Hesse and Whiting were treated at Regional West Medical Center for minor injuries. Le was issued a citation for Driving Under Suspension.

A medical complication is being considered as a contributing factor in the accident. The F350 and US Postal vehicle are total losses. The Expedition sustained an estimated $500 in damages and the GMC pickup sustained an estimated $4000 in damages.

Scottsbluff Fire Department, Valley Ambulance, and Scotts Bluff Sheriff Department assisted in the response. The intersection of Ave B and W 20th ST was closed for approximately one hour due to the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scottsbluff Police Department&nbsp; On 1/29/24 at approximately 14:06, Scottsbluff Police were dispatched to the intersection of Ave B and W 20th ST in reference to a four-vehicle injury accident. The investigation found that the four vehicles involved were a black 2016 Ford F350 driven by Jared Whiting 41 of Mitchell, a US Postal Service vehicle driven by Robert Hesse 49 of Gering, a white 2007 GMC pickup driven by Chesnie Le 28 of Scottsbluff, and a black 2015 Ford Expedition driven by Alan Carter 62 of Rushville.The investigation found that the 2016 Ford F350 was north bound in the 1800 block of Ave B when it sideswiped the 2015 Ford Expedition. After the initial impact with the Expedition, the F350 continued north on Ave B until it impacted the rear end of the US Postal vehicle, causing the US Postal vehicle to impact the rear of the 2007 GMC pickup. Hesse and Whiting were treated at Regional West Medical Center for minor injuries. Le was issued a citation for Driving Under Suspension.A medical complication is being considered as a contributing factor in the accident. The F350 and US Postal vehicle are total losses. The Expedition sustained an estimated $500 in damages and the GMC pickup sustained an estimated $4000 in damages.Scottsbluff Fire Department, Valley Ambulance, and Scotts Bluff Sheriff Department assisted in the response. The intersection of Ave B and W 20th ST was closed for approximately one hour due to the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid02LaKLyPMn2FmtCbJPMGiVzT2i7waMQZTWt76tLH2CTaDrD5Jbif48pKnj7imuJXnSl%26id%3D100068922951021&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="704" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Scottsbluff Police responds to four-vehicle injury accident

In March of 2023, the North Platte Police Department submitted a grant application to the Nebraska Crime Commission in hopes of receiving a subgrant award to fund the purchase of a virtual reality training system.&nbsp; The grant funds were made available through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

Training in use of force and de-escalation is typically done in a classroom setting.&nbsp; The lack of trained role players makes it difficult for officers to adequately train on these topics and receive constructive feedback that helps them understand how effective, or ineffective, their communication skills are.&nbsp; 

Agencies utilizing virtual reality (VR) training simulators to train their officers report a more realistic and immersive training environment for use of force, de-escalation, and crisis intervention training.&nbsp; The agencies using VR simulators report an increase in training effectiveness, an increase in hours spent training, an increase in use of force decision making and an increase in the willingness of police officers to train.&nbsp; The equipment is readily available for agency training without having to travel and incur agency training and travel expenses.

In September of 2023, the department received a grant award for $69,500 that funded the entire cost of the Apex Officer VR training system.&nbsp; The procurement process is complete, and several department trainers were trained last week by Apex Officer personnel in the proper use of the system.&nbsp; The system will be incorporated into the department training process and all our officers will train several times each year utilizing the VR system.

Visit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S60Pz7qeWuk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S60Pz7qeWuk</a> for a demonstration of the system.

North Platte Police DepartmentIn March of 2023, the North Platte Police Department submitted a grant application to the Nebraska Crime Commission in hopes of receiving a subgrant award to fund the purchase of a virtual reality training system.&nbsp; The grant funds were made available through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.Training in use of force and de-escalation is typically done in a classroom setting.&nbsp; The lack of trained role players makes it difficult for officers to adequately train on these topics and receive constructive feedback that helps them understand how effective, or ineffective, their communication skills are.&nbsp; Agencies utilizing virtual reality (VR) training simulators to train their officers report a more realistic and immersive training environment for use of force, de-escalation, and crisis intervention training.&nbsp; The agencies using VR simulators report an increase in training effectiveness, an increase in hours spent training, an increase in use of force decision making and an increase in the willingness of police officers to train.&nbsp; The equipment is readily available for agency training without having to travel and incur agency training and travel expenses.In September of 2023, the department received a grant award for $69,500 that funded the entire cost of the Apex Officer VR training system.&nbsp; The procurement process is complete, and several department trainers were trained last week by Apex Officer personnel in the proper use of the system.&nbsp; The system will be incorporated into the department training process and all our officers will train several times each year utilizing the VR system.Visit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S60Pz7qeWuk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S60Pz7qeWuk</a> for a demonstration of the system.

North Platte Police Department announces new Apex Officer VR training system

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/party-may-be-over-for-witty-messages-on-interstate-safety-boards-in-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The party may be over for clever and humorous safety tips on message boards installed over Nebraska freeways.

The&nbsp;Federal Highway Administration, in a recent update of a manual on traffic control devices, recommended that states steer clear of messages with humor, double meanings and references to pop culture.

‘Don’t be a clown, put the phone down’

That may spell the end of advisories like&nbsp;“Don’t be a clown, put the phone down” and the Yuletime warning,&nbsp;“Texting and driving will get you on the naughty list,” which have been used in Nebraska.

Messages with obscure meaning, references to popular culture, that are intended to be humorous ... should not be displayed

– Federal Highway Administration

A spokeswoman for the Nebraska Department of Transportation said the department is reviewing the advisory in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-12-19/pdf/2023-27178.pdf">Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices</a>.

Spokeswoman Jeni Campana said NDOT was among the highway agencies involved in putting together the 11th edition of the traffic control manual, but she wouldn’t say if humor was now out.

“NDOT is currently reviewing the MUTCD for changes to be implemented over the course of the next several years.,” Campana told the Examiner. “This includes our review of the messages placed on our overhead boards.”

The state has been posting safety messages every Friday since 2016. It now has now more than 50 message boards across the state. NDOT has encouraged the public to submit clever phrases that fit the boards, which display three lines of type, 17 characters per line.

Humor and references to current events or pop culture were used, state officials have said, to make the messages more memorable and thus more effective.

The signs are also used to convey some sobering information — an update of the state’s traffic fatalities.

But a 2021<a href="https://www.virginiadot.org/vtrc/main/online_reports/pdf/20-r16.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;study</a>&nbsp;for the Virginia Department of Transportation found that while funny messages sparked the most brain activity, there was no evidence that it actually changed driver behavior in terms of increased use of safety belts or decreased accidents.

There was also concern that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dcist.com/story/21/07/20/interstate-message-signs-are-getting-funnier-but-do-they-work/">the witty notices might distract</a>&nbsp;drivers, according to the news outlet DCist.

The Federal Highway Administration, in its updated manual, discouraged states from using “messages with obscure meaning, references to popular culture, that are intended to be humorous….”

The agency stated that such messages “can be misunderstood or understood only by a limited segment of road users….”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706623797613.jpeg" alt="Freeway message boards, like this one on U.S. 77 west of Lincoln, are mainly used for alerting motorists to traffic delays, detours ahead or Amber Alerts. On Fridays, however, a safety message is posted to urge drivers to buckle up or take over precautions. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Freeway message boards, like this one on U.S. 77 west of Lincoln, are mainly used for alerting motorists to traffic delays, detours ahead or Amber Alerts. On Fridays, however, a safety message is posted to urge drivers to buckle up or take over precautions. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/party-may-be-over-for-witty-messages-on-interstate-safety-boards-in-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The party may be over for clever and humorous safety tips on message boards installed over Nebraska freeways.The&nbsp;Federal Highway Administration, in a recent update of a manual on traffic control devices, recommended that states steer clear of messages with humor, double meanings and references to pop culture.<h2>‘Don’t be a clown, put the phone down’</h2>That may spell the end of advisories like&nbsp;“Don’t be a clown, put the phone down” and the Yuletime warning,&nbsp;“Texting and driving will get you on the naughty list,” which have been used in Nebraska.Messages with obscure meaning, references to popular culture, that are intended to be humorous ... should not be displayed– Federal Highway AdministrationA spokeswoman for the Nebraska Department of Transportation said the department is reviewing the advisory in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-12-19/pdf/2023-27178.pdf">Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices</a>.Spokeswoman Jeni Campana said NDOT was among the highway agencies involved in putting together the 11th edition of the traffic control manual, but she wouldn’t say if humor was now out.“NDOT is currently reviewing the MUTCD for changes to be implemented over the course of the next several years.,” Campana told the Examiner. “This includes our review of the messages placed on our overhead boards.”<h2>Began in 2016</h2>The state has been posting safety messages every Friday since 2016. It now has now more than 50 message boards across the state. NDOT has encouraged the public to submit clever phrases that fit the boards, which display three lines of type, 17 characters per line.Humor and references to current events or pop culture were used, state officials have said, to make the messages more memorable and thus more effective.The signs are also used to convey some sobering information — an update of the state’s traffic fatalities.But a 2021<a href="https://www.virginiadot.org/vtrc/main/online_reports/pdf/20-r16.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;study</a>&nbsp;for the Virginia Department of Transportation found that while funny messages sparked the most brain activity, there was no evidence that it actually changed driver behavior in terms of increased use of safety belts or decreased accidents.There was also concern that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dcist.com/story/21/07/20/interstate-message-signs-are-getting-funnier-but-do-they-work/">the witty notices might distract</a>&nbsp;drivers, according to the news outlet DCist.The Federal Highway Administration, in its updated manual, discouraged states from using “messages with obscure meaning, references to popular culture, that are intended to be humorous….”The agency stated that such messages “can be misunderstood or understood only by a limited segment of road users….”

Party may be over for witty messages on Interstate safety boards in Nebraska

The City of North Platte and Keep North Platte &amp; Lincoln County Beautiful are pleased to announce that new user-friendly recycling drop off bins are finishing their final touches to be placed around the community. There are currently 7 drop off locations around North Platte which are available to the public 24 hours a day.&nbsp;

The items received in the bins will not change. Each is equipped with 8 compartments holding tin, aluminum, mixed paper, newspapers/magazines and plastic #1 &amp; #2.&nbsp; Larger cardboard receptacles will be available at each location.&nbsp; You can visit the website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keepnorthplattebeautiful.org/recycling" target="_blank">www.keepnorthplattebeautiful.org/recycling</a>&nbsp;for information on items accepted. A QR code is also printed on each bin that directs you to the website.&nbsp;

The engineering, fabrication and graphics were all done locally.&nbsp; The upgraded features include lower to the ground openings, doors that are easy to operate, graphics that promote North Platte, and clear concise labeling on items accepted in each compartment.&nbsp; Bin labels are created by Recycle Across America which convey a clear message about recyclables accepted. The overall goal is to increase recycling rates and decrease contamination of recyclable materials.&nbsp;

“We have worked on this project for a few years now,” said Mona Anderson, Executive Director of Keep North Platte &amp; Lincoln County Beautiful. “It is exciting to see it almost completed.”&nbsp; Anderson reported that there are still some graphics that need to be placed on the bins before they are functional, but hopes that within the next few weeks the bins will be phased in.&nbsp;

The City of North Platte invested considerable time and money into the bin construction. A small grant was received to help with the graphic expense from the Nebraska Recycling Council and Nebraska Environmental Trust.&nbsp; Steve Mentzer, Public Service Director stated, “We really wanted to see North Platte have a successful recycling program and be at the forefront of bin development.&nbsp; With the recycling markets becoming less accessible, and our landfills stretched, it is time to be proactive with increased, less contaminated recycling. The bins are an investment for our community that will serve us for the next generation.”

The next steps will include education, troubleshooting, and data collection to determine the effectiveness of bins.&nbsp; Samples will be taken, and bins will be monitored to collect data.&nbsp; Any questions can be directed to Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful at 308-534-8100 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:knplcb@yahoo.com">knplcb@yahoo.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706558217899.jpeg" alt="New recyling bins" />
 <figcaption>New recyling bins</figcaption>
 </figure>Mona AndersonThe City of North Platte and Keep North Platte &amp; Lincoln County Beautiful are pleased to announce that new user-friendly recycling drop off bins are finishing their final touches to be placed around the community. There are currently 7 drop off locations around North Platte which are available to the public 24 hours a day.&nbsp;The items received in the bins will not change. Each is equipped with 8 compartments holding tin, aluminum, mixed paper, newspapers/magazines and plastic #1 &amp; #2.&nbsp; Larger cardboard receptacles will be available at each location.&nbsp; You can visit the website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keepnorthplattebeautiful.org/recycling" target="_blank">www.keepnorthplattebeautiful.org/recycling</a>&nbsp;for information on items accepted. A QR code is also printed on each bin that directs you to the website.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706558250520.png" alt="New recyling bins" />
 <figcaption>New recyling bins</figcaption>
 </figure>The engineering, fabrication and graphics were all done locally.&nbsp; The upgraded features include lower to the ground openings, doors that are easy to operate, graphics that promote North Platte, and clear concise labeling on items accepted in each compartment.&nbsp; Bin labels are created by Recycle Across America which convey a clear message about recyclables accepted. The overall goal is to increase recycling rates and decrease contamination of recyclable materials.&nbsp;“We have worked on this project for a few years now,” said Mona Anderson, Executive Director of Keep North Platte &amp; Lincoln County Beautiful. “It is exciting to see it almost completed.”&nbsp; Anderson reported that there are still some graphics that need to be placed on the bins before they are functional, but hopes that within the next few weeks the bins will be phased in.&nbsp;The City of North Platte invested considerable time and money into the bin construction. A small grant was received to help with the graphic expense from the Nebraska Recycling Council and Nebraska Environmental Trust.&nbsp; Steve Mentzer, Public Service Director stated, “We really wanted to see North Platte have a successful recycling program and be at the forefront of bin development.&nbsp; With the recycling markets becoming less accessible, and our landfills stretched, it is time to be proactive with increased, less contaminated recycling. The bins are an investment for our community that will serve us for the next generation.”The next steps will include education, troubleshooting, and data collection to determine the effectiveness of bins.&nbsp; Samples will be taken, and bins will be monitored to collect data.&nbsp; Any questions can be directed to Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful at 308-534-8100 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:knplcb@yahoo.com">knplcb@yahoo.com</a>.

New Recycling Bins Set to Roll Out in North Platte

University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s beef program will be presenting the latest feedlot-related research findings in meetings across Nebraska in February.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend the meetings Feb. 13, 14 and 15 in Bridgeport, Gothenburg and West Point, respectively."With precision technology and the tools we have available, we can offer producers more scientifically-supported, specific information than ever before," said Dr. Jessica Sperber, UNL Feedlot Extension specialist and organizer of the event.

The roundtables will discuss new technologies in cattle feeding, a 2024 market outlook, severe weather responses, results of the 2022 National Beef Quality audit and hiring employees on visas. The information will be presented by UNL faculty, Nebraska beef producers, and speakers from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Nebraska Cattlemen affiliates.

"We heard from producers that some of their challenges are employee recruitment and retention, plus the perennial issues presented by regulation, the weather and markets," Sperber said. "That feedback shaped our planning for these events, so we’re talking about updates to implant labels, the use of a stress-relieving pheromone for cattle, and a feed supplement that claims to reduce ammonia gas emissions from cattle. On the employment front we’re hosting a feedlot producer panel, and including ag immigration attorneys who will talk about the process of recruiting and hiring through the visa process. The market update and new information about responding to severe weather will give producers tools to plan for the challenges of the coming year."

The roundtables are from 12:30 to 5 pm. Cost is $30 paid online at registration or at the door.

Please pre-register at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.lt.acemlnb.com/Prod/link-tracker?redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZnby51bmwuZWR1JTJGMjAyNHJvdW5kdGFibGU=&amp;sig=D8E42GSZMgLVANMghu8FYVC8j31abmsYXURPtup5LUMN&amp;iat=1706554441&amp;a=%7C%7C68108822%7C%7C&amp;account=unl233%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&amp;email=rLuLRv1KOWnasChWuH3N1rdVfUzGfXEciyGi3is5urUN9mOoZoeA1Tg%3D%3AUJrL0nU3focQW4%2B104BPCtlt1zaomLjc&amp;s=073f67d35943f6c01a66f2eac84e284e&amp;i=582A675A50A11849" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/2024roundtable</a>by Friday, Feb. 9.For more information, contact Dr. Jessica Sperber, Beef Feedlot Extension Specialist; email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jsperber2@unl.edu" target="_blank">jsperber2@unl.edu</a>.

University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s beef program will be presenting the latest feedlot-related research findings in meetings across Nebraska in February.Anyone interested is welcome to attend the meetings Feb. 13, 14 and 15 in Bridgeport, Gothenburg and West Point, respectively."With precision technology and the tools we have available, we can offer producers more scientifically-supported, specific information than ever before," said Dr. Jessica Sperber, UNL Feedlot Extension specialist and organizer of the event.The roundtables will discuss new technologies in cattle feeding, a 2024 market outlook, severe weather responses, results of the 2022 National Beef Quality audit and hiring employees on visas. The information will be presented by UNL faculty, Nebraska beef producers, and speakers from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Nebraska Cattlemen affiliates."We heard from producers that some of their challenges are employee recruitment and retention, plus the perennial issues presented by regulation, the weather and markets," Sperber said. "That feedback shaped our planning for these events, so we’re talking about updates to implant labels, the use of a stress-relieving pheromone for cattle, and a feed supplement that claims to reduce ammonia gas emissions from cattle. On the employment front we’re hosting a feedlot producer panel, and including ag immigration attorneys who will talk about the process of recruiting and hiring through the visa process. The market update and new information about responding to severe weather will give producers tools to plan for the challenges of the coming year."The roundtables are from 12:30 to 5 pm. Cost is $30 paid online at registration or at the door.<ul>
 <li>Tuesday, Feb. 13 in Bridgeport at the Prairie Winds Community Center</li><li>Wednesday, Feb. 14 in Gothenburg at the Bayer Water Utilization Learning Center</li><li>Thursday, Feb. 15&nbsp;in West Point&nbsp; at the Nielsen Community Center</li>
 </ul>Please pre-register at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.lt.acemlnb.com/Prod/link-tracker?redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZnby51bmwuZWR1JTJGMjAyNHJvdW5kdGFibGU=&amp;sig=D8E42GSZMgLVANMghu8FYVC8j31abmsYXURPtup5LUMN&amp;iat=1706554441&amp;a=%7C%7C68108822%7C%7C&amp;account=unl233%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&amp;email=rLuLRv1KOWnasChWuH3N1rdVfUzGfXEciyGi3is5urUN9mOoZoeA1Tg%3D%3AUJrL0nU3focQW4%2B104BPCtlt1zaomLjc&amp;s=073f67d35943f6c01a66f2eac84e284e&amp;i=582A675A50A11849" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/2024roundtable</a>by Friday, Feb. 9.For more information, contact Dr. Jessica Sperber, Beef Feedlot Extension Specialist; email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jsperber2@unl.edu" target="_blank">jsperber2@unl.edu</a>.

2024 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series meetings scheduled across Nebraska

Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with Wendy Dodson and Gwen Covey about Catholic School Week, which a nationwide campaign. Catholic School week began on Sunday and runs through Saturday. If you would like to learn a more in-depth of what Catholic Schools Week and more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

***Reupload due to audio issues over the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post&nbsp;Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with Wendy Dodson and Gwen Covey about Catholic School Week, which a nationwide campaign. Catholic School week began on Sunday and runs through Saturday. If you would like to learn a more in-depth of what Catholic Schools Week and more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;***Reupload due to audio issues over the weekend.<div><iframe title="(Audio) - Catholic Schools Week" 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=bhxku-1564fdd-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>

(Audio) - Catholic School Week officially underway

**UPDATE:  The subject has been identified.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; The North Platte Police Department is looking to identify the subject in this photo, as part of an investigation. If you have any information on the identity of this subject, please contact the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789 or submit your information anonymously, at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Flincolncountycrimestoppers.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR10tN0VLXLAr-pOsnLO9LfeolKtNiVRogsTj-O5QTeQTaal0h3z8zTy9KY&amp;h=AT2gmPtKLeoc-c-i3ldGE_vG7WRq6sUWAfpTH1WCY6pdMRujDzvPVByyyOo4owmaTbbs7KAfip5CA1VAtOldT963SbzW0ARnPGZD3ZkqRKcjAqlWE1_8a3wcSwmJ6Tf7l0xP&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2N33zL_FI7D-AsbaJEYOX9r1NdOs90MBzP4V1eCM8pHTtkDGxQGQ2BRMW18oVTuMb9sv2Y0p3EabxtAXZu8sWEmD9oh3FqpG8Eprc3MBx0cnXZehBYdwajutvDKWqkxOZ5QC0ey_4TVT60nsfwtNwvKF14GDoJ0UFWDmrlMmdYAqAB2_LyMKUnqoJTvVCWdByccWzhTBLh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lincolncountycrimestoppers.com</a> or by calling, 308-534-8400.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706546913636.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NPPD**UPDATE: The subject has been identified.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The North Platte Police Department is looking to identify the subject in this photo, as part of an investigation. If you have any information on the identity of this subject, please contact the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789 or submit your information anonymously, at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Flincolncountycrimestoppers.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR10tN0VLXLAr-pOsnLO9LfeolKtNiVRogsTj-O5QTeQTaal0h3z8zTy9KY&amp;h=AT2gmPtKLeoc-c-i3ldGE_vG7WRq6sUWAfpTH1WCY6pdMRujDzvPVByyyOo4owmaTbbs7KAfip5CA1VAtOldT963SbzW0ARnPGZD3ZkqRKcjAqlWE1_8a3wcSwmJ6Tf7l0xP&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2N33zL_FI7D-AsbaJEYOX9r1NdOs90MBzP4V1eCM8pHTtkDGxQGQ2BRMW18oVTuMb9sv2Y0p3EabxtAXZu8sWEmD9oh3FqpG8Eprc3MBx0cnXZehBYdwajutvDKWqkxOZ5QC0ey_4TVT60nsfwtNwvKF14GDoJ0UFWDmrlMmdYAqAB2_LyMKUnqoJTvVCWdByccWzhTBLh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lincolncountycrimestoppers.com</a> or by calling, 308-534-8400.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NPPD says subject has been identifed

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/26/bill-advances-to-elect-oppd-nppd-board-members-on-a-partisan-basis/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Candidates for Nebraska’s two largest public power districts would be elected on a partisan basis under a bill advanced from first-round debate Friday in the State Legislature.

State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney, who introduced the proposal, said he was concerned that “East Coast money” has been recently poured into races for the Omaha Public Power District and Nebraska Public Power District and that labeling candidates for those offices as Republican, Democrat or nonpartisan will add clarity to elections.

“Most of the time, that one word choice will tell voters 99% of what they need to know to govern,” Lowe told fellow senators.

Legislative Bill 541 advanced from first-round debate on a 29-16 vote that split along party lines, with Republicans, like Lowe, supporting it and Democrats voting against.

Opponents of the bill, led by two Democrats, Lincoln Sen. Jane Raybould and Omaha Sen. John Cavanaugh, pushed back on the 99% comment and said candidates are elected on much more than their party label. They added that the problem addressed by the bill appears to be campaign spending, not partisanship.

Raybould said keeping “the lights on and the rates low” isn’t a partisan issue.

Cavanaugh said making NPPD and OPPD races partisan could disenfranchise voters because races could be decided in the primary if two candidates are of the same party, preventing those in the opposite party from having a voice in the race.

He and others said partisanship is what has hamstrung politics in Washington and that electing state senators on a nonpartisan basis for the Nebraska Legislature has avoided that.

“I don’t think the people of Nebraska are looking for us to inject more partisanship into our elections,” Cavanaugh said.

He added it was ironic that proponents of the bill adopted an amendment to retain nonpartisan elections for rural electric district boards, due to opposition of the change by the state rural electric association. That, Cavanaugh said, tends to prove the points raised by opponents.

Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood said that “East Coast” money was thrown out as a bad word but that it’s already been shown that East Coast money from well-healed GOP conservatives &nbsp;— the Koch Brothers and Betsy DeVos — have influenced Nebraska elections in the past.

Lowe said public power district races used to be low-cost affairs, costing $40,000 or less to campaign, but have escalated to $100,000 or more due to the influx of out-of-state money. He cited a $475,000 donation from a Washington, D.C., group to the&nbsp;Nebraska Conservation Voters Political Action Committee to influence elections.

Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara, a former member of the NPPD board, said he was targeted for defeat by out-of-state donors because he was a Republican and they wanted someone who supported solar and wind energy.

Columbus Sen. Mike Moser, a Republican, said Democrats opposed the bill because being a member of the party was a detriment to being elected in Nebraska, which is dominated by the GOP in most areas.

“I think all elections should be partisan,” Moser said. “It’s another clue to voter of where you come from, what you stand for … and who to support.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706546347989.jpeg" alt=" State senators debate on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature at the Nebraska State Capitol Building. (Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examinerz)" />
 <figcaption> State senators debate on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature at the Nebraska State Capitol Building. (Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examinerz)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/26/bill-advances-to-elect-oppd-nppd-board-members-on-a-partisan-basis/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Candidates for Nebraska’s two largest public power districts would be elected on a partisan basis under a bill advanced from first-round debate Friday in the State Legislature.State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney, who introduced the proposal, said he was concerned that “East Coast money” has been recently poured into races for the Omaha Public Power District and Nebraska Public Power District and that labeling candidates for those offices as Republican, Democrat or nonpartisan will add clarity to elections.“Most of the time, that one word choice will tell voters 99% of what they need to know to govern,” Lowe told fellow senators.Legislative Bill 541 advanced from first-round debate on a 29-16 vote that split along party lines, with Republicans, like Lowe, supporting it and Democrats voting against.Opponents of the bill, led by two Democrats, Lincoln Sen. Jane Raybould and Omaha Sen. John Cavanaugh, pushed back on the 99% comment and said candidates are elected on much more than their party label. They added that the problem addressed by the bill appears to be campaign spending, not partisanship.Raybould said keeping “the lights on and the rates low” isn’t a partisan issue.Cavanaugh said making NPPD and OPPD races partisan could disenfranchise voters because races could be decided in the primary if two candidates are of the same party, preventing those in the opposite party from having a voice in the race.He and others said partisanship is what has hamstrung politics in Washington and that electing state senators on a nonpartisan basis for the Nebraska Legislature has avoided that.“I don’t think the people of Nebraska are looking for us to inject more partisanship into our elections,” Cavanaugh said.He added it was ironic that proponents of the bill adopted an amendment to retain nonpartisan elections for rural electric district boards, due to opposition of the change by the state rural electric association. That, Cavanaugh said, tends to prove the points raised by opponents.Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood said that “East Coast” money was thrown out as a bad word but that it’s already been shown that East Coast money from well-healed GOP conservatives &nbsp;— the Koch Brothers and Betsy DeVos — have influenced Nebraska elections in the past.Lowe said public power district races used to be low-cost affairs, costing $40,000 or less to campaign, but have escalated to $100,000 or more due to the influx of out-of-state money. He cited a $475,000 donation from a Washington, D.C., group to the&nbsp;Nebraska Conservation Voters Political Action Committee to influence elections.Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara, a former member of the NPPD board, said he was targeted for defeat by out-of-state donors because he was a Republican and they wanted someone who supported solar and wind energy.Columbus Sen. Mike Moser, a Republican, said Democrats opposed the bill because being a member of the party was a detriment to being elected in Nebraska, which is dominated by the GOP in most areas.“I think all elections should be partisan,” Moser said. “It’s another clue to voter of where you come from, what you stand for … and who to support.”

Bill advances to elect OPPD, NPPD board members on a partisan basis

Ogallala, Ne - St. Luke's Catholic Elementary School in Ogallala is preparing for a Big Week during Catholic Schools week, that will conclude with the Annual Winter Festival on Sunday from 11am-2pm at the Keith County Fairgrounds in Ogallala.&nbsp;(PODCAST BELOW) Derek Beck spoke with Music Teacher Hannah Carlson, and students Lizzy Tickle and Wyatt Anderson on Monday to get the lowdown on all the fun this week. 

Ogallala, Ne - St. Luke's Catholic Elementary School in Ogallala is preparing for a Big Week during Catholic Schools week, that will conclude with the Annual Winter Festival on Sunday from 11am-2pm at the Keith County Fairgrounds in Ogallala.&nbsp;(PODCAST BELOW) Derek Beck spoke with Music Teacher Hannah Carlson, and students Lizzy Tickle and Wyatt Anderson on Monday to get the lowdown on all the fun this week. <div><iframe title="St. Luke's Catholic prepares for Catholic Schools Week & Winter Festival this Sunday" 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=jcwby-1564f5e-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><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://npkubota.com/equipment/kubota?gad_source=1">Post Podcast's sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://npkubota.com/equipment/kubota?gad_source=1">Post Podcast's sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706547918699.jpeg" alt="(left to right) Wyatt Anderson, Ms. Hannah Carlson, Lizzy Tickle" />
 <figcaption>(left to right) Wyatt Anderson, Ms. Hannah Carlson, Lizzy Tickle</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706547960375.png" alt="2024 Winter Festival " />
 <figcaption>2024 Winter Festival </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706547995735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

St. Luke's Catholic prepares for Catholic Schools Week & Winter Festival this Sunday (Podcast)

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) encourages women aged 21 and over to screen for cervical cancer. It is very important to get screened regularly because cervical cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages. An estimated 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer occur each year in the United States.

Cervical cancer is the most preventable female cancer with regular screening tests and follow-up. It also is highly curable when found and treated early. There are two tests that can help find it early:

· The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for cell changes on the cervix that can be treated, so that cervical cancer is prevented. The Pap test also can find cervical cancer early when treatment is most effective.

· The HPV test looks for Human Papilloma Virus—the virus that can cause cervical cancer. This test can detect many high-risk types of HPV even before there are visible changes to cervical cells.

Depending on your age, your doctor may recommend you have a Pap test, or an HPV test, or both tests together.

There is a vaccine available to help prevent cancers caused by the HPV virus. Some of the cancers that the HPV vaccine can help prevent include throat, cervical and rectal cancers. This vaccine has been routinely recommended starting at the age of 9- 26 years but now it can also be given to adults aged 27 – 45 years.

Through a grant from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS), SWNPHD works to increase cervical cancer screening in southwest Nebraska through a program called Health Hub. “This program educates women on preventive health screenings, offers assistance to get their screenings scheduled, and helps them progress toward healthy living,” states Lori Rowley RN, Health Hub Program Manager at SWNPHD.

Women with no health insurance or whose insurance does not cover preventive cancer

screenings can qualify for free screenings through the Every Woman Matters Program. Residents of Nebraska can pick up an application at SWNPHD or their local medical clinic.

For more information on cancer screenings or vaccinations, talk to the public health nurses 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. You can also follow SWNPHD on Facebook, TikTok, You Tube and Instagram

Southwest Nebraska Public Health DepartmentSouthwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) encourages women aged 21 and over to screen for cervical cancer. It is very important to get screened regularly because cervical cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages. An estimated 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer occur each year in the United States.Cervical cancer is the most preventable female cancer with regular screening tests and follow-up. It also is highly curable when found and treated early. There are two tests that can help find it early:· The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for cell changes on the cervix that can be treated, so that cervical cancer is prevented. The Pap test also can find cervical cancer early when treatment is most effective.· The HPV test looks for Human Papilloma Virus—the virus that can cause cervical cancer. This test can detect many high-risk types of HPV even before there are visible changes to cervical cells.Depending on your age, your doctor may recommend you have a Pap test, or an HPV test, or both tests together.There is a vaccine available to help prevent cancers caused by the HPV virus. Some of the cancers that the HPV vaccine can help prevent include throat, cervical and rectal cancers. This vaccine has been routinely recommended starting at the age of 9- 26 years but now it can also be given to adults aged 27 – 45 years.Through a grant from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS), SWNPHD works to increase cervical cancer screening in southwest Nebraska through a program called Health Hub. “This program educates women on preventive health screenings, offers assistance to get their screenings scheduled, and helps them progress toward healthy living,” states Lori Rowley RN, Health Hub Program Manager at SWNPHD.Women with no health insurance or whose insurance does not cover preventive cancerscreenings can qualify for free screenings through the Every Woman Matters Program. Residents of Nebraska can pick up an application at SWNPHD or their local medical clinic.For more information on cancer screenings or vaccinations, talk to the public health nurses 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. You can also follow SWNPHD on Facebook, TikTok, You Tube and Instagram

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdGjLPMx3O-wSu3T3aMWlg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdGjLPMx3O-wSu3T3aMWlg</a>

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to enter closed session at any time as necessary to discuss the agenda item currently before the board.

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to take agenda items out of order for the convenience of the involved parties.

Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on January 29, 2024, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:00 A.M.

Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on January 29, 2024, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:15 A.M.

the Village of Farnam Emergency Medical Services

Recess as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization.

Adjourn or recess to time certain as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

Resources Board in response to the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation

Closed session to discuss strategy with respect to pending or imminent litigation, real estate purchase, deployment of security personnel and devices or evaluation of job performance as to prevent needless injury to reputation (if necessary)

Hear concerns from Elected Officials, Department Heads, or their representative.

NOTICE OF HEARING AND AGENDAMonday, January 29, 2024<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdGjLPMx3O-wSu3T3aMWlg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdGjLPMx3O-wSu3T3aMWlg</a>The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to enter closed session at any time as necessary to discuss the agenda item currently before the board.The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to take agenda items out of order for the convenience of the involved parties.Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on January 29, 2024, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:00 A.M.Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on January 29, 2024, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:15 A.M.<ol>
 <li>Open with prayer</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Approve minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting		&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>held on January 22, 2024<ol>
 <li>Consider the following:</li>
 </ol><ul>
 <li>Claims &amp; Treasurer’s Receipts</li><li>Receive and order filed the fee report submitted by the County Sheriff</li><li>Lincoln County /Rural Fire Protection District Interlocal Ambulance Agreement with&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>the Village of Farnam Emergency Medical ServicesRecess as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization.<ol>
 <li>9:15 A.M.	Discuss and consider the following:</li>
 </ol><ul>
 <li>Approve minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting</li>
 </ul>held on January 22, 2024<ul>
 <li>Certificates of correction and refund as submitted by the County Assessor</li><li>Waiver for late filing of permissive exemption application, Form 451 on real property&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Adjourn or recess to time certain as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.<ol>
 <li>9:25 A.M.	Discuss and consider possible action(s) against the California Air</li>
 </ol>Resources Board in response to the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation<ol>
 <li>9:30 A.M.	Quarterly Report by Brandon Myers, Region 51 Emergency Management Director</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>9:40 A.M. 	Discuss and consider proposals for the Lincoln County audits ending June 30, 2024, 2045 &amp; 2026</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>9:50 A.M.	Discuss and consider an agreement with Prodigy Solutions for inmate communication services &amp; commissary services/trust accounting software for the Lincoln County Detention Center</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>10:00 A.M.	Discuss and consider Liberty Tree Program and plaque</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>10:05 A.M.	Discuss and consider submitting fiscal note(s) for legislative bills</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>10:15 A.M. 	Discuss and consider purchase of a mower for the Lincoln County&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Department of Roads<ol>
 <li>10:20 A.M. &nbsp; &nbsp; Lincoln County Employee Recognition</li>
 </ol>Closed session to discuss strategy with respect to pending or imminent litigation, real estate purchase, deployment of security personnel and devices or evaluation of job performance as to prevent needless injury to reputation (if necessary)Hear concerns from Elected Officials, Department Heads, or their representative.

Lincoln County Board of Commissioners 01-29 Agenda

Brian Lee Norgan, 27, North Platte and BrittanyAnn Darlene Loughry, 26, North Platte

Brad Matthew Betts, 55, North Platte and Erica Jean Aden, 37, North Platte

Lukevion TyDarius McCall, 21, North Platte and Callista Lynn Robertus, 24, North Platte

Joshua David Walters-Hunt, 29, North Platte and Alexis Dawn Edwards, 27, North Platte

Juan Parraz Barraza, 54, North Platte and Teresa Ramirez, 59, North Platte

Brian Lee Norgan, 27, North Platte and BrittanyAnn Darlene Loughry, 26, North PlatteBrad Matthew Betts, 55, North Platte and Erica Jean Aden, 37, North PlatteLukevion TyDarius McCall, 21, North Platte and Callista Lynn Robertus, 24, North PlatteJoshua David Walters-Hunt, 29, North Platte and Alexis Dawn Edwards, 27, North PlatteJuan Parraz Barraza, 54, North Platte and Teresa Ramirez, 59, North Platte

Marriage Licenses for Lincoln County (Week of January 22nd)

(SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Scotts Bluff County and Sioux County Sheriff’s Departments, have arrested one person after an incident this morning at the Sioux County Feedlot.

Just after 9:00 a.m. MT Friday, troopers were called to assist deputies in Sioux County after a man had threatened two others with a knife at the Sioux County Feedlot. The suspect was later located at a business in Morrill. Troopers and Scotts Bluff County deputies were able to take the suspect into custody without incident. He was found to be in possession of a knife.

Alden Hill, 49, of Morrill, was arrested for making terroristic threats, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, use of a weapon to commit a felony, sex offender registry violation, and other charges. He was lodged in Scotts Bluff County Jail.

Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol(SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Scotts Bluff County and Sioux County Sheriff’s Departments, have arrested one person after an incident this morning at the Sioux County Feedlot.Just after 9:00 a.m. MT Friday, troopers were called to assist deputies in Sioux County after a man had threatened two others with a knife at the Sioux County Feedlot. The suspect was later located at a business in Morrill. Troopers and Scotts Bluff County deputies were able to take the suspect into custody without incident. He was found to be in possession of a knife.Alden Hill, 49, of Morrill, was arrested for making terroristic threats, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, use of a weapon to commit a felony, sex offender registry violation, and other charges. He was lodged in Scotts Bluff County Jail.

Man Arrested After Incident at Sioux County Feedlot

(North Platte, Nebraska, January 26, 2024) – Local event organizers continue to work hard to create fun&nbsp; and exciting events in North Platte that bring in visitors and contribute to the economic vitality of our&nbsp; community in addition to giving locals and visitors options for unique activities.&nbsp;

Visit North Platte operates under an agreement with the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to&nbsp; facilitate the Nebraska Visitors Development Act. Grant funds, marketing, and operating expenses for&nbsp; Visit North Platte are funded by lodging taxes collected and remitted by lodging properties from&nbsp; overnight stays in Lincoln County.&nbsp;

The Visit North Platte Board of Directors approved grant funding at the monthly meeting on January 24,&nbsp; 2024, for the following events which will be held in March, April, May, and June of 2024. The&nbsp; applications totaled $78,310 in requests and a total of $63,650 was awarded.&nbsp;

• Approved $2,500 in Grant Funds for the Flatrock Pro/Am powered by Prodigy Disc Golf&nbsp; Tournament. This disc golf tournament is an official event sanctioned by the Professional Disc&nbsp; Golf Association (PDGA.) Scheduled to take place on March 16-17, at the Cody Park Disc Golf&nbsp; Course and the River’s Edge Golf Course, the Flatrock Pro/Am promises to be a captivating&nbsp; three-round B-tier tournament.&nbsp;

• Approved $2,000 in Grant Funds for the Eagles State Pool Tournament. This event is held in&nbsp; North Platte every other year and continues to bring in at least 960 pool players along with&nbsp; friends and family members for this three-day tournament. It will be held at the D&amp;N Event&nbsp; Center which will house the required 72+ pool tables on March 22-24.&nbsp;

• Approved $9,000 in Grant Funds for the American Cornhole League Mid-West Regional&nbsp; Tournament. The American Cornhole League (ACL) is hosting a regional tournament in North&nbsp; Platte March 29-30, at the D&amp;N Event Center. Cornhole is one of the fastest growing sports in&nbsp; the United State and has also started to grow internationally. Helping to advertise this event and&nbsp; offering the opportunity for larger payouts to competition winners will help to draw in more&nbsp; attendees from not only neighboring Nebraska communities but surrounding states including&nbsp; Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota. As the sport continues to grow it will be important to&nbsp; emphasize North Platte as a destination for cornhole due to our facilities and central location.

• Approved $4,000 in Grant Funds for the Flatrock Youth Baseball Tournament. What started as&nbsp; a tournament with 19 teams has grown to a tournament with 48 teams out of Nebraska,&nbsp; Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming. This event continues to bring athletes and their families to&nbsp; North Platte to experience not only baseball but everything else our community has to offer.&nbsp; This tournament is scheduled for May 4-5, and will use the ball fields in Centennial Park, Cody&nbsp; Park, and the Dowhower Softball Complex.&nbsp;

• Approved $1,500 in Grant Funds for Music on the Bricks. Music on the Bricks has become a&nbsp; North Platte staple since it began in 2017. The event not only showcases the beautiful&nbsp; downtown Canteen District but also highlights area talent by giving them a chance to perform&nbsp; for a large crowd. There are also vendors, food, and kids’ activities which make it a great time&nbsp; for the entire family. Visitors like to experience destinations by engaging with the locals and&nbsp; seeing what events they gravitate towards. The spring Music on the Bricks event will be held on&nbsp; May 17-18.&nbsp;

• Approved $3,500 in Grant Funds for the Ultimate Bull Riding Tour 6th Annual Bucking Battle&nbsp; and Bash. This event happening on May 24-25 continues to grow each year and offers family&nbsp; friendly entertainment to our visitors and locals alike through bull riding. Stock contractors&nbsp; come from all over the Midwest, with past bull riders coming from not only the United States&nbsp; but also Brazil, Mexico, and New Zealand. Both riders and contractors are competing to win the&nbsp; UBT year end and North Platte is excited to be a stop on the tour. This event will be held at the&nbsp; D&amp;N Event Center.&nbsp;

• Approved $11,500 in Grant Funds for the Platte River Boots and Beef Music Festival. Pals&nbsp; Brewing Company will be hosting this new and exciting music festival in North Platte on May 31- June 1 to kick off the summer. There will be two days of live blues and country music along with&nbsp; a vendor booth area and a sand volleyball tournament. They plan to highlight Nebraska beef in&nbsp; their food offerings for the festival, which they hope to make an annual event.&nbsp;

• Approved $7,700 in Grant Funds for the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Organization. The Miss&nbsp; Nebraska Scholarship competition is one of North Platte’s signature events and their committee&nbsp; continues to provide Nebraska contestants with an exceptional experience and many&nbsp; scholarship opportunities. Miss Nebraska will host a plethora of events in North Platte June 2-8,&nbsp; with the final two days of the event featuring a fast-paced and entertaining show at the North&nbsp; Platte Highschool Auditorium.&nbsp;

• Approved $4,300 in Grant Funds to North Platte Pickleball for their PFA Round Up&nbsp; Tournament. The North Platte Pickleball Club is hosting a tournament on June 5-9 at Memorial&nbsp; Park. As the sport of pickleball continues to grow in popularity, hosting tournaments like this&nbsp; gives our community the opportunity to draw in competitors from surrounding communities&nbsp; while also offering recreational opportunities for our local residents.&nbsp;

• Approved $6,400 in Grant Funds for the Buffalo Bill Softball Tournament. North Platte’s Express Fastpitch Softball team will host the tournament on June 7-9 in North Platte. This is a&nbsp; sanctioned USA fastpitch softball tournament for ages 10-18 and is open to all levels of fastpitch&nbsp; softball players. Continuing to host softball in North Platte keeps us on the map as a destination&nbsp;

for future tournaments, gives visiting players and their families the chance to explore our city,&nbsp; and offers our residents the opportunity to enjoy watching the sport.&nbsp;

• Approved $11,250 in Grant Funds for NEBRASKAland Days. NEBRASKAland Days features four&nbsp; nights of PRCA Rodeo and two nights of big-name county music concerts that are all held at the&nbsp; Wild West Arena. There are also many other events throughout the community such as a&nbsp; NEBRASKAland Days on parade, a quilt show, and the flapjack feed, just to name a few and it&nbsp; draws visitors from not only surrounding communities, but also surrounding states.&nbsp; NEBRASKAland Days is the official celebration of the State of Nebraska and will be celebrating its&nbsp; 60th year in 2024.&nbsp;

The next round of funding is now open, with an April 1 deadline for events or projects occurring in July,&nbsp; August, and September of 2024. These applications will be considered at the regular monthly Board of&nbsp; Directors meeting scheduled for April 24, 2024. Anyone interested in submitting a grant application is&nbsp; encouraged to contact the Visitors Bureau at 308-532-4729 and discuss their project with a staff&nbsp; member.&nbsp;

Visit North Platte(North Platte, Nebraska, January 26, 2024) – Local event organizers continue to work hard to create fun&nbsp; and exciting events in North Platte that bring in visitors and contribute to the economic vitality of our&nbsp; community in addition to giving locals and visitors options for unique activities.&nbsp;Visit North Platte operates under an agreement with the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to&nbsp; facilitate the Nebraska Visitors Development Act. Grant funds, marketing, and operating expenses for&nbsp; Visit North Platte are funded by lodging taxes collected and remitted by lodging properties from&nbsp; overnight stays in Lincoln County.&nbsp;The Visit North Platte Board of Directors approved grant funding at the monthly meeting on January 24,&nbsp; 2024, for the following events which will be held in March, April, May, and June of 2024. The&nbsp; applications totaled $78,310 in requests and a total of $63,650 was awarded.&nbsp;• Approved $2,500 in Grant Funds for the Flatrock Pro/Am powered by Prodigy Disc Golf&nbsp; Tournament. This disc golf tournament is an official event sanctioned by the Professional Disc&nbsp; Golf Association (PDGA.) Scheduled to take place on March 16-17, at the Cody Park Disc Golf&nbsp; Course and the River’s Edge Golf Course, the Flatrock Pro/Am promises to be a captivating&nbsp; three-round B-tier tournament.&nbsp;• Approved $2,000 in Grant Funds for the Eagles State Pool Tournament. This event is held in&nbsp; North Platte every other year and continues to bring in at least 960 pool players along with&nbsp; friends and family members for this three-day tournament. It will be held at the D&amp;N Event&nbsp; Center which will house the required 72+ pool tables on March 22-24.&nbsp;• Approved $9,000 in Grant Funds for the American Cornhole League Mid-West Regional&nbsp; Tournament. The American Cornhole League (ACL) is hosting a regional tournament in North&nbsp; Platte March 29-30, at the D&amp;N Event Center. Cornhole is one of the fastest growing sports in&nbsp; the United State and has also started to grow internationally. Helping to advertise this event and&nbsp; offering the opportunity for larger payouts to competition winners will help to draw in more&nbsp; attendees from not only neighboring Nebraska communities but surrounding states including&nbsp; Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota. As the sport continues to grow it will be important to&nbsp; emphasize North Platte as a destination for cornhole due to our facilities and central location.• Approved $4,000 in Grant Funds for the Flatrock Youth Baseball Tournament. What started as&nbsp; a tournament with 19 teams has grown to a tournament with 48 teams out of Nebraska,&nbsp; Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming. This event continues to bring athletes and their families to&nbsp; North Platte to experience not only baseball but everything else our community has to offer.&nbsp; This tournament is scheduled for May 4-5, and will use the ball fields in Centennial Park, Cody&nbsp; Park, and the Dowhower Softball Complex.&nbsp;• Approved $1,500 in Grant Funds for Music on the Bricks. Music on the Bricks has become a&nbsp; North Platte staple since it began in 2017. The event not only showcases the beautiful&nbsp; downtown Canteen District but also highlights area talent by giving them a chance to perform&nbsp; for a large crowd. There are also vendors, food, and kids’ activities which make it a great time&nbsp; for the entire family. Visitors like to experience destinations by engaging with the locals and&nbsp; seeing what events they gravitate towards. The spring Music on the Bricks event will be held on&nbsp; May 17-18.&nbsp;• Approved $3,500 in Grant Funds for the Ultimate Bull Riding Tour 6th Annual Bucking Battle&nbsp; and Bash. This event happening on May 24-25 continues to grow each year and offers family&nbsp; friendly entertainment to our visitors and locals alike through bull riding. Stock contractors&nbsp; come from all over the Midwest, with past bull riders coming from not only the United States&nbsp; but also Brazil, Mexico, and New Zealand. Both riders and contractors are competing to win the&nbsp; UBT year end and North Platte is excited to be a stop on the tour. This event will be held at the&nbsp; D&amp;N Event Center.&nbsp;• Approved $11,500 in Grant Funds for the Platte River Boots and Beef Music Festival. Pals&nbsp; Brewing Company will be hosting this new and exciting music festival in North Platte on May 31- June 1 to kick off the summer. There will be two days of live blues and country music along with&nbsp; a vendor booth area and a sand volleyball tournament. They plan to highlight Nebraska beef in&nbsp; their food offerings for the festival, which they hope to make an annual event.&nbsp;• Approved $7,700 in Grant Funds for the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Organization. The Miss&nbsp; Nebraska Scholarship competition is one of North Platte’s signature events and their committee&nbsp; continues to provide Nebraska contestants with an exceptional experience and many&nbsp; scholarship opportunities. Miss Nebraska will host a plethora of events in North Platte June 2-8,&nbsp; with the final two days of the event featuring a fast-paced and entertaining show at the North&nbsp; Platte Highschool Auditorium.&nbsp;• Approved $4,300 in Grant Funds to North Platte Pickleball for their PFA Round Up&nbsp; Tournament. The North Platte Pickleball Club is hosting a tournament on June 5-9 at Memorial&nbsp; Park. As the sport of pickleball continues to grow in popularity, hosting tournaments like this&nbsp; gives our community the opportunity to draw in competitors from surrounding communities&nbsp; while also offering recreational opportunities for our local residents.&nbsp;• Approved $6,400 in Grant Funds for the Buffalo Bill Softball Tournament. North Platte’s Express Fastpitch Softball team will host the tournament on June 7-9 in North Platte. This is a&nbsp; sanctioned USA fastpitch softball tournament for ages 10-18 and is open to all levels of fastpitch&nbsp; softball players. Continuing to host softball in North Platte keeps us on the map as a destination&nbsp;for future tournaments, gives visiting players and their families the chance to explore our city,&nbsp; and offers our residents the opportunity to enjoy watching the sport.&nbsp;• Approved $11,250 in Grant Funds for NEBRASKAland Days. NEBRASKAland Days features four&nbsp; nights of PRCA Rodeo and two nights of big-name county music concerts that are all held at the&nbsp; Wild West Arena. There are also many other events throughout the community such as a&nbsp; NEBRASKAland Days on parade, a quilt show, and the flapjack feed, just to name a few and it&nbsp; draws visitors from not only surrounding communities, but also surrounding states.&nbsp; NEBRASKAland Days is the official celebration of the State of Nebraska and will be celebrating its&nbsp; 60th year in 2024.&nbsp;The next round of funding is now open, with an April 1 deadline for events or projects occurring in July,&nbsp; August, and September of 2024. These applications will be considered at the regular monthly Board of&nbsp; Directors meeting scheduled for April 24, 2024. Anyone interested in submitting a grant application is&nbsp; encouraged to contact the Visitors Bureau at 308-532-4729 and discuss their project with a staff&nbsp; member.&nbsp;

Visit North Platte Grant Awards 

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has been made aware of a recent scam where a retired Sgt. Davis is contacting citizens regarding a missed court subpoena. If you ever have a question or concern please contact our office at 308-535-9599 directly.

Lincoln County Sheriff's OfficeThe Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has been made aware of a recent scam where a retired Sgt. Davis is contacting citizens regarding a missed court subpoena. If you ever have a question or concern please contact our office at 308-535-9599 directly.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLincolnCountySheriffsOfficeNP%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02taLjznXAJgzk5rU6PSyqQkMLSxtmNvnx5rv6ghF835kiJvgP5zMyzsfpkSUrtRySl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="368" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office makes public aware of recent scam

No more 2024 Nebraska spring turkey hunting permits are available to nonresidents. The quota of 10,000 permits has sold out, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Permits were available for purchase by nonresidents beginning Jan. 8, 2024. The last permit of the quota was purchased Jan. 25.

This is the second year for the 10,000-permit quota for nonresidents. In 2023 the permit sold out on March 24.

The fall turkey season permits will go on sale Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. Central time.

For more information on turkey hunting, read the 2024 Turkey Guide at&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/guides-maps/hunting-guides/" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

Jerry KaneNebraska Games and ParksNo more 2024 Nebraska spring turkey hunting permits are available to nonresidents. The quota of 10,000 permits has sold out, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.Permits were available for purchase by nonresidents beginning Jan. 8, 2024. The last permit of the quota was purchased Jan. 25.This is the second year for the 10,000-permit quota for nonresidents. In 2023 the permit sold out on March 24.The fall turkey season permits will go on sale Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. Central time.For more information on turkey hunting, read the 2024 Turkey Guide at&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/guides-maps/hunting-guides/" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

Nonresident Nebraska turkey permits sold out

The Lincoln County Historical Museum was given the entire Brown-Harano Photo Studio’s archive of photographs.  The studio was located in North Platte, Nebraska.  The collection ranges from the 1930’s to 2017 and encompasses thousands of photographs. 

 The museum has removed any historical photos for our archives and per the request of the last owner of Brown-Harano Photo Studio we are using the rest as a fundraiser.  Anyone who might have had pictures taken at the studio can go to the museum’s website, lincolncountymuseum.org, and click on the Brown-Harano link to look at the database of names to find themselves or relatives. 

 If they find photos they would like to have they can call the museum or email the museum to request the photos.  As it is considered a fundraiser we would be grateful if a donation was made.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706280827616.jpeg" alt="Lincoln County Historical Museum (Photo from Lincoln County Historical Museum Facebook)" />
 <figcaption>Lincoln County Historical Museum (Photo from Lincoln County Historical Museum Facebook)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lincoln County Historical Museum was given the entire Brown-Harano Photo Studio’s archive of photographs. The studio was located in North Platte, Nebraska. The collection ranges from the 1930’s to 2017 and encompasses thousands of photographs. The museum has removed any historical photos for our archives and per the request of the last owner of Brown-Harano Photo Studio we are using the rest as a fundraiser. Anyone who might have had pictures taken at the studio can go to the museum’s website, lincolncountymuseum.org, and click on the Brown-Harano link to look at the database of names to find themselves or relatives. If they find photos they would like to have they can call the museum or email the museum to request the photos. As it is considered a fundraiser we would be grateful if a donation was made.&nbsp;

Lincoln County Historical Museum fundraiser event

Lexington, NEB. - On Tuesday, January 23rd, at approximately 1:41 pm, The Dawson County Sherriff's Office was notified of a two-vehicle injury accident located at or near mile marker 337 on North Highway 21, north of Lexington.

It was then determined that the northbound vehicle being driven by 76-year-old Donna Prentice and occupied by passenger, 66-year-old Bobby Prentice, both of Oconto, Nebraska has crossed the center line and collided with a southbound pickup truck being driven by 45-year-old Patrick Berggren of Broken Bow, Nebraska.

The collision caused&nbsp; the vehicle being drive by Prentice to roll, where it came to a stop in the northbound lane of Highway 21 with her trapped inside.

The Lexington Rescue Department extracted Prentice where she and her passenger were transported to Lexington Regional Health Center for treatment of injuries that were sustained in the crash. Berggren was treated and released at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

Dawson County Sheriff's OfficeLexington, NEB. - On Tuesday, January 23rd, at approximately 1:41 pm, The Dawson County Sherriff's Office was notified of a two-vehicle injury accident located at or near mile marker 337 on North Highway 21, north of Lexington.It was then determined that the northbound vehicle being driven by 76-year-old Donna Prentice and occupied by passenger, 66-year-old Bobby Prentice, both of Oconto, Nebraska has crossed the center line and collided with a southbound pickup truck being driven by 45-year-old Patrick Berggren of Broken Bow, Nebraska.The collision caused&nbsp; the vehicle being drive by Prentice to roll, where it came to a stop in the northbound lane of Highway 21 with her trapped inside.The Lexington Rescue Department extracted Prentice where she and her passenger were transported to Lexington Regional Health Center for treatment of injuries that were sustained in the crash. Berggren was treated and released at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

Head on collision north of Lexington results in two being transported to Lexington Regional Health Center

&nbsp;To&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;water&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;safety,&nbsp;Nebraska’s&nbsp;Natural&nbsp;Resources Districts (NRDs) and other sponsors continue a strong partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on several dam assessments across the state.

&nbsp;2023,&nbsp;18&nbsp;floodwater&nbsp;reduction&nbsp;dam&nbsp;assessments&nbsp;were&nbsp;completed&nbsp;with&nbsp;seven&nbsp;NRDs&nbsp;–&nbsp;Lower Big Blue, Lower Elkhorn, Lower Platte South, Nemaha, North Platte, Papio-Missouri River, and Upper Niobrara White. The cities of Bayard, Plattsmouth, Gordon, and the Pathfinder and Farmers Irrigation Districts were also joint local partners.

Dam assessments are detailed inspections that analyze the current hazard classification, determine if the dam meets current design standards and evaluate if any deficiencies are present. In some cases, corrective actions may be listed to address deficiencies or to meet design&nbsp;standards.&nbsp;Dam&nbsp;assessments&nbsp;are&nbsp;funded&nbsp;under&nbsp;the&nbsp;NRCS&nbsp;Watershed&nbsp;Rehabilitation Program, which was authorized in 1981.

“NRCS is pleased to provide technical and financial assistance to partners like NRDs, communities and others for addressing dam safety,” said Nebraska State Conservationist Rob Lawson. “Our&nbsp;purpose&nbsp;is&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;local&nbsp;sponsors&nbsp;identify&nbsp;any&nbsp;needed&nbsp;improvements&nbsp;to&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;long-term structural integrity.”

NRCS’s first focus is to complete assessments on dams that provide flood protection upstream of&nbsp;towns&nbsp;and&nbsp;cities.&nbsp;Because&nbsp;of&nbsp;their&nbsp;location,&nbsp;these&nbsp;structures&nbsp;are&nbsp;classified as&nbsp;“high&nbsp;hazard”&nbsp;by the state of Nebraska and thus receive top priority for review.

“Local sponsors&nbsp;have done a&nbsp;great job operating&nbsp;and&nbsp;maintaining&nbsp;dams over&nbsp;the&nbsp;years; however, repairs&nbsp;or&nbsp;alterations&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;needed&nbsp;as&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;ages,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;NRCS&nbsp;Dam&nbsp;Safety&nbsp;Engineer Bob Sullivan. “Many of these structures were built 40 to 60 years ago.”

On&nbsp;behalf&nbsp;of&nbsp;participating&nbsp;NRDs,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Association&nbsp;of&nbsp;Resources&nbsp;Districts&nbsp;(NARD) coordinates the dam assessments with NRCS and contracted with local engineering firms including JEO Consulting Group and Houston Engineering.

“We appreciate the excellent work of the NARD to coordinate these assessments with NRDs,” Lawson said. “This is a great example of federal, state, and local entities working together to accomplish mutual goals.”

“Completing&nbsp;these assessments&nbsp;is the&nbsp;first&nbsp;step in&nbsp;securing&nbsp;additional&nbsp;federal funding&nbsp;to&nbsp;help address&nbsp;any&nbsp;dam&nbsp;deficiencies&nbsp;that&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;found,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;NARD&nbsp;President&nbsp;Dr. Orval Gigstad. “This&nbsp;program&nbsp;is vital in&nbsp;helping NRDs protect&nbsp;the&nbsp;lives, property, and&nbsp;future of Nebraskans.”

This&nbsp;partnership&nbsp;began in 2022&nbsp;when&nbsp;nine&nbsp;dam&nbsp;assessments&nbsp;were completed&nbsp;across&nbsp;Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706212755462.jpeg" alt="Front row from left, Rob Lawson, USDA NRCS State Conservationist; David Potter, Lower Platte South NRD Assistant Manager; Tom Green, Lower Platte South NRD Director; J. Scott Sobotka, Lower Big Blue NRD General Manager; John Winkler, Papio-Missouri River NRD General Manager. Middle row from left, Mark Hall, Lower Elkhorn NRD Director; Kyle Hauschild, Nemaha NRD General Manager; Steve Sandberg, Upper Niobrara White NRD Director; Larry Barta and Steve Kelley, Lower Big Blue NRD Directors. Back row from left, Curt Becker, Lower Elkhorn NRD Assistant Manager; Dr. Orval Gigstad, NARD President and Nemaha NRD Director; Pat O’Brien, Upper Niobrara White NRD General Manager; Ryan Reuter, North Platte NRD Director; and Travis Preston, North Platte NRD Assistant Manager" />
 <figcaption>Front row from left, Rob Lawson, USDA NRCS State Conservationist; David Potter, Lower Platte South NRD Assistant Manager; Tom Green, Lower Platte South NRD Director; J. Scott Sobotka, Lower Big Blue NRD General Manager; John Winkler, Papio-Missouri River NRD General Manager. Middle row from left, Mark Hall, Lower Elkhorn NRD Director; Kyle Hauschild, Nemaha NRD General Manager; Steve Sandberg, Upper Niobrara White NRD Director; Larry Barta and Steve Kelley, Lower Big Blue NRD Directors. Back row from left, Curt Becker, Lower Elkhorn NRD Assistant Manager; Dr. Orval Gigstad, NARD President and Nemaha NRD Director; Pat O’Brien, Upper Niobrara White NRD General Manager; Ryan Reuter, North Platte NRD Director; and Travis Preston, North Platte NRD Assistant Manager</figcaption>
 </figure>Megan GrimesNebraska Natural Resources District&nbsp;To&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;water&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;safety,&nbsp;Nebraska’s&nbsp;Natural&nbsp;Resources Districts (NRDs) and other sponsors continue a strong partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on several dam assessments across the state.&nbsp;2023,&nbsp;18&nbsp;floodwater&nbsp;reduction&nbsp;dam&nbsp;assessments&nbsp;were&nbsp;completed&nbsp;with&nbsp;seven&nbsp;NRDs&nbsp;–&nbsp;Lower Big Blue, Lower Elkhorn, Lower Platte South, Nemaha, North Platte, Papio-Missouri River, and Upper Niobrara White. The cities of Bayard, Plattsmouth, Gordon, and the Pathfinder and Farmers Irrigation Districts were also joint local partners.Dam assessments are detailed inspections that analyze the current hazard classification, determine if the dam meets current design standards and evaluate if any deficiencies are present. In some cases, corrective actions may be listed to address deficiencies or to meet design&nbsp;standards.&nbsp;Dam&nbsp;assessments&nbsp;are&nbsp;funded&nbsp;under&nbsp;the&nbsp;NRCS&nbsp;Watershed&nbsp;Rehabilitation Program, which was authorized in 1981.“NRCS is pleased to provide technical and financial assistance to partners like NRDs, communities and others for addressing dam safety,” said Nebraska State Conservationist Rob Lawson. “Our&nbsp;purpose&nbsp;is&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;local&nbsp;sponsors&nbsp;identify&nbsp;any&nbsp;needed&nbsp;improvements&nbsp;to&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;long-term structural integrity.”NRCS’s first focus is to complete assessments on dams that provide flood protection upstream of&nbsp;towns&nbsp;and&nbsp;cities.&nbsp;Because&nbsp;of&nbsp;their&nbsp;location,&nbsp;these&nbsp;structures&nbsp;are&nbsp;classified as&nbsp;“high&nbsp;hazard”&nbsp;by the state of Nebraska and thus receive top priority for review.“Local sponsors&nbsp;have done a&nbsp;great job operating&nbsp;and&nbsp;maintaining&nbsp;dams over&nbsp;the&nbsp;years; however, repairs&nbsp;or&nbsp;alterations&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;needed&nbsp;as&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;ages,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;NRCS&nbsp;Dam&nbsp;Safety&nbsp;Engineer Bob Sullivan. “Many of these structures were built 40 to 60 years ago.”On&nbsp;behalf&nbsp;of&nbsp;participating&nbsp;NRDs,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Association&nbsp;of&nbsp;Resources&nbsp;Districts&nbsp;(NARD) coordinates the dam assessments with NRCS and contracted with local engineering firms including JEO Consulting Group and Houston Engineering.“We appreciate the excellent work of the NARD to coordinate these assessments with NRDs,” Lawson said. “This is a great example of federal, state, and local entities working together to accomplish mutual goals.”“Completing&nbsp;these assessments&nbsp;is the&nbsp;first&nbsp;step in&nbsp;securing&nbsp;additional&nbsp;federal funding&nbsp;to&nbsp;help address&nbsp;any&nbsp;dam&nbsp;deficiencies&nbsp;that&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;found,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;NARD&nbsp;President&nbsp;Dr. Orval Gigstad. “This&nbsp;program&nbsp;is vital in&nbsp;helping NRDs protect&nbsp;the&nbsp;lives, property, and&nbsp;future of Nebraskans.”This&nbsp;partnership&nbsp;began in 2022&nbsp;when&nbsp;nine&nbsp;dam&nbsp;assessments&nbsp;were completed&nbsp;across&nbsp;Nebraska.

NRCS and NRDs Continue Successful Partnership on Dam Assessments

Ogallala - The Youth Inspired Philanthropy Project hosted by the Keith County Foundations Fund is excited to see growth in the project as they head into their 4th year. Applications are open and are due on February 20th (<a href="https://www.keithcountyfoundation.org/yipapplication">click here for the application</a>). The showcase will take place February 22nd from 5:00pm MT - 6:30pm MT at the Kathleen Lute Public Library in Ogallala.&nbsp;

The showcase is open to area students from 3rd - 12th grade. Students can work alone, with friends, or work in groups, club or class. 10 winners can win up to $1,000 to complete a project. If you would like to visit last year's project, <a href="https://www.keithcountyfoundation.org/2023yip">click here.&nbsp;</a>

Post News Director Canon Rath had the chance to catch up with Barb Jeffres and Mary Jensen to talk about the Youth Inspired Philanthropy project. If you would like to learn more in depth about this upcoming event, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

Sandhills Post&nbsp;Ogallala - The Youth Inspired Philanthropy Project hosted by the Keith County Foundations Fund is excited to see growth in the project as they head into their 4th year. Applications are open and are due on February 20th (<a href="https://www.keithcountyfoundation.org/yipapplication">click here for the application</a>). The showcase will take place February 22nd from 5:00pm MT - 6:30pm MT at the Kathleen Lute Public Library in Ogallala.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706211481646.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The showcase is open to area students from 3rd - 12th grade. Students can work alone, with friends, or work in groups, club or class. 10 winners can win up to $1,000 to complete a project. If you would like to visit last year's project, <a href="https://www.keithcountyfoundation.org/2023yip">click here.&nbsp;</a>Post News Director Canon Rath had the chance to catch up with Barb Jeffres and Mary Jensen to talk about the Youth Inspired Philanthropy project. If you would like to learn more in depth about this upcoming event, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="PODCAST - Youth Inspired Philanthropy Project" 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=a9wu7-155fd30-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>

PODCAST - Youth Inspired Philanthropy Project 

The North Platte Police Department is currently looking for 16 year old Daniel Ramirez-Sanchez, who is a missing/runaway juvenile.  Daniel is approximately 5'02, 120 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.  Daniel was last seen wearing a black sweat shirt with grey sweatpants.  If you have any information on Daniel's whereabouts, please contact the North Platte Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706124985276.jpeg" alt=" Daniel Ramirez-Sanchez. Photo from North Platte Police Department" />
 <figcaption> Daniel Ramirez-Sanchez. Photo from North Platte Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>NPPDThe North Platte Police Department is currently looking for 16 year old Daniel Ramirez-Sanchez, who is a missing/runaway juvenile. Daniel is approximately 5'02, 120 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Daniel was last seen wearing a black sweat shirt with grey sweatpants. If you have any information on Daniel's whereabouts, please contact the North Platte Police Department.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorthplattepolice%2Fposts%2Fpfbid04ycrgJCKoaNFKfhaJUGMDNwTY5hZwe8XyGVqop7GfBCJ2SNyKwF47a1fF6HEzHtEl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="492" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

North Platte Police Department looking for 16-year-old missing/runaway juvenile

Omaha, NEB. - Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2023 fourth quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.71 per diluted share. This compares to 2022 fourth quarter net income of $1.6 billion, or $2.67 per diluted share.

Reported net income for full year 2023 was $6.4 billion, or $10.45 per diluted share. These full year results compare to full year 2022 net income of $7.0 billion, or $11.21 per diluted share.

“The team continues to execute our multi-year strategy to be the industry’s best in safety, service, and operational excellence,” said Jim Vena, Union Pacific Chief Executive Officer. “Our fourth quarter results show much of what’s possible at Union Pacific and that we’re on the right path to reaching our goals. Service and operational metrics showed great improvement in the quarter. Those improvements propel us toward a service product that supports growth with our customers. We enter 2024 with strong momentum, recognizing we have plenty of opportunity to improve. We’re excited to show our stakeholders what our great team can accomplish.”

Financial Results: Increased Volume and Core Pricing Gains Offset by Lower Fuel Surcharge Revenue Led to Flat Operating Revenue

Operating Performance: Improved Resource Utilization Drives Strong Service Metrics and Fluid Network; Fourth Quarter Record for Workforce Productivity

Financial Results: Lower Fuel Surcharge Revenue and Volume Drive Reduced Operating Revenue

Operating Performance: Improving Resource Availability and Utilization Through the Year Results in Fluid Operations to End 2023

Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call

Union Pacific will webcast its fourth quarter 2023 earnings release presentation live at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/up/investor/index.htm">www.up.com/investor</a>&nbsp;and via teleconference on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time. Participants may join the conference call by dialing 877-407-8293 (or for international participants, 201-689-8349).

Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable, and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.up.com/">www.up.com</a>.

Union Pacific Investor contact:&nbsp;Brad Stock at 402-544-4227 or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/messages?address=bkstock">bkstock@up.com</a>

Omaha, NEB. - Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2023 fourth quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.71 per diluted share. This compares to 2022 fourth quarter net income of $1.6 billion, or $2.67 per diluted share.Reported net income for full year 2023 was $6.4 billion, or $10.45 per diluted share. These full year results compare to full year 2022 net income of $7.0 billion, or $11.21 per diluted share.“The team continues to execute our multi-year strategy to be the industry’s best in safety, service, and operational excellence,” said Jim Vena, Union Pacific Chief Executive Officer. “Our fourth quarter results show much of what’s possible at Union Pacific and that we’re on the right path to reaching our goals. Service and operational metrics showed great improvement in the quarter. Those improvements propel us toward a service product that supports growth with our customers. We enter 2024 with strong momentum, recognizing we have plenty of opportunity to improve. We’re excited to show our stakeholders what our great team can accomplish.”<h2>Fourth Quarter Summary: 2023 vs. 2022</h2><h2>Financial Results: Increased Volume and Core Pricing Gains Offset by Lower Fuel Surcharge Revenue Led to Flat Operating Revenue</h2><ul>
 <li>Operating revenue of $6.2 billion was flat driven by increased volume and core pricing gains offset by reduced fuel surcharge revenue and business mix.</li><li>Revenue carloads were up 3%.</li><li>Operating ratio was 60.9%, an improvement of 10 basis points.</li><li>Operating income of $2.4 billion was flat.</li>
 </ul><h2>Operating Performance: Improved Resource Utilization Drives Strong Service Metrics and Fluid Network; Fourth Quarter Record for Workforce Productivity</h2><ul>
 <li>Quarterly freight car velocity was 217 daily miles per car, a 14% improvement.</li><li>Quarterly locomotive productivity was 140 gross ton-miles (GTMs) per horsepower day, a 14% improvement.</li><li>Average maximum train length was 9,413 feet, a 2% increase.</li><li>Quarterly workforce productivity improved 4% to 1,051 car miles per employee.</li><li>Fuel consumption rate of 1.091, measured in gallons of fuel per thousand GTMs, deteriorated 3%.</li>
 </ul><h2>Full Year Summary: 2023 vs. 2022</h2><h2>Financial Results: Lower Fuel Surcharge Revenue and Volume Drive Reduced Operating Revenue</h2><ul>
 <li>Operating revenue of $24.1 billion was down 3% driven by lower fuel surcharge revenue, business mix, and volume declines partially offset by core pricing gains.</li><li>Revenue carloads declined 1%.</li><li>Union Pacific’s 62.3% reported operating ratio deteriorated 220 basis points. Lower fuel prices positively impacted the operating ratio by 50 basis points.</li><li>Operating Income of $9.1 billion was down 8%.</li><li>Union Pacific’s 2023 capital program totaled $3.7 billion.</li><li>The company repurchased 3.5 million shares in 2023 at an aggregate cost of $712 million.</li>
 </ul><h2>Operating Performance: Improving Resource Availability and Utilization Through the Year Results in Fluid Operations to End 2023</h2><ul>
 <li>Union Pacific’s reportable derailment rates improved, while reportable personal injury rates did not improve.</li><li>Freight car velocity was 204 daily miles per car, a 7% improvement.</li><li>Locomotive productivity was 129 GTMs per horsepower day, a 3% increase.</li><li>Average maximum train length of 9,356 feet was flat.</li><li>Workforce productivity of 1,000 car miles per employee declined 3%.</li><li>Fuel consumption rate of 1.088, measured in gallons of fuel per thousand GTMs, deteriorated 1%.</li>
 </ul><h2>2024 Outlook</h2><ul>
 <li>Volume outlook muted by international intermodal business loss, lower coal demand, and soft economic conditions</li><li>Pricing dollars in excess of inflation dollars</li><li>No change to long-term capital allocation strategyCapital plan of $3.4 billionNo first quarter share repurchases&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Capital plan of $3.4 billion</li><li>No first quarter share repurchases&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><h2>Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call</h2>Union Pacific will webcast its fourth quarter 2023 earnings release presentation live at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/up/investor/index.htm">www.up.com/investor</a>&nbsp;and via teleconference on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time. Participants may join the conference call by dialing 877-407-8293 (or for international participants, 201-689-8349).<h2>About Union Pacific</h2>Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable, and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.up.com/">www.up.com</a>.Union Pacific Investor contact:&nbsp;Brad Stock at 402-544-4227 or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/messages?address=bkstock">bkstock@up.com</a><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@investor/documents/investordocuments/pdf_unp_4q23_er_newsrelease.pdf">&nbsp;Supplemental financial information is attached</a></li>
 </ul>

Union Pacific Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with Jeff Storie aka "Scrappy" the Vice President of the Guardians of the Children - FlatRock Chapter, about the 10th Annual "Caller" Chili/Soup &amp; Rib/Meat Cookoff &amp; Silent Auction event that's going on February 3rd in North Platte.&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE - The Guardians of the Children - FlatRock Chapter is gearing up for their 10th Annual "Caller" Chili/Soup &amp; Rib/Meat Cookoff &amp; Silent Auction event Saturday, February 3rd at the D &amp; N Event Center in North Platte. The event runs from 11am - 2pm. All proceeds from the fundraiser event will be used to further the mission of the Guardians of the Children - FlatRock Chapter.&nbsp;

Tickets to get into the event are $5, which allows you to try all the food. The Lil Guardians will be selling drinks and cinnamon rolls for their fundraiser during the event. Prize money is up on the lines for participants as it is community voting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If interested in signing up for the event, check out the flyer below for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you would like to learn more of what Guardians of the Children, <a href="https://guardiansofthechildren.com/about-us">click here.</a> To learn more about the event, check out the podcast above.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post&nbsp;Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with Jeff Storie aka "Scrappy" the Vice President of the Guardians of the Children - FlatRock Chapter, about the 10th Annual "Caller" Chili/Soup &amp; Rib/Meat Cookoff &amp; Silent Auction event that's going on February 3rd in North Platte.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) - 10th Annual &quot;Caller&quot; Chili/Soup & Rib/Meat Cookoff & Silent Auction" 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=396pe-155e598-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 Guardians of the Children - FlatRock Chapter is gearing up for their 10th Annual "Caller" Chili/Soup &amp; Rib/Meat Cookoff &amp; Silent Auction event Saturday, February 3rd at the D &amp; N Event Center in North Platte. The event runs from 11am - 2pm. All proceeds from the fundraiser event will be used to further the mission of the Guardians of the Children - FlatRock Chapter.&nbsp;Tickets to get into the event are $5, which allows you to try all the food. The Lil Guardians will be selling drinks and cinnamon rolls for their fundraiser during the event. Prize money is up on the lines for participants as it is community voting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chili/Soup:&nbsp;1st Place - $100&nbsp;2nd Place - $75&nbsp;3rd Place - $50&nbsp;Rib/Meat 1st Place - $100&nbsp;Best decorated booth/table - $50&nbsp;If interested in signing up for the event, check out the flyer below for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you would like to learn more of what Guardians of the Children, <a href="https://guardiansofthechildren.com/about-us">click here.</a> To learn more about the event, check out the podcast above.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706125658204.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

(Audio) - 10th Annual "Caller" Chili/Soup & Rib/Meat Cookoff & Silent Auction

Congratulations to the following students who earned Class C All State Band honors for the 2023-2024 school year. Katie Abbott, Christian Allen, and Rachel Simonson made the Wind Ensemble. Maddie Haddow and Sam Sachjen made the Symphonic Band with Ella Duckworth selected to the Junior High Honor Band!

The honor band event will place on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Kearney High School.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Congratulations to the following students who earned Class C All State Band honors for the 2023-2024 school year. Katie Abbott, Christian Allen, and Rachel Simonson made the Wind Ensemble. Maddie Haddow and Sam Sachjen made the Symphonic Band with Ella Duckworth selected to the Junior High Honor Band!The honor band event will place on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Kearney High School.&nbsp; &nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid0pEB6GLpQcct6sqgVv5g8dm227KV4faxLoJL7uDfKYYQhFVPDUimsEeFs88VeMaoQl%26id%3D100063567101503&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="767" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Hershey students selected for Class C All State Band honors 

Panhandle/Sandhills/North Platte Post

This morning around 7:00am MT/8:00am CT, the Sidney Police Department has announced that Nathan Robinson was captured January 23rd, at 11:30pm MT in Colorado. Robinson was spotted driving the stolen Chevrolet Cruze.&nbsp;Robinson is being held in the Fremont County Jail in Canon City, Colorado.  He is being held on Local and State Charges.

The Sidney Police Department issued a press release on Monday night about their search for a Sidney man who is wanted, and as of Tuesday at noon the man is still wanted.

Panhandle/Sandhills/North Platte Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706114596188.jpeg" alt="SPD announced Nathan Robinson has been captured&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>SPD announced Nathan Robinson has been captured&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Update 10:45amThis morning around 7:00am MT/8:00am CT, the Sidney Police Department has announced that Nathan Robinson was captured January 23rd, at 11:30pm MT in Colorado. Robinson was spotted driving the stolen Chevrolet Cruze.&nbsp;Robinson is being held in the Fremont County Jail in Canon City, Colorado. He is being held on Local and State Charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706114657783.jpeg" alt="Chevy Cruze recovered" />
 <figcaption>Chevy Cruze recovered</figcaption>
 </figure>----- Original Story&nbsp;&nbsp; By Alex BenzegalaPanhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706114118228.jpeg" alt="Nathan Robinson" />
 <figcaption>Nathan Robinson</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sidney Police Department issued a press release on Monday night about their search for a Sidney man who is wanted, and as of Tuesday at noon the man is still wanted.The man SPD is looking for is 23-year-old Nathan James Robinson who has a warrant for his arrest in connection to Assault, Robbery and Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult.Authorities say Robinson was last seen driving the victim's red 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan bearing Nebraska license plate 39-D310. Nathan&nbsp; is described as a 5'6 white man with red hair, a bald spot and red beard.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706036760125.jpeg" alt="Chevy Cruze, that Robinson was last seen driving" />
 <figcaption>Chevy Cruze, that Robinson was last seen driving</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;For any information on his whereabouts, SPD encourages you to reach out to an officer at 308-254-5515 with any information. We will follow up on leads as they come in.&nbsp;&nbsp;