On January 17th, 2024 at 11:53 P.M., Officers from the North Platte Police Department responded to Newberry Access on the report of an accident.&nbsp; It was found that the accident occurred near the Westbound I-80 on-ramp.&nbsp; A semi-truck was Northbound and attempted to turn left onto the Westbound on-ramp.

 A pick-up truck was Southbound on Newberry.&nbsp; The pickup truck ran into the right side of the semi-tractor.&nbsp; The driver of the pickup truck was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; The driver of the pickup truck was fifty-one-year-old, Jean Pierre Brownell of North Platte.&nbsp; The driver of the semi-truck was uninjured.

The investigation into the vehicle crash is ongoing.&nbsp; The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department and the Nebraska State Patrol are assisting with the investigation.

North Platte Police DepartmentOn January 17th, 2024 at 11:53 P.M., Officers from the North Platte Police Department responded to Newberry Access on the report of an accident.&nbsp; It was found that the accident occurred near the Westbound I-80 on-ramp.&nbsp; A semi-truck was Northbound and attempted to turn left onto the Westbound on-ramp. A pick-up truck was Southbound on Newberry.&nbsp; The pickup truck ran into the right side of the semi-tractor.&nbsp; The driver of the pickup truck was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; The driver of the pickup truck was fifty-one-year-old, Jean Pierre Brownell of North Platte.&nbsp; The driver of the semi-truck was uninjured.The investigation into the vehicle crash is ongoing.&nbsp; The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department and the Nebraska State Patrol are assisting with the investigation.

One dead after fatal accident in North Platte 

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen will hold town halls in Scottsbluff, North Platte and Kearney following the delivery of his annual State of the State Address on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. The fly around will happen on Friday, Jan. 19.

Events are open to the public and&nbsp;open to credentialed media.

The stops, times and locations are below:

7:30 a.m. (MT)&nbsp;SCOTTSBLUFF:&nbsp; Platte Valley Community Room, 1106 Platte Valley Drive

11:30 a.m. (CT)&nbsp;NORTH PLATTE: Lee Bird Regional Airport Conference Room, 5400 East Lee Bird Drive

2:30 p.m. (CT)&nbsp;KEARNEY: Younes Conference Center (South), 416 Talmadge Road

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689089052467.jpeg" alt="Gov. Jim Pillen speaks to the public at the Lee Bird Regional Airport Conference room in the fall. Photo taken by North Platte Post/Canon Rath" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jim Pillen speaks to the public at the Lee Bird Regional Airport Conference room in the fall. Photo taken by North Platte Post/Canon Rath</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen will hold town halls in Scottsbluff, North Platte and Kearney following the delivery of his annual State of the State Address on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. The fly around will happen on Friday, Jan. 19.Events are open to the public and&nbsp;open to credentialed media.The stops, times and locations are below:Friday, January 197:30 a.m. (MT)&nbsp;SCOTTSBLUFF:&nbsp; Platte Valley Community Room, 1106 Platte Valley Drive11:30 a.m. (CT)&nbsp;NORTH PLATTE: Lee Bird Regional Airport Conference Room, 5400 East Lee Bird Drive2:30 p.m. (CT)&nbsp;KEARNEY: Younes Conference Center (South), 416 Talmadge Road

Governor Pillen to speak in North Platte on Friday

&nbsp;10:03 am Update: Crews are still on scene working the crash that occurred near Brady, according to NE 511, I-80 eastbound from MM 200 to MM 203 (22m E of North Platte), the left lane closed. I-80 westbound is still closed from Gothenburg.&nbsp;This is a developing story at this time and will update when more information is available.

BRADY, NEB. - According to NE 511, an accident has occurred outside of Brady on I-80 near mile marker 201. I-80 is closed westbound from Gothenburg due to the accident. Highway 30 is an alternate route at this time for westbound traffic. This is a developing story at this time and will update when more information is available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705588644816.jpeg" alt="Emergency crews respond to a crash near Brady. Photo from NE 511" />
 <figcaption>Emergency crews respond to a crash near Brady. Photo from NE 511</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post&nbsp;10:03 am Update: Crews are still on scene working the crash that occurred near Brady, according to NE 511, I-80 eastbound from MM 200 to MM 203 (22m E of North Platte), the left lane closed. I-80 westbound is still closed from Gothenburg.&nbsp;This is a developing story at this time and will update when more information is available.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Update: EB MM 201 the Left lane is Closed due to this Crash. <a href="https://t.co/u0TZmAxJaO">https://t.co/u0TZmAxJaO</a>&mdash; Nebraska 511 (@Nebraska511) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nebraska511/status/1748006908080898542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>-----BRADY, NEB. - According to NE 511, an accident has occurred outside of Brady on I-80 near mile marker 201. I-80 is closed westbound from Gothenburg due to the accident. Highway 30 is an alternate route at this time for westbound traffic. This is a developing story at this time and will update when more information is available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705589067554.jpeg" alt="Crews responded to an accident near mile marker 201 outside of Brady. Courtesy photo submitted by a viewer." />
 <figcaption>Crews responded to an accident near mile marker 201 outside of Brady. Courtesy photo submitted by a viewer.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gothenburg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gothenburg</a> CLOSURE: I-80 WB at Gothenburg the Road is Closed due to a Crash. Use Alt Route. <a href="https://t.co/QpJgpJyVlu">https://t.co/QpJgpJyVlu</a> <a href="https://t.co/0Ce20SUZEO">https://t.co/0Ce20SUZEO</a> <a href="https://t.co/DVjszNUrwS">pic.twitter.com/DVjszNUrwS</a>&mdash; Nebraska 511 (@Nebraska511) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nebraska511/status/1747990221227004366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

I-80 westbound from Gothenburg closed due to an accident near Brady

NORTH PLATTE, NEB. - The Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) awards banquet held on Saturday, January 13, was the culmination event for the program’s seventh year of farm management competitions. The TAPS program was created by University of Nebraska educators and specialists, as an innovative way of connecting producers to industry professionals and offering a way of testing out new, advancing technologies through farm management competitions facilitated in North Platte, Neb., at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite the winter weather, the event was a night of interaction and celebration of the 2023 competitions,&nbsp; which included popcorn, sorghum, subsurface drip irrigated (SDI) corn, and sprinkler irrigated corn. The&nbsp; participants in each competition made their own individual input decisions for their plots located in the&nbsp; same field as fellow competitors. These decisions differed for each competition including crop insurance,&nbsp; hybrid and seeding rate, nitrogen timing and amount, irrigation timing and amount, insecticide, fungicide,&nbsp; and, lastly, marketing of their crop.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the first time in the seven-year history of the program the competition fields located in North Platte&nbsp; were affected by hail, which ultimately resulted in changes to the remaining management decisions and&nbsp; the final results.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Awards were given in each competition for greatest grain yield, highest input use efficiency, and most&nbsp; profitable. These designations came with a cash prize, along with a plaque, oversized check, and&nbsp; personalized TAPS apparel item.&nbsp;

The sorghum contest, in its sixth year, included both a dryland and irrigated portion, which were relocated&nbsp; this year to the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center near Grant, Neb. There were 18 teams that&nbsp; competed. The team that included Brandon Rimpley of Orleans, Neb, and Ron Robison of Alma, Neb.,&nbsp; earned all three of the top honors for yield, efficiency, and profitability.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The program’s newest competition, the irrigated popcorn competition had 13 teams compete. The winners&nbsp; in the popcorn competition included: Roger Lansman of Ord, Neb., for the Greatest Yield award; Nate&nbsp;

Freitag of Byron, Neb., area took home the Highest Input Use Efficiency accolade; and AK Acres from&nbsp; Imperial, Neb., won the award for Most Profitable.&nbsp;

In the fifth year of the SDI corn competition, 16 teams competed. The award winners in the SDI corn competition included: Lorn Dizmang of Dizmang Ag in Moorefield, Neb., for the Greatest Yield award the Rattlesnake Boys from Wood River, Neb., took home the Highest Input Use Efficiency accolade; and&nbsp; Jamey Balthazor and Dan Fitts from Scottsbluff and Gering, Neb., won the award for Most Profitable.&nbsp; The Rattlesnake Boys team consisted of Kevin &amp; Amy Harsch, Jay Johnson, and Jeremy Gewecke.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The seventh year of the sprinkler corn competition had 38 teams participate. The Greatest Grain Yield&nbsp; award was won by Tom Carpenter of Bartley, Neb. The Perkins Group team from the Grant, Neb., area&nbsp; earned the Highest Input Use Efficiency award. The team was made up of Brent Gloy, Bruce Young, Curt&nbsp; Richmond, Jeremy Hagan, Nick Turner, Pat McGreer, Shawn Turner, Ted Tietjen, and Troy Kemling.&nbsp; Kenny Reinke of Neligh, Neb., won the award for Most Profitable.&nbsp;

The last award presented was the Outstanding TAPS Advocate, which honors an organization, person, or&nbsp; business that went above and beyond in supporting the UNL-TAPS program. This year, the award&nbsp; recipient was Tracy Zink of Indianola, Nebr. Since the moment Zink heard about the TAPS program, she&nbsp; has not only chosen to participate, but also to share what she has learned, invite others to join the program&nbsp; and promoted TAPS across many avenues that she engages in across the state and nationally.&nbsp;

The full 2023 TAPS Competition Report can be found online at <a href="https://taps.unl.edu/reports">www.taps.unl.edu/reports</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The TAPS program would like to thank all the sponsors, supporters, and participants for being a part of&nbsp; and making the program a continued success.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 2024 TAPS competitions are already being planned. Anyone interested in the program can email Krystle Rhoades, TAPS Program Manager, at taps@unl.edu.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Krystle RhoadeNORTH PLATTE, NEB. - The Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) awards banquet held on Saturday, January 13, was the culmination event for the program’s seventh year of farm management competitions. The TAPS program was created by University of Nebraska educators and specialists, as an innovative way of connecting producers to industry professionals and offering a way of testing out new, advancing technologies through farm management competitions facilitated in North Platte, Neb., at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the winter weather, the event was a night of interaction and celebration of the 2023 competitions,&nbsp; which included popcorn, sorghum, subsurface drip irrigated (SDI) corn, and sprinkler irrigated corn. The&nbsp; participants in each competition made their own individual input decisions for their plots located in the&nbsp; same field as fellow competitors. These decisions differed for each competition including crop insurance,&nbsp; hybrid and seeding rate, nitrogen timing and amount, irrigation timing and amount, insecticide, fungicide,&nbsp; and, lastly, marketing of their crop.&nbsp;&nbsp;For the first time in the seven-year history of the program the competition fields located in North Platte&nbsp; were affected by hail, which ultimately resulted in changes to the remaining management decisions and&nbsp; the final results.&nbsp;&nbsp;Awards were given in each competition for greatest grain yield, highest input use efficiency, and most&nbsp; profitable. These designations came with a cash prize, along with a plaque, oversized check, and&nbsp; personalized TAPS apparel item.&nbsp;The sorghum contest, in its sixth year, included both a dryland and irrigated portion, which were relocated&nbsp; this year to the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center near Grant, Neb. There were 18 teams that&nbsp; competed. The team that included Brandon Rimpley of Orleans, Neb, and Ron Robison of Alma, Neb.,&nbsp; earned all three of the top honors for yield, efficiency, and profitability.&nbsp;&nbsp;The program’s newest competition, the irrigated popcorn competition had 13 teams compete. The winners&nbsp; in the popcorn competition included: Roger Lansman of Ord, Neb., for the Greatest Yield award; Nate&nbsp;Freitag of Byron, Neb., area took home the Highest Input Use Efficiency accolade; and AK Acres from&nbsp; Imperial, Neb., won the award for Most Profitable.&nbsp;In the fifth year of the SDI corn competition, 16 teams competed. The award winners in the SDI corn competition included: Lorn Dizmang of Dizmang Ag in Moorefield, Neb., for the Greatest Yield award the Rattlesnake Boys from Wood River, Neb., took home the Highest Input Use Efficiency accolade; and&nbsp; Jamey Balthazor and Dan Fitts from Scottsbluff and Gering, Neb., won the award for Most Profitable.&nbsp; The Rattlesnake Boys team consisted of Kevin &amp; Amy Harsch, Jay Johnson, and Jeremy Gewecke.&nbsp;&nbsp;The seventh year of the sprinkler corn competition had 38 teams participate. The Greatest Grain Yield&nbsp; award was won by Tom Carpenter of Bartley, Neb. The Perkins Group team from the Grant, Neb., area&nbsp; earned the Highest Input Use Efficiency award. The team was made up of Brent Gloy, Bruce Young, Curt&nbsp; Richmond, Jeremy Hagan, Nick Turner, Pat McGreer, Shawn Turner, Ted Tietjen, and Troy Kemling.&nbsp; Kenny Reinke of Neligh, Neb., won the award for Most Profitable.&nbsp;The last award presented was the Outstanding TAPS Advocate, which honors an organization, person, or&nbsp; business that went above and beyond in supporting the UNL-TAPS program. This year, the award&nbsp; recipient was Tracy Zink of Indianola, Nebr. Since the moment Zink heard about the TAPS program, she&nbsp; has not only chosen to participate, but also to share what she has learned, invite others to join the program&nbsp; and promoted TAPS across many avenues that she engages in across the state and nationally.&nbsp;The full 2023 TAPS Competition Report can be found online at <a href="https://taps.unl.edu/reports">www.taps.unl.edu/reports</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The TAPS program would like to thank all the sponsors, supporters, and participants for being a part of&nbsp; and making the program a continued success.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 2024 TAPS competitions are already being planned. Anyone interested in the program can email Krystle Rhoades, TAPS Program Manager, at taps@unl.edu.&nbsp;&nbsp;

TAPS Awards Banquet Culminates 2023 Competitions 

North Platte Post&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher as they recapped the January 16th, North Platte City Council meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE - The North Platte city council held their regular meeting on January 16th, and different agendas were discussed amongst the council. The council has approved moving forward the rec center project into bid, update on the skate park, emergency snow route update and so much more.&nbsp;

If you would like to learn more in-depth of what went on during the January 16th, North Platte City Council meeting, check out the podcast above. If you would like to watch the meeting, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8aQivZX9zQ">click here</a>.

<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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher as they recapped the January 16th, North Platte City Council meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) North Platte City Council Meeting, January 16th Recap" 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=dfamh-1552626-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>NORTH PLATTE - The North Platte city council held their regular meeting on January 16th, and different agendas were discussed amongst the council. The council has approved moving forward the rec center project into bid, update on the skate park, emergency snow route update and so much more.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705520549322.jpeg" alt="NP city council meeting 1-16-24. Screenshot from City of NP YouTube stream." />
 <figcaption>NP city council meeting 1-16-24. Screenshot from City of NP YouTube stream.</figcaption>
 </figure>If you would like to learn more in-depth of what went on during the January 16th, North Platte City Council meeting, check out the podcast above. If you would like to watch the meeting, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8aQivZX9zQ">click here</a>.

(Audio) North Platte City Council Meeting, January 16th Recap

&nbsp; January 21st through January 28th is National Passenger Safety Week.&nbsp; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Statistics from 2020 show that 6,275 passengers were killed in vehicle crashes.&nbsp; Twenty-four percent of deaths in cars, SUVs, pickups, vans and minivans were passengers.&nbsp; Fifty-six percent of teenage passengers died in crashes in which cars were driven by other teenagers and 15% of passengers killed in crashes, of all ages, occurred when a teenager was driving.&nbsp; 

Passengers can make a difference by stopping friends and loved ones from driving drugged, drunk or distracted whenever possible and refusing to ride with anyone who is drugged, drunk or distracted.&nbsp; Drivers can make a difference by ensuring their passengers are properly restrained.&nbsp; Additional passenger safety information can be found at nationalpassengersafety.org.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte Police Department&nbsp; January 21st through January 28th is National Passenger Safety Week.&nbsp; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Statistics from 2020 show that 6,275 passengers were killed in vehicle crashes.&nbsp; Twenty-four percent of deaths in cars, SUVs, pickups, vans and minivans were passengers.&nbsp; Fifty-six percent of teenage passengers died in crashes in which cars were driven by other teenagers and 15% of passengers killed in crashes, of all ages, occurred when a teenager was driving.&nbsp; Passengers can make a difference by stopping friends and loved ones from driving drugged, drunk or distracted whenever possible and refusing to ride with anyone who is drugged, drunk or distracted.&nbsp; Drivers can make a difference by ensuring their passengers are properly restrained.&nbsp; Additional passenger safety information can be found at nationalpassengersafety.org.&nbsp;&nbsp;

National Passenger Safety Week beginning Sunday

The Lincoln Logan McPherson Extension Office is offering the following Private Pesticide Applicator’s Certification Trainings:

Please call the Extension Office at least 1 day prior to the training so we can be sure to have enough materials and spaces for the training.&nbsp; Listen to the radio for weather cancellations.&nbsp; Please note the cost of the Training Classes is&nbsp;$60&nbsp;per applicator.&nbsp;CELL PHONES MUST BE TURNED OFF DURING THE TRAINING PER THE NEBRASKA DEPARMENT OF AGRICULTURE.&nbsp;

Private applicators will be required to add categories to their license to perform soil (01A) or structural/non-soil fumigation&nbsp; (11).&nbsp; Private applicators who wish to apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs) by aircraft&nbsp; (including drones) will be required to obtain a commercial or non-commercial license and add the Aerial Pest Control category (12).&nbsp; Private applicators categories are added by passing the category exam at any Nebraska Department of Agriculture commercial/noncommercial applicator testing session.&nbsp; Exams will not be offered during private applicator training.

Please watch the mail for your State of Nebraska letter that needs to be completed and brought to the&nbsp;training.&nbsp; You will also owe $25 for a 3-year license to the State of Nebraska after the training by mail (watch for postcard).&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember to contact the office one day prior to the session by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rsaner2@unl.edu" target="_blank">rsaner2@unl.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 308-532-2683 Lincoln Logan McPherson.

Chemigation dates for the area are as follows:

Jan.17&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 1:00 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WCREEC, 402 W. State Farm Rd, North Platte –&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683

Jan. 18&nbsp;&nbsp; 1:00 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fairgrounds, Hayes Center -&nbsp;RSVP 308-286-3312 or 308-334-5666

Jan. 24&nbsp;&nbsp; 1:00 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Courthouse, Stapleton –&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683

Jan. 30&nbsp;&nbsp; 1:00 pm MST&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fairgrounds, Ogallala –&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683

Apr. 11&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:00 am&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WCREEC, 402 W. State Farm Rd, North Platte –&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683

Nebraska ExtensionThe Lincoln Logan McPherson Extension Office is offering the following Private Pesticide Applicator’s Certification Trainings:<ul>
 <li>January 17th, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m., CT, WCREEC North Platte, classroom 402 W State Farm Road&nbsp;–&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683</li><li>January 24th, 9:00 am – 11:30 p.m., CT Logan County Courthouse, Stapleton&nbsp;–&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683</li><li>January 30th, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m., MT, Keith County Fairgrounds, Ogallala&nbsp;–&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683</li><li>January 30th, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m., MT, Arthur County Court House, Arthur&nbsp;–&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683</li><li>April 11th, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m., CT, WCREEC North Platte, classroom 402 West State Farm Road&nbsp;–&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683</li><li>Online training&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://pested.unl.edu/certification-and-training" target="_blank">https://pested.unl.edu/certification-and-training</a></li>
 </ul>Please call the Extension Office at least 1 day prior to the training so we can be sure to have enough materials and spaces for the training.&nbsp; Listen to the radio for weather cancellations.&nbsp; Please note the cost of the Training Classes is&nbsp;$60&nbsp;per applicator.&nbsp;CELL PHONES MUST BE TURNED OFF DURING THE TRAINING PER THE NEBRASKA DEPARMENT OF AGRICULTURE.&nbsp;Private applicators will be required to add categories to their license to perform soil (01A) or structural/non-soil fumigation&nbsp; (11).&nbsp; Private applicators who wish to apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs) by aircraft&nbsp; (including drones) will be required to obtain a commercial or non-commercial license and add the Aerial Pest Control category (12).&nbsp; Private applicators categories are added by passing the category exam at any Nebraska Department of Agriculture commercial/noncommercial applicator testing session.&nbsp; Exams will not be offered during private applicator training.Please watch the mail for your State of Nebraska letter that needs to be completed and brought to the&nbsp;training.&nbsp; You will also owe $25 for a 3-year license to the State of Nebraska after the training by mail (watch for postcard).&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember to contact the office one day prior to the session by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rsaner2@unl.edu" target="_blank">rsaner2@unl.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 308-532-2683 Lincoln Logan McPherson.Chemigation dates for the area are as follows:Jan.17&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 1:00 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WCREEC, 402 W. State Farm Rd, North Platte –&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683Jan. 18&nbsp;&nbsp; 1:00 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fairgrounds, Hayes Center -&nbsp;RSVP 308-286-3312 or 308-334-5666Jan. 24&nbsp;&nbsp; 1:00 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Courthouse, Stapleton –&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683Jan. 30&nbsp;&nbsp; 1:00 pm MST&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fairgrounds, Ogallala –&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683Apr. 11&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:00 am&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WCREEC, 402 W. State Farm Rd, North Platte –&nbsp;RSVP 308-532-2683

Private Pesticide Applicator’s Certification Trainings Offered by Lincoln Logan McPherson Extension and Keith Arthur Extension

A total of 158 students qualified for the Mid-Plains Community College Dean’s List during the 2023 fall semester.

To make the list, students had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours of college-level courses and maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 – 3.89 on a 4.0 scale. The qualifiers were:

Broken Bow – Paige Gibbens , Garrett Piper&nbsp;

Culbertson – Austin Haddix, Rachel Jarecke, Ariana Pierson, Landon Tines

Grant – Alyssa Briggs, Emma Klahn, Mackayla Wallin

Hershey – Kaitlyn Hendricks, Jordyn Messersmith

Imperial – Gisselle Acuna Vasquez, Kathya Aragon Bustillos, Alejandra Castillo, Alejandro Mendoza Ramirez, Jensen Olsen, Yalexa Saenz Najera

McCook – Caylin Barnett, Paige Bopp, Eloy Carbajal, Emma Cushman Cabrera, Bree Donohue, Jett Gillen, Dylan Harvie, Nevayah Hust, Jacob Kerns, Nathan Lytle, Graci Nelson, Tesa Nelson, Sara Peterson, Christina Schaben, Lainey Schmidt, Abagail Seybold, Harper Stevens, Addyson Uerling, Cali Vlasin, Kaedin Waugh

North Platte – Isabella Arizona, Robert Avery, Clancy Brown, Nolan Burrell, Collin Casady, Heather Cheever-Holbrook, Dalton Clark, Olivia Compitello, Jonathan Dekleva, Abigail Dimmitt, Raegan Douglas, Austin Elsen, Gracie Epler, Cody Fattig, Seth Finstad, Lyndee Friedrich, Rachael Gallaway, Dorian Goff, Gracie Halouska, Baylee Harvey, Patrick Horton, Sydney Houchin, Jonathon Keneipp, Dylan LaVante, Sydney Letourneau, Jade Luther, Sterling Maline, Nick Marchlewski, Savannah Mauger, Gabriel Melton, Elizabeth Nielsen, Elio Nila, Trey Pierson, Sebastian Purcell, Brandi Pyzer, Jack Raby, David Rinke, Julian Rodriguez, Ainsley Schroder, Jacob Scott, Jules Serrano, Drey Smith, Brooklyn Songster, Jaxton Starr, Andrew Tejral, Christen Welk, Louis&nbsp; Whitaker, Samantha Winscot , Kadan Wright

Ogallala – Marlee Ervin, Sierra Houser, Jessie Jerome, Sydney Ribera, Logan Stephens, Gracen Tuttle

Sargent – Madison Anderson, Elsie Ottun

Sutherland – Hoyt Dancer, Taylor Dorram, Bailey Zona

William Edwards, Joshua Jedretich, Lachlan Jones, Jake Quinlivan

Anna Elliott, Maddox Shaver, Kaylee Smith, Sasha Strandberg, Cornelius Wouters

Heather Johnson&nbsp;MPCCA total of 158 students qualified for the Mid-Plains Community College Dean’s List during the 2023 fall semester.To make the list, students had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours of college-level courses and maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 – 3.89 on a 4.0 scale. The qualifiers were:NebraskaArapahoe – Josiah GoshertArnold – Hailey MyersBartley – Bruce TeterBenkelman – Klayton RinneBrady – Cooper Franzen, Dylan HamiltonBroken Bow – Paige Gibbens , Garrett Piper&nbsp;Callaway – Timothy WoodCambridge – Gunner ShiffletCulbertson – Austin Haddix, Rachel Jarecke, Ariana Pierson, Landon TinesDavid City – Kennen RobinsonElsie – Denay PelsterGering – Brylee Dean, Bryan LarsonGrant – Alyssa Briggs, Emma Klahn, Mackayla WallinHershey – Kaitlyn Hendricks, Jordyn MessersmithImperial – Gisselle Acuna Vasquez, Kathya Aragon Bustillos, Alejandra Castillo, Alejandro Mendoza Ramirez, Jensen Olsen, Yalexa Saenz NajeraIndianola – Dylan RuckerJohnstown – Briley Naprstek&nbsp;Lincoln – Hudson SundermannMaxwell – Dominic WittstruckMaywood – Ridge HastingsMcCook – Caylin Barnett, Paige Bopp, Eloy Carbajal, Emma Cushman Cabrera, Bree Donohue, Jett Gillen, Dylan Harvie, Nevayah Hust, Jacob Kerns, Nathan Lytle, Graci Nelson, Tesa Nelson, Sara Peterson, Christina Schaben, Lainey Schmidt, Abagail Seybold, Harper Stevens, Addyson Uerling, Cali Vlasin, Kaedin WaughNorth Platte – Isabella Arizona, Robert Avery, Clancy Brown, Nolan Burrell, Collin Casady, Heather Cheever-Holbrook, Dalton Clark, Olivia Compitello, Jonathan Dekleva, Abigail Dimmitt, Raegan Douglas, Austin Elsen, Gracie Epler, Cody Fattig, Seth Finstad, Lyndee Friedrich, Rachael Gallaway, Dorian Goff, Gracie Halouska, Baylee Harvey, Patrick Horton, Sydney Houchin, Jonathon Keneipp, Dylan LaVante, Sydney Letourneau, Jade Luther, Sterling Maline, Nick Marchlewski, Savannah Mauger, Gabriel Melton, Elizabeth Nielsen, Elio Nila, Trey Pierson, Sebastian Purcell, Brandi Pyzer, Jack Raby, David Rinke, Julian Rodriguez, Ainsley Schroder, Jacob Scott, Jules Serrano, Drey Smith, Brooklyn Songster, Jaxton Starr, Andrew Tejral, Christen Welk, Louis&nbsp; Whitaker, Samantha Winscot , Kadan WrightOgallala – Marlee Ervin, Sierra Houser, Jessie Jerome, Sydney Ribera, Logan Stephens, Gracen TuttleOmaha – Sam Lootens, Jackson YeagerPaxton – Dustin Clapp, Isaiah FoxSargent – Madison Anderson, Elsie OttunScottsbluff – Treyten YorkSeneca – Whitney JenningsSeward – Miriam VoehlStratton – Kylee McLainSutherland – Hoyt Dancer, Taylor Dorram, Bailey ZonaValentine – Kenneth ShelbournWallace – Mariah Gardner, Kolton HagerColoradoBroomfield – Ayana GoodwinColorado Springs – Rebecca DunnDenver – Keke SmithFrederick – Joseph VillaniGreeley – Trey SummersJulesburg – Gavin BlochowitzLamar – Fernanda Merancio ParedesLoveland – Jordan DuzenackNew Ramer – Emily JohnsonNorthglenn – Joie Rodriguez&nbsp;Sedgwick – Brittany EvansSterling – Mason Gertner, Emerie RiosYuma – Rowan TribelhornHawaiiHaiku – Koby JacobsonHoolehua – Kahiwa AugustiroWaimanalo – Eden ShimaokaKansasOberlin – Amanda CoryellOregonPendleton – Jacob AiroldiTexasSan Antonio – Hailey OrtizWyomingRiverton – Blake DaleAustraliaWilliam Edwards, Joshua Jedretich, Lachlan Jones, Jake QuinlivanCanadaAnna Elliott, Maddox Shaver, Kaylee Smith, Sasha Strandberg, Cornelius WoutersDenmarkSuzan Sisman&nbsp;SpainNoa Iglesias ChordaSwedenJesper Hallberg

 MPCC releases Fall 2023 Dean’s List

A total of 111 students qualified for the President’s List during the 2023 fall semester at Mid-Plains Community College.

To make the list, each student had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours in college-level courses and maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 or greater on a 4.0 scale. The qualifiers were:

Gering - Butch Connelly, Tanner Gartner, Preston Lenoir, Ethan Prokop, Jonathan Rengler

Gothenburg – Rayden Bihlmaier, Ana Myers, Ashlyn Parrett

Imperial – Julian Juarez Gamboa, Lili Marquez, Tristan Nordhausen, Grisleydi Ortega&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

McCook – Abigail Boner, Brandon Pike, Jenicca Spencer, Robi Winder

North Platte – Ani Aten, Samantha Bales, Lu Beel, Jasmine Boo, Samantha Carlson, Kaden Cooper, David&nbsp; Cudzilo, Makala Dailey, Aubrey Ann Deterding, Lauren Franklin, Kenneth Gann, Jerry Gibson, Reagan Hagen, Katie Hinrich, Haylie Hoatson, Ignacio Jimenez, Donte' Koif, Breanna Lundgreen, Isabella Martinez, Natasha Martinez, Callie McClain, Lily Mixer, Theran Nitsch, Oluchi Nwokedi Igbokwe, Juliana Ortiz, Abel Ramos, Nelia Rivas, Meara Roberts, Sam Shultz, Elizabeth Sitorius-Johnson, Shelby Steele, Kinley Stine, Anja Tejral, Brooklyn Thompson, Jamie Tobey, Billy Tolstedt, Alonzo Torrez, Chloe Walchesky, Jada-Mae Wheeler

Sargent – Norman Edwards, Kathryn Folkers

Venango – Amanda Borges&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Angela Banzet , Leif Friedrich, Michael Quick, Jason Serafinchon, Bradley Stoner

Heather Johnson&nbsp;MPCCA total of 111 students qualified for the President’s List during the 2023 fall semester at Mid-Plains Community College.To make the list, each student had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours in college-level courses and maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 or greater on a 4.0 scale. The qualifiers were:NebraskaAnsley – Tyler DobbsArnold – Rio RemundAtkinson – EmiLee WalnoferBrady – Zada EarllBrule – Rylee Estrada, AJ OrthCambridge – Aidan GundersonCulbertson – Lindsey RippenFranklin – Bryanah HindalGering - Butch Connelly, Tanner Gartner, Preston Lenoir, Ethan Prokop, Jonathan RenglerGothenburg – Rayden Bihlmaier, Ana Myers, Ashlyn ParrettHalsey – Lori WarrenHayes Center – Kyler CoxHershey – Landon Hart, Abby HassettImperial – Julian Juarez Gamboa, Lili Marquez, Tristan Nordhausen, Grisleydi Ortega&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lincoln – Jackson FinderMcCook – Abigail Boner, Brandon Pike, Jenicca Spencer, Robi WinderMinatare – Nevaeh LaegerNorth Platte – Ani Aten, Samantha Bales, Lu Beel, Jasmine Boo, Samantha Carlson, Kaden Cooper, David&nbsp; Cudzilo, Makala Dailey, Aubrey Ann Deterding, Lauren Franklin, Kenneth Gann, Jerry Gibson, Reagan Hagen, Katie Hinrich, Haylie Hoatson, Ignacio Jimenez, Donte' Koif, Breanna Lundgreen, Isabella Martinez, Natasha Martinez, Callie McClain, Lily Mixer, Theran Nitsch, Oluchi Nwokedi Igbokwe, Juliana Ortiz, Abel Ramos, Nelia Rivas, Meara Roberts, Sam Shultz, Elizabeth Sitorius-Johnson, Shelby Steele, Kinley Stine, Anja Tejral, Brooklyn Thompson, Jamie Tobey, Billy Tolstedt, Alonzo Torrez, Chloe Walchesky, Jada-Mae WheelerOgallala – Jace RichterOmaha – Joseph ShepherdSargent – Norman Edwards, Kathryn FolkersScottsbluff – Jose BarriosStapleton – Talli MartinSutherland – Lauren HaddowThedford – Connor BurnsTrenton – Braydn Hutto, Jack McArthurTryon – John HallerVenango – Amanda Borges&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Waverly – Jaelyn DickeColoradoHighlands Ranch – Kalyn JacksonSterling – Blake FeatherThornton – Eli Schaeffer, Audra VineWestminster – Aiden JohnsonIowaBurlington – Bryce BaezMinnesotaCrystal – Michael CooperOregonBend – Spencer OrtegaCulver – Jakob AlbertsTexasSan Antonio – Nancy Martinez-SanchezUtahRichfield – Aubrey&nbsp; GrantWashingtonChattaroy – Samantha RigglesPort Orchard – Madison SchoepflinSpokane – Cameron WoodSpokane Valley – Julie ClaytonWyomingRiverton – Nathan HutchisonTorrington – Reece HalleyArgentinaJuan Zanguitu&nbsp;AustraliaAndrew Brown, Natalie HarmataCanadaAngela Banzet , Leif Friedrich, Michael Quick, Jason Serafinchon, Bradley StonerItalyGreta BologniniSweden

MPCC announces Fall 2023 President’s List

Nebraska Extension will host grain marketing workshops for farmers in Oshkosh and Crawford.

Do you ever wonder what analysts are really saying about the grain markets? Nebraska Extension Educator, Jessica Groskopf, will use real audio and video examples. This workshop will help you get the “market talk” decoded. She will discuss basis, bears, bulls, long, short, and more!

“With grain prices falling, it is time for farmers to sharpen their marketing skills,” Groskopf said. “This workshop is an opportunity to look at the coming year and the forces driving the current grain market conditions.”

The program is free to attend. Pre-registration is requested one week prior to each workshop.

Nebraska Extension will host grain marketing workshops for farmers in Oshkosh and Crawford.Do you ever wonder what analysts are really saying about the grain markets? Nebraska Extension Educator, Jessica Groskopf, will use real audio and video examples. This workshop will help you get the “market talk” decoded. She will discuss basis, bears, bulls, long, short, and more!“With grain prices falling, it is time for farmers to sharpen their marketing skills,” Groskopf said. “This workshop is an opportunity to look at the coming year and the forces driving the current grain market conditions.”The program is free to attend. Pre-registration is requested one week prior to each workshop.<ol>
 <li>Crawford – Jan. 31 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Crawford Fire Hall (3450 Hwy 20). To register, call Dawes County Extension Office at 308-432-3373</li><li>Oshkosh – Feb. 7 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Oshkosh Methodist Church (497 W 3rd St). To register, call the Garden County Extension Office at 308-772-3311.</li>
 </ol>

Nebraska Extension to host grain marketing workshops in Crawford and Oshkosh

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/meetings-set-to-gather-public-input-on-nebraskas-greenhouse-gas-reduction-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A series of meetings has been scheduled to gather public input and provide a progress report on the state’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Last year, Nebraska was awarded a $3 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Inflation Reduction Act to develop and implement a “priority climate action plan” and a “comprehensive climate action plan” to reduce emissions.

At the public meetings, a short presentation about the program will be presented, and emission reduction measures brought up in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-takes-first-step-in-developing-plans-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-nebraska/">stakeholder sessions held in late 2023</a>&nbsp;will be discussed.

The public can weigh in on the measures, ask questions and provide input and comment on proposed priority rankings by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy.

The state’s tentative list of priority measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must be submitted by March 1.

North Platte: Mid-Plains Community College, North Campus, Rooms 105 and 107, 1101 Halligan Drive, Jan. 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Alliance: Knight Museum, 908 Yellowstone Ave., Jan. 30, from 5:30-7 p.m.

Norfolk:&nbsp;Northeast Community College, Lifelong Learning Center, Rooms E and H, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., Feb. 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Lincoln: Location to be announced on NDEE’s website, Feb 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Grand Island:&nbsp;Public Library, meeting Room B, 1124 W. Second St., Feb. 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/meetings-set-to-gather-public-input-on-nebraskas-greenhouse-gas-reduction-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A series of meetings has been scheduled to gather public input and provide a progress report on the state’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Last year, Nebraska was awarded a $3 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Inflation Reduction Act to develop and implement a “priority climate action plan” and a “comprehensive climate action plan” to reduce emissions.At the public meetings, a short presentation about the program will be presented, and emission reduction measures brought up in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-takes-first-step-in-developing-plans-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-nebraska/">stakeholder sessions held in late 2023</a>&nbsp;will be discussed.The public can weigh in on the measures, ask questions and provide input and comment on proposed priority rankings by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy.The state’s tentative list of priority measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must be submitted by March 1.The sessions are scheduled at:North Platte: Mid-Plains Community College, North Campus, Rooms 105 and 107, 1101 Halligan Drive, Jan. 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.Alliance: Knight Museum, 908 Yellowstone Ave., Jan. 30, from 5:30-7 p.m.Norfolk:&nbsp;Northeast Community College, Lifelong Learning Center, Rooms E and H, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., Feb. 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.Lincoln: Location to be announced on NDEE’s website, Feb 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.Grand Island:&nbsp;Public Library, meeting Room B, 1124 W. Second St., Feb. 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Meetings set to gather public input on Nebraska’s greenhouse gas reduction plan

&nbsp; &nbsp;The North Platte City Council will meet tonight in a regular meeting.&nbsp; Below is tonight's agenda. To watch tonight's meeting,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfNorthPlatte/streams">click here.</a>&nbsp;The meeting is at 5:30pm at the City Hall Council Chambers.

North Platte Post&nbsp; &nbsp;The North Platte City Council will meet tonight in a regular meeting.&nbsp; Below is tonight's agenda. To watch tonight's meeting,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfNorthPlatte/streams">click here.</a>&nbsp;The meeting is at 5:30pm at the City Hall Council Chambers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705417075279.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705417093359.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

01/16 North Platte City Council Meeting, Tonight's Agenda

Livestream:&nbsp;<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 16, 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 16, 2024, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:15 A.M.

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.

(This list is grouped by Commissioner as appointed in 2023.)

North Platte Senior Center Advisory Committee

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Management Committee

North Platte Area Chamber &amp; Development

Mid-Nebraska Community Action Partnership

Appointees to receive drug testing reports (Chairperson &amp; Tyler Volkmer)

Fair Housing Representative (Rebecca Rossell)

South Central Planning &amp; Exercise Training Region (SCPETR) – Region 51 Emergency Management (Brandon Myers and Joanna LeMoine)

Lincoln County Highway Supt. – Jason Schultz

Region 51 Emergency Management Director – Brandon Myers

Noxious Weed Control Supt. – Todd Herndon

Lincoln County Veterans Service Officer – Tom Gann

Discuss and consider authorizing the sale of the surplus damaged V-Plow to Frontier County

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.

Livestream:&nbsp;<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 16, 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 16, 2024, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:15 A.M.<ol>
 <li>Open with prayer</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Elect Lincoln County Board Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2024</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Approve minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting		&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>held on January 8, 2024<ol>
 <li>Consider the following:</li>
 </ol><ul>
 <li>Claims &amp; Treasurer’s Receipts</li><li>Receive and order filed the fee reports submitted by the Clerk of District Court, County Clerk and Register of Deeds</li><li>Letter of support for Charter Communications for broadband grants through the Nebraska Capital Projects Fund for fiber to unserved households in parts of unincorporated Lincoln County</li>
 </ul>Recess 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>Elect Lincoln County Board of Equalization Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2024</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Approve minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting</li>
 </ul>held on January 8, 2024<ul>
 <li>Certificates of correction and refund as submitted by the County Assessor</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>9:20 A.M.	Discuss and consider appointment of official newspaper(s) to publish legal notices for Lincoln County in 2024</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>9:30 A.M.	Discuss and consider action to adopt the comments and recommendation from the Lincoln County Planning Commission and approve a proposed conservation easement by The Nature Conservancy on property described as the S ½ of Section 12, together with any accretions that lie within said south half of Section 12, and together with a strip of ground 2 rods in width along the East side of the NE ¼ of said Section 12, Township 14 North, Range 34 West of the 6th P.M., Lincoln County, Nebraska.</li><li>9:40 A.M.	Annual appointments to the following boards and committees for 2024:</li>
 </ol>(This list is grouped by Commissioner as appointed in 2023.)Commissioner HewgleyEconomic Development Task ForceRegion II Human ServicesADA CoordinatorRules CommitteeLaw Enforcement/Judiciary CommitteePlanning &amp; Zoning CommitteeCommissioner WeemsWest Central Area on AgingNorth Platte Senior Center Advisory CommitteeDrug Task ForceLaw Enforcement/Judiciary CommitteeSafety CommitteeBlack-Tailed Prairie Dog Management CommitteeSandhills R C &amp; DBuilding &amp; Grounds CommitteeCommissioner WuehlerWest Central Development DistrictSandhills R C &amp; DCounty Roads CommitteeBuilding &amp; Grounds CommitteeNoxious Weed CommitteeCommissioner BrunsNorth Platte Area Chamber &amp; DevelopmentWest Central District Health BoardWest Central Development DistrictCounty Extension/Ag Society CommitteePersonnel CommitteePlanning &amp; Zoning CommitteeCommissioner WoodruffVisit North Platte Board of DirectorsMid-Nebraska Community Action PartnershipPersonnel CommitteeRules CommitteeCounty Roads CommitteeBlack-Tailed Prairie Dog Management CommitteeOther Appointments:Appointees to receive drug testing reports (Chairperson &amp; Tyler Volkmer)Fair Housing Representative (Rebecca Rossell)South Central Planning &amp; Exercise Training Region (SCPETR) – Region 51 Emergency Management (Brandon Myers and Joanna LeMoine)<ol>
 <li>9:50 A.M.&nbsp; Discuss and consider authorizing the Chairman to sign the grant award&nbsp; special terms and conditions for the U.S. Dept. of Energy EECBG Program Voucher Application</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>10:00 A.M. Discuss and consider setting annual salary for the following appointed officials for 2024:&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Lincoln County Highway Supt. – Jason SchultzRegion 51 Emergency Management Director – Brandon MyersNoxious Weed Control Supt. – Todd HerndonLincoln County Veterans Service Officer – Tom Gann<ol>
 <li>10:10 A.M.	Discuss and consider damaged V-Plow as surplus equipment</li>
 </ol>Discuss and consider authorizing the sale of the surplus damaged V-Plow to Frontier County<ol>
 <li>10:20 A.M.	Discuss and consider approval and signing of the contract with Western Engineering Company, Inc. for the LCDOR 2023-02 asphalt project</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>10:25 A.M. 	Discussion and update by Commissioner Wuehler on LB 869</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 01-16 Agenda

NORTH PLATTE - Winter weather is impacting the region with snow and a wind chill warning in effect until tomorrow at noon (CST) according to the National Weather Services. Many schools in the area have closed for the day, late starts and cancelled activities due to the weather.&nbsp;

A wind chill warning which has blasted Nebraska since late last week will bring in a chilly Monday and Tuesday morning for the region. The National Weather Service says frostbite can occur if outside in dangerous weather conditions for a long period of time.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Over the weekend, many semi-trucks and cars were stranded due to blowing snow and extreme cold temperatures causing vehicles to not operate. With the snow moving across the state, roads may become slick and covered.

&nbsp;<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/11801718-dbaa-4452-ab0a-04d190d55889" target="_blank">For the latest road conditions, click here</a>. If motorists are stranded in cold temperatures, the Nebraska State Patrol says if you get stranded, stay in your vehicle and call *55. Troopers will be out across Nebraska to assist stranded motorists.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705339184365.jpeg" alt="NDOT Plow Truck WB outside of Grant on HWY 23. Photo from NDOT" />
 <figcaption>NDOT Plow Truck WB outside of Grant on HWY 23. Photo from NDOT</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post/Sandhills PostNORTH PLATTE - Winter weather is impacting the region with snow and a wind chill warning in effect until tomorrow at noon (CST) according to the National Weather Services. Many schools in the area have closed for the day, late starts and cancelled activities due to the weather.&nbsp;A wind chill warning which has blasted Nebraska since late last week will bring in a chilly Monday and Tuesday morning for the region. The National Weather Service says frostbite can occur if outside in dangerous weather conditions for a long period of time.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705338942602.jpeg" alt="NWS North Platte Temperature Details" />
 <figcaption>NWS North Platte Temperature Details</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705338963124.jpeg" alt="NWS North Platte Wind Gust Timeline" />
 <figcaption>NWS North Platte Wind Gust Timeline</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; Over the weekend, many semi-trucks and cars were stranded due to blowing snow and extreme cold temperatures causing vehicles to not operate. With the snow moving across the state, roads may become slick and covered.&nbsp;<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/11801718-dbaa-4452-ab0a-04d190d55889" target="_blank">For the latest road conditions, click here</a>. If motorists are stranded in cold temperatures, the Nebraska State Patrol says if you get stranded, stay in your vehicle and call *55. Troopers will be out across Nebraska to assist stranded motorists.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Snow, Wind Chill Warning rolling through the region

&nbsp; The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a semi-trailer fire. Department responded with One Engine, One Heavy Rescue, and Two Command. The fire was under control within 5 minutes of arrival. The lone operator of the vehicle was asleep in the tractor at the time of the fire and was alerted by someone pulling in for fuel. 

Together the two were able to disconnect the trailer as well as alert operators of nearby vehicles to get moved before the fire could spread. Temperature at the time of the fire was -7°. Crews returned to the station at 04:29.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705337731639.jpeg" alt="Sindey FF&nbsp; working on putting out the semi-trailer fire. Photo from SVFD" />
 <figcaption>Sindey FF&nbsp; working on putting out the semi-trailer fire. Photo from SVFD</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a semi-trailer fire. Department responded with One Engine, One Heavy Rescue, and Two Command. The fire was under control within 5 minutes of arrival. The lone operator of the vehicle was asleep in the tractor at the time of the fire and was alerted by someone pulling in for fuel. Together the two were able to disconnect the trailer as well as alert operators of nearby vehicles to get moved before the fire could spread. Temperature at the time of the fire was -7°. Crews returned to the station at 04:29.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid0WvCeMdW9sqSLUdFzGAADctbb4n2hSwuPzc5JN8vGDt2b8PNHfSohdtZ4fv467F5Al%26id%3D100064878333132&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="799" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Sidney Fire Fighters battled semi-trailer fire early Sunday morning

Edit from ORAC: Missoula Children's Theater auditions for K-12 students have been postponed until Tuesday, January 16, from 4-6 p.m. at Prairie View School (Small Gym) due to the frigid, icy conditions!

OGALLALA - The Missoula Children's Theatre heads to Ogallala and invites area students to try out for Peter and Wendy. Tryouts are this Monday from 4:00-6:00pm MT at Prairie View Elementary School and tryouts will be held in the small gym. Tryouts are open to any student K-12 and all area students are welcome to tryout. 50-60 students will be selected.&nbsp;Students must bring their permission slip with them to the tryouts.&nbsp;

Students selected must be able to attend all the sessions throughout the week that the Missoula Children's Theatre will host. This includes workshop sessions and all practices. The event is being hosted by the Ogallala&nbsp;Regional Arts Council and the Ogallala Optimists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with Barb Jeffres and Nancy Hollman about the event. If you would like to learn more in depth about this upcoming event, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

Sandhills Post&nbsp;Edit from ORAC: Missoula Children's Theater auditions for K-12 students have been postponed until Tuesday, January 16, from 4-6 p.m. at Prairie View School (Small Gym) due to the frigid, icy conditions!OGALLALA - The Missoula Children's Theatre heads to Ogallala and invites area students to try out for Peter and Wendy. Tryouts are this Monday from 4:00-6:00pm MT at Prairie View Elementary School and tryouts will be held in the small gym. Tryouts are open to any student K-12 and all area students are welcome to tryout. 50-60 students will be selected.&nbsp;Students must bring their permission slip with them to the tryouts.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705073527101.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Students selected must be able to attend all the sessions throughout the week that the Missoula Children's Theatre will host. This includes workshop sessions and all practices. The event is being hosted by the Ogallala&nbsp;Regional Arts Council and the Ogallala Optimists.&nbsp;&nbsp;Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with Barb Jeffres and Nancy Hollman about the event. If you would like to learn more in depth about this upcoming event, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="PODCAST - Missoula Children’s Theatre coming to Ogallala" 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=sb5me-154a07d-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>

PODCAST - Missoula Children's Theatre coming to Ogallala, tryouts now Tuesday due to weather

All Call County tones dispatched for structure fire inside Ogallala city limits. 

   Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department units: Command 60, Engine 31, Ladder 50, Rescue 1. 

   Ogallala Police Department and Keith County Sherrif's Office handled traffic reroute and diversion as well as initial contact with adjacent residents for evacuation. 

   Paxton units: Paxton 36 w/4FF    Brule units: Command 62, Utility 60, Engine 33. 

   Keystone Lemoyne Fire Department units: Command 60, Engine 30, Utility 62. 

   Keith County EMS units: MAC 60, MAC 1, MAC 2, KC EMG.

    Keith County Emergency Operations Center made initial dispatch and relayed resource requests. 

   Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary brought hot beverages and assisted in rehab. 

A Structure (residential wood frame) with flame showing from windows and front door on arrival, all occupants out. FF extinguished the main fire in approximately 25 minutes. Salvage and overhaul were extensive due to interior conditions, structural integrity issues, and further hampered by the freezing temperatures. Additional MA for overhaul personnel called in from Grant and Big Springs. No injuries were reported to IC. Structure is standing but not habitable.&nbsp;

Smoke detectors were not sounding on arrival. NeSFM investigating but preliminary report states electric space heater as probable cause. Photos courtesy of KC EMS from the rehab area. We would like to thank the area residents who also brought hot coffee and refreshments to the responders. Approximately 34 FF were on scene. Ogallala apparatus back in service at 2030 hrs.   &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705328293600.jpeg" alt="FF battling structure fire. Photo from Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>FF battling structure fire. Photo from Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Ogallala Volunteer Fire DepartmentAll Call County tones dispatched for structure fire inside Ogallala city limits. Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department units: Command 60, Engine 31, Ladder 50, Rescue 1. Ogallala Police Department and Keith County Sherrif's Office handled traffic reroute and diversion as well as initial contact with adjacent residents for evacuation. Paxton units: Paxton 36 w/4FF Brule units: Command 62, Utility 60, Engine 33. Keystone Lemoyne Fire Department units: Command 60, Engine 30, Utility 62. Keith County EMS units: MAC 60, MAC 1, MAC 2, KC EMG. Keith County Emergency Operations Center made initial dispatch and relayed resource requests. Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary brought hot beverages and assisted in rehab. A Structure (residential wood frame) with flame showing from windows and front door on arrival, all occupants out. FF extinguished the main fire in approximately 25 minutes. Salvage and overhaul were extensive due to interior conditions, structural integrity issues, and further hampered by the freezing temperatures. Additional MA for overhaul personnel called in from Grant and Big Springs. No injuries were reported to IC. Structure is standing but not habitable.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705328220653.jpeg" alt="Ogallala and surrounding counties FF respond to fire call. Photo from OVFD" />
 <figcaption>Ogallala and surrounding counties FF respond to fire call. Photo from OVFD</figcaption>
 </figure>Smoke detectors were not sounding on arrival. NeSFM investigating but preliminary report states electric space heater as probable cause. Photos courtesy of KC EMS from the rehab area. We would like to thank the area residents who also brought hot coffee and refreshments to the responders. Approximately 34 FF were on scene. Ogallala apparatus back in service at 2030 hrs. &nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fogallalafire%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0xVGsQdAVJByv4VCfeyshMyyWcVAJM7SRmj2Jpr1ZYeqZxS8CbuCXE5JVxnPebc7pl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="741" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding communities F.D. respond to a structure fire call 

Jacen Elias Smith, 18, Lincoln and Kirstyn Leona Ablard, 19, North Platte

Walter Lacy Abington, 30, North Platte and April Renea Zierke, 34, North Platte

Timothy Ray Millner, 45, North Platte and Christina Diane Blanton, 43, North Platte

Brandon Scott Howard, 35, North Platte and Amanda Elizabeth Eads, 40, North Platte

Martin Arnold Roschewski, 72, North Platte and Elizabeth Nola Lucas, 43, North Platte

Donald Allen Watkins, 37, North Platte and Kaylina Herma Koncoli, 31, North Platte

Micheal Edward Dameron, 43, Wellfleet and Rose Irene Schultz, 50, Wellfleet

Jacen Elias Smith, 18, Lincoln and Kirstyn Leona Ablard, 19, North PlatteWalter Lacy Abington, 30, North Platte and April Renea Zierke, 34, North PlatteTimothy Ray Millner, 45, North Platte and Christina Diane Blanton, 43, North PlatteBrandon Scott Howard, 35, North Platte and Amanda Elizabeth Eads, 40, North PlatteMartin Arnold Roschewski, 72, North Platte and Elizabeth Nola Lucas, 43, North PlatteDonald Allen Watkins, 37, North Platte and Kaylina Herma Koncoli, 31, North PlatteMicheal Edward Dameron, 43, Wellfleet and Rose Irene Schultz, 50, Wellfleet

Marriage Licenses for Lincoln County (week of January 8th)

Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with 4-H'ers Josh and Joelle Ewald and 4-H Development Extension Educator Caitlyn Jacobson about the 4-H Companion Animal Project.&nbsp;

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

Companion animals is a diverse group of animals that include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, companion birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and so much more. The program helps youth opportunities to learn and develop life skills and learn knowledge and proper ways of taking care of companion animals.&nbsp;

When it comes to participating in the event, the 4-H'rs need to have their animal ready for a judgement. Animals need to be prepped for shows and it takes time to get them ready. "Depending on the animal, but dogs you have to groom them, give them a bath, get their carrier ready and they're ready to go," said Josh Ewald.&nbsp;

Joelle Ewald, who competed in the 4-H Companion Animal Project last year entered her cat into the show. "Last year, I entered my cat Pumpkin into the show, and I got to talk to the judge which was so much fun," said Joelle Ewald.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you would like to learn more about Ewald's involvement with 4-H, or more about what the 4-H Companion Animal Project is, check out the podcast above. If you would like to visit the Lincoln, Logan, McPherson 4-H website, <a href="https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/lincolnmcpherson/">click here.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post&nbsp;Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with 4-H'ers Josh and Joelle Ewald and 4-H Development Extension Educator Caitlyn Jacobson about the 4-H Companion Animal Project.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) - 4-H Companion Animal 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=72tnm-154b2ab-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>NORTH PLATTE - 4-H is America's largest youth development program across the United States that helps learn skills that will last a lifetime. The age requirement for 4-H is the ages of 8-18. There are many different categories that 4-H'ers can participate in during their time in the program. One program that is offered is the 4-H Companion Animal Project.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705178820483.jpeg" alt="L-R: Joelle Ewald, Josh Ewald and Caitlyn Jacobson" />
 <figcaption>L-R: Joelle Ewald, Josh Ewald and Caitlyn Jacobson</figcaption>
 </figure>Companion animals is a diverse group of animals that include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, companion birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and so much more. The program helps youth opportunities to learn and develop life skills and learn knowledge and proper ways of taking care of companion animals.&nbsp;When it comes to participating in the event, the 4-H'rs need to have their animal ready for a judgement. Animals need to be prepped for shows and it takes time to get them ready. "Depending on the animal, but dogs you have to groom them, give them a bath, get their carrier ready and they're ready to go," said Josh Ewald.&nbsp;Joelle Ewald, who competed in the 4-H Companion Animal Project last year entered her cat into the show. "Last year, I entered my cat Pumpkin into the show, and I got to talk to the judge which was so much fun," said Joelle Ewald.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you would like to learn more about Ewald's involvement with 4-H, or more about what the 4-H Companion Animal Project is, check out the podcast above. If you would like to visit the Lincoln, Logan, McPherson 4-H website, <a href="https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/lincolnmcpherson/">click here.&nbsp;</a>

(Audio) - 4-H Companion Animal Project 

Join us on Saturday, February 17th for our annual Buffalo Bill Birthday Bash. Grab those bomber jackets and aviator shades and suit up for a night of fun at the D&amp;N Event Center. 

Tickets for the 2024 Buffalo Bill Birthday Bash are live on our <a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/6281?_ga=2.130033487.1520414509.1705077601-1509051312.1705077601">website</a>. Tickets are also available in-person or over the phone.

Join us on Saturday, February 17th for our annual Buffalo Bill Birthday Bash. Grab those bomber jackets and aviator shades and suit up for a night of fun at the D&amp;N Event Center. Tickets for the 2024 Buffalo Bill Birthday Bash are live on our <a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/6281?_ga=2.130033487.1520414509.1705077601-1509051312.1705077601">website</a>. Tickets are also available in-person or over the phone.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnebraskalanddays%2Fposts%2Fpfbid036bK3nk5vD8jWL8bVTgsRoXqtHCm9vKXrbeiQsEvqgXuaTWwfCUrGL8kQ75SdHnsal&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="587" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

2024 Buffalo Bill Birthday Bash is Feb. 17th

NORTH PLATTE - The National Weather Service has issued dangerous winter weather conditions for the entire state and include our listening area.&nbsp;

A Wind Chill Warning is in effect for all of western and north central Nebraska through Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service also says theirs a possible chance of snow Sunday evening into early Monday morning. Many area schools have cancelled events due to the weather.

The eastern half of the state was hit hard in the winter storm that rolled in the last few days. As of now, many areas in eastern, southeast and northeast have closed roads due to the weather.

According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, in our listening area, Highway 92 from Arnold to Merna is considered impassable. Many roads in the area are always being affected by the weather. Colorado has also been affected by weather. If need to travel, <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/11801718-dbaa-4452-ab0a-04d190d55889">click here for the latest updates on road updates for Nebraska as well as Colorado.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705163395706.jpeg" alt="NDOT Darr exit" />
 <figcaption>NDOT Darr exit</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post/Sandhills PostNORTH PLATTE - The National Weather Service has issued dangerous winter weather conditions for the entire state and include our listening area.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705162637584.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705162665950.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Wind Chill Warning is in effect for all of western and north central Nebraska through Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service also says theirs a possible chance of snow Sunday evening into early Monday morning. Many area schools have cancelled events due to the weather.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705162808739.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The eastern half of the state was hit hard in the winter storm that rolled in the last few days. As of now, many areas in eastern, southeast and northeast have closed roads due to the weather.According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, in our listening area, Highway 92 from Arnold to Merna is considered impassable. Many roads in the area are always being affected by the weather. Colorado has also been affected by weather. If need to travel, <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/11801718-dbaa-4452-ab0a-04d190d55889">click here for the latest updates on road updates for Nebraska as well as Colorado.</a>

Dangerous Winter Weather affecting the state until early next week

Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with Haven Smith, Executive Director from the Mid-Plains United Way and the two discussed upcoming events for the United Way and the Partner Agency application is open for the 2024-2025 year.

NORTH PLATTE - The Mid-Plains United Way is gearing up for a couple of events in the next few months kicking off in February on the 1st and 2nd with an online event with Kendra Scott. When making a purchase use the code "GIVEBACK-FSUED" and 20% of the sales goes back to the united way.&nbsp;

Also in March, Mid-Plains United Way is teaming up with Pals Brewing Co. on March 30th for the 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt for adults. Eggs will contain many cool prizes. You must be 21+ to attend. The Partner Agency application period for funding is open. All applications must be turned in by Feb. 12. To see if your agency would be eligible, click here.&nbsp;

To learn more of what's going on and more in-depth about the upcoming events, check out the podcast above.&nbsp;

<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 Haven Smith, Executive Director from the Mid-Plains United Way and the two discussed upcoming events for the United Way and the Partner Agency application is open for the 2024-2025 year.<div><iframe title="(Audio) - Mid-Plains United Way weekly chat" 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=35287-154a167-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>NORTH PLATTE - The Mid-Plains United Way is gearing up for a couple of events in the next few months kicking off in February on the 1st and 2nd with an online event with Kendra Scott. When making a purchase use the code "GIVEBACK-FSUED" and 20% of the sales goes back to the united way.&nbsp;Also in March, Mid-Plains United Way is teaming up with Pals Brewing Co. on March 30th for the 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt for adults. Eggs will contain many cool prizes. You must be 21+ to attend. The Partner Agency application period for funding is open. All applications must be turned in by Feb. 12. To see if your agency would be eligible, click here.&nbsp;To learn more of what's going on and more in-depth about the upcoming events, check out the podcast above.&nbsp;

(Audio) - Mid-Plains United Way weekly chat

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/11/polling-indicates-many-nebraskans-oppose-pillen-plan-to-offset-property-taxes-with-higher-sales-tax/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s proposal to shift more local property tax burdens onto the state sales tax appears to have landed like a thud with likely voters.

A conservative pollster’s survey this week of more than 800 likely voters indicated seven out of 10, or 70%-19%, opposed increasing the sales tax to provide property tax relief.

More than half of the Nebraskans interviewed — 60%-14% — told the pollster they would prefer hard caps on local spending increases over increasing the sales tax to offset property taxes.

Pillen’s proposal to cut $2 billion in property taxes, which he started unveiling last month, would add&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/02/gov-pillen-loads-up-pitch-to-raise-state-sales-tax-by-2-cents-to-shift-taxes-away-from-property/">up to 2 cents to the sales tax</a>. It also would eliminate an unknown number of sales tax exemptions and cap spending by local governments.

He faced immediate backlash from a number of state senators, conservative and liberal think tanks and consumer advocates who questioned the impact of a higher sales tax on working Nebraskans.

State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar on Thursday criticized the proposal. “It&nbsp;simply doesn’t make sense to raise taxes to cut taxes,” she said. &nbsp;

“Nebraskans are already some of the most overtaxed people in the country, all to fund the Nebraska government’s bloated spending habits,” Slama said.

The governor said this week he is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/08/gov-pillen-presses-broadened-sales-tax-base-but-offers-no-details/">working with state lawmakers</a>&nbsp;to find a way to get to the same goal and still aims to cut the number of sales tax exemptions, often discussed as “broadening the base.”

State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston has described Pillen’s sales tax proposal as a starting point.

Americans for Prosperity-Nebraska paid for the poll, which was conducted by Battleground Connect. Pete Ricketts, a U.S. senator and former governor, founded and helped fund AFP-Nebraska. However, people close to Ricketts say he stopped donating to the group when he became governor.

Ricketts was one of Pillen’s top funders and surrogates during the 2022 GOP primary election for governor, and some later criticized Pillen for appointing Ricketts to the Senate soon after taking office last year.

Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/11/polling-indicates-many-nebraskans-oppose-pillen-plan-to-offset-property-taxes-with-higher-sales-tax/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s proposal to shift more local property tax burdens onto the state sales tax appears to have landed like a thud with likely voters.A conservative pollster’s survey this week of more than 800 likely voters indicated seven out of 10, or 70%-19%, opposed increasing the sales tax to provide property tax relief.More than half of the Nebraskans interviewed — 60%-14% — told the pollster they would prefer hard caps on local spending increases over increasing the sales tax to offset property taxes.Pillen’s proposal to cut $2 billion in property taxes, which he started unveiling last month, would add&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/02/gov-pillen-loads-up-pitch-to-raise-state-sales-tax-by-2-cents-to-shift-taxes-away-from-property/">up to 2 cents to the sales tax</a>. It also would eliminate an unknown number of sales tax exemptions and cap spending by local governments.<h2>Immediate backlash</h2>He faced immediate backlash from a number of state senators, conservative and liberal think tanks and consumer advocates who questioned the impact of a higher sales tax on working Nebraskans.State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar on Thursday criticized the proposal. “It&nbsp;simply doesn’t make sense to raise taxes to cut taxes,” she said. &nbsp;“Nebraskans are already some of the most overtaxed people in the country, all to fund the Nebraska government’s bloated spending habits,” Slama said.The governor said this week he is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/08/gov-pillen-presses-broadened-sales-tax-base-but-offers-no-details/">working with state lawmakers</a>&nbsp;to find a way to get to the same goal and still aims to cut the number of sales tax exemptions, often discussed as “broadening the base.”State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston has described Pillen’s sales tax proposal as a starting point.<h2>AFP-Nebraska paid for poll</h2>Americans for Prosperity-Nebraska paid for the poll, which was conducted by Battleground Connect. Pete Ricketts, a U.S. senator and former governor, founded and helped fund AFP-Nebraska. However, people close to Ricketts say he stopped donating to the group when he became governor.Ricketts was one of Pillen’s top funders and surrogates during the 2022 GOP primary election for governor, and some later criticized Pillen for appointing Ricketts to the Senate soon after taking office last year.The fact that AFP-Nebraska paid for this poll signals a possible disconnect between Ricketts and Pillen on tax policy. Political observers said it is unlikely AFP-Nebraska would fund a poll on this issue without buy-in from its top donors.&nbsp;Ricketts on Thursday said that as governor, he worked with state senators to provide more than $10 billion in property tax relief directly to taxpayers, including through a rebate program.“Raising taxes is not the answer to more property tax relief, and a tax shift is not tax relief,” he said in a statement. “Nebraskans deserve real reform that controls spending and reduces our tax burden across the board.”<h2>Pillen’s response</h2>Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americansforprosperity.org/afp-nebraska-releases-poll-showing-nebraskans-want-true-tax-reform/">criticized the poll</a>&nbsp;as flawed, saying it was “leading and not fully representative of Nebraskans’ views on property tax relief.” She said the governor knows Nebraskans want lower property taxes.“Governor Pillen is intent on providing significant and sustainable property tax reform and has boldly set forth the goal of achieving a 40% reduction this year,” she said in a statement. “The Governor is partnering with senators in the legislature to help solve this critical issue and is positive that consensus can be reached on a plan that will make Nebraska competitive with other states.”The poll was conducted this week by both cell phone and landline phones. Its margin of error was plus or minus 3.7%.John Gage, director of AFP-Nebraska, said people “want real and direct tax relief.” He suggested state lawmakers “aggressively limit local property taxing authority and spending.”“Our survey shows Nebraskans want long-term and permanent tax relief, not quick fixes,” he said.AFP-Nebraska advocates for conservative causes and is part of a national network of dark money groups funded by Kansas industrialist Charles Koch and his late brother, David.&nbsp;Ricketts, in recent years, has appeared on the group’s panels and events and in a video interview posted on its Facebook page.&nbsp;

Local