North Platte, NE: Eric Stearns returns to his hometown on November 3rd for the opening reception of his latest ceramic work in a show titled&nbsp;Ra•ku.&nbsp;You are welcome to meet the artist during the 5:30 - 7:30 pm reception at the Prairie Art Center.&nbsp;

"Ra•ku&nbsp;showcases my latest exploration into color palettes inspired by the world around me," says Eric Stearns. "Although this body of work features my pierced and raku-fired ceramics you may already know, the forms and colors are fresh and unique."

Raku is a method of quickly firing ceramic artwork. Eric removes the pieces from the kiln at 1450° F, when they're still red hot. The art is given about a minute or two to cool before placing it in a metal container with a few sheets of newspaper. The paper ignites and smokes then the container is closed. 

The reduction atmosphere affects the glaze colors and the smoke turns unglazed parts of the clay black. The drastic thermal shock also produces cracking in the glaze —known as crazing since it is deliberate. The piece is removed from the container once cool and cleaned up to remove residual soot and ash, revealing the brilliant glazes.&nbsp;

To learn more about&nbsp;Ra•ku&nbsp;and Eric Stearns, visit<a href="http://www.stearnsceramics.com/" target="_blank">&nbsp;www.stearnsceramics.com</a>&nbsp;or look for Stearns Ceramics on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/stearnsceramics/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/StearnsCeramics" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

&nbsp;Born and raised on a ranch near North Platte, Nebraska, Eric Stearns earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Professional Emphasis in 2003 from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. After college, he opened his first studio, Stearns Ceramics, in North Platte, NE.

After teaching full-time, as well as assisting his family on the ranch, Stearns decided to commit more fully to his art and received a Master of Fine Arts at Fort Hays State University in 2008 studying under Linda Ganstrom. He is now Associate Professor of Art and Chair of the Department of Art and Design at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska.

&nbsp; A short video of Eric removing his pottery can be watched here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChAlQK6JtAG/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx3pDXrpMDx/?img_index=1</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698776070600.jpeg" alt="Eric Stearns/Photo provided by Eric Stearns" />
 <figcaption>Eric Stearns/Photo provided by Eric Stearns</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte, NE: Eric Stearns returns to his hometown on November 3rd for the opening reception of his latest ceramic work in a show titled&nbsp;Ra•ku.&nbsp;You are welcome to meet the artist during the 5:30 - 7:30 pm reception at the Prairie Art Center.&nbsp;"Ra•ku&nbsp;showcases my latest exploration into color palettes inspired by the world around me," says Eric Stearns. "Although this body of work features my pierced and raku-fired ceramics you may already know, the forms and colors are fresh and unique."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698770772088.jpeg" alt="Ferris Wheel Square/Photo provided by Eric Stearns" />
 <figcaption>Ferris Wheel Square/Photo provided by Eric Stearns</figcaption>
 </figure>What is Ra•ku?Raku is a method of quickly firing ceramic artwork. Eric removes the pieces from the kiln at 1450° F, when they're still red hot. The art is given about a minute or two to cool before placing it in a metal container with a few sheets of newspaper. The paper ignites and smokes then the container is closed. The reduction atmosphere affects the glaze colors and the smoke turns unglazed parts of the clay black. The drastic thermal shock also produces cracking in the glaze —known as crazing since it is deliberate. The piece is removed from the container once cool and cleaned up to remove residual soot and ash, revealing the brilliant glazes.&nbsp;To learn more about&nbsp;Ra•ku&nbsp;and Eric Stearns, visit<a href="http://www.stearnsceramics.com/" target="_blank">&nbsp;www.stearnsceramics.com</a>&nbsp;or look for Stearns Ceramics on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/stearnsceramics/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/StearnsCeramics" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698770831507.jpeg" alt="October Sunset Square/Photo provided by Eric Stearns" />
 <figcaption>October Sunset Square/Photo provided by Eric Stearns</figcaption>
 </figure>About ERIC STEARNS&nbsp;Born and raised on a ranch near North Platte, Nebraska, Eric Stearns earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Professional Emphasis in 2003 from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. After college, he opened his first studio, Stearns Ceramics, in North Platte, NE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698770725188.jpeg" alt="Fading Sunrise Square/Photo provided by Eric Stearns" />
 <figcaption>Fading Sunrise Square/Photo provided by Eric Stearns</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698770903667.jpeg" alt="Revolution Orange Square/Photo provided by Eric Stearns" />
 <figcaption>Revolution Orange Square/Photo provided by Eric Stearns</figcaption>
 </figure>After teaching full-time, as well as assisting his family on the ranch, Stearns decided to commit more fully to his art and received a Master of Fine Arts at Fort Hays State University in 2008 studying under Linda Ganstrom. He is now Associate Professor of Art and Chair of the Department of Art and Design at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska.&nbsp; A short video of Eric removing his pottery can be watched here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChAlQK6JtAG/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx3pDXrpMDx/?img_index=1</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698770945631.jpeg" alt="Saturated Verbena/Photo provided by Eric Stearns" />
 <figcaption>Saturated Verbena/Photo provided by Eric Stearns</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698770976715.jpeg" alt="Star of Lakshmi/Photo provided by Eric Stearns" />
 <figcaption>Star of Lakshmi/Photo provided by Eric Stearns</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698771000126.jpeg" alt="Sunfire/Photo provided by Eric Stearns" />
 <figcaption>Sunfire/Photo provided by Eric Stearns</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698771033226.jpeg" alt="Under The Aegis/Photo provided by Eric Stearns" />
 <figcaption>Under The Aegis/Photo provided by Eric Stearns</figcaption>
 </figure>

ERIC STEARNS RETURNS TO NORTH PLATTE TO SHOW HIS LATEST ARTWORK

Just before 12:00pm (yesterday), McCook Dispatch received a report of an airplane crash just 1/8 of a mile southwest of McCook Ben Nelson Airport property. There were two occupants in the airplane, one of which was found deceased and the second occupant was transported to the Community Hospital of McCook with injuries.

City of McCook personnel were on scene of the crash and have contacted the appropriate federal agencies. The local agencies that responded are City of McCook Police Department, City of McCook Fire and EMS, City of McCook Public Works, Red Willow County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Red Willow Western, Nebraska Public Power, Black Hills Energy and the Red Cross.

The crash site has been secured and will be maintained until investigators from the appropriate agencies arrive. The accident site has been condoned off and the public is discouraged from driving through the area. The occupants' names from the airplane are being withheld pending notification of their families. No additional information will be released at this time.

City of McCookJust before 12:00pm (yesterday), McCook Dispatch received a report of an airplane crash just 1/8 of a mile southwest of McCook Ben Nelson Airport property. There were two occupants in the airplane, one of which was found deceased and the second occupant was transported to the Community Hospital of McCook with injuries.City of McCook personnel were on scene of the crash and have contacted the appropriate federal agencies. The local agencies that responded are City of McCook Police Department, City of McCook Fire and EMS, City of McCook Public Works, Red Willow County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Red Willow Western, Nebraska Public Power, Black Hills Energy and the Red Cross.The crash site has been secured and will be maintained until investigators from the appropriate agencies arrive. The accident site has been condoned off and the public is discouraged from driving through the area. The occupants' names from the airplane are being withheld pending notification of their families. No additional information will be released at this time.

City of McCook releases statement on the small plane crash

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655805794423.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698749792822.jpeg" alt="Brandon Decent - Domestic Assault" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Decent - Domestic Assault</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698749808698.jpeg" alt="Mason Shavlik - Obstructing The Police" />
 <figcaption>Mason Shavlik - Obstructing The Police</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698749823884.jpeg" alt="Bryan Werkmeister - Driving Under Influence Liquor .15+ 1st Offense" />
 <figcaption>Bryan Werkmeister - Driving Under Influence Liquor .15+ 1st Offense</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County JailNo New Arrests***Buffalo County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698750357887.jpeg" alt="Alec Sholtz - Probation Violation" />
 <figcaption>Alec Sholtz - Probation Violation</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698750372283.jpeg" alt="Colton Enarson - DUI-.15+ Or Refusal (2nd Prior Convictions)" />
 <figcaption>Colton Enarson - DUI-.15+ Or Refusal (2nd Prior Convictions)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698750384535.jpeg" alt="Said Delgado - Failure To Appear" />
 <figcaption>Said Delgado - Failure To Appear</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698750400811.jpeg" alt="John Neel - Failure To Appear" />
 <figcaption>John Neel - Failure To Appear</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698750413492.jpeg" alt="Michael Scott - Criminal Trespass-1st Degree, Criminal Trespass-2nd Degree" />
 <figcaption>Michael Scott - Criminal Trespass-1st Degree, Criminal Trespass-2nd Degree</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698750426741.jpeg" alt="Destiny Hewitt - Probation Sanction" />
 <figcaption>Destiny Hewitt - Probation Sanction</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698750440170.jpeg" alt="Jack Babcock - Theft by Receiving Stolen Property $1,500-$5,000, Theft-Shoplifting Over $5000, Theft-Unlawful Taking $5000+, Driving Under Suspension Before Reinstated-State" />
 <figcaption>Jack Babcock - Theft by Receiving Stolen Property $1,500-$5,000, Theft-Shoplifting Over $5000, Theft-Unlawful Taking $5000+, Driving Under Suspension Before Reinstated-State</figcaption>
 </figure>***<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>

This information is not a criminal history. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced. All individuals included in this post are presumed innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The North Platte Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint to admin@northplattepost.com.</div>

The Hot Sheets: October 31st, 2023

KEARNEY – The statistics are staggering.

Nearly 1 in 5 Nebraskans have a mental illness, yet access to behavioral health resources remains extremely limited in many parts of the state. All but five of the state’s 93 counties are designated as mental health professions shortage areas and 29 counties don’t have any behavioral health providers.

“The need is great, especially in rural Nebraska,” said Krista Fritson, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor in the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Department of Psychology.

In Kearney, for example, she notes that it can take anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months to access certain behavioral health services. That’s a problem, especially with rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Recognizing this shortage back in 2009, the state Legislature created the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) to help recruit, train, support and retain mental and behavioral health professionals. BHECN is based at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, with rural sites at UNK, Chadron State College and Wayne State College.

This collaboration between the Legislature, academic institutions and community partners has made a positive impact, with the state’s mental and behavioral health workforce growing by 38% from 2010 to 2020. However, there’s still a lot of ground to gain.

“Given the fact that 88 of Nebraska’s 93 counties are designated as mental health professions shortage areas, these programs and the support for our students and mental health providers are crucial in order to continue to increase the number of professionals in Nebraska,” Fritson said.

In addition to her role as a faculty member, Fritson serves as director of the BHECN location at UNK, where a new pilot program is building on this momentum. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/career-pathways/student-trainee-opportunities/bhop.html">Behavioral Health Opportunities Program</a>&nbsp;(BHOP) was launched this summer to continue expanding and enhancing this professional pipeline.

Similar to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/scholarshipprograms.php">Kearney Health Opportunities Program</a>&nbsp;(KHOP), a successful partnership between UNK and UNMC that recruits and trains future health care professionals, BHOP is designed as a pathway program for students seeking behavioral health careers in Nebraska. Unlike KHOP, students in the behavioral health program can complete their entire education through UNK, starting in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/psychology/index.php">undergraduate psychology program</a>&nbsp;before advancing to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/csp/clinical-mental-health-counseling.php">clinical mental health counseling master’s program</a>.

Participants receive BHECN-funded financial assistance – covering 100% of tuition and most student fees during the final year of their undergraduate program and 25% of tuition during their first three years in the master’s program – and they’re eligible for additional funding to support conference travel and other professional development activities.

The inaugural cohort is comprised of six UNK students selected – two from the master’s program and four undergraduate seniors. As members of the same “learning community,” these scholars participate in monthly activities that allow them to build relationships and professional skills, including recent sessions that focused on equine therapy and meditation and mindfulness.

They also receive one-on-one mentorship from licensed behavioral health professionals currently working in the field, as well as opportunities for job shadowing and internships.

“For me, the most important thing is the real-world experience,” said Robyn Springer, a BHOP participant and graduate assistant for BHECN. “There are things you can learn from a book, but until you actually get out there and dip your toes in the water, you don’t know what it’s really like.”

Springer helped run a local roofing business for nearly three decades, then she went through a divorce and decided to return to school in search of “something different.”

“Once I started the psychology program, I realized I was home,” she said. “This is where I belong. I just love it.”

She earned her bachelor’s degree from UNK in May and is currently pursuing a master’s through the clinical mental health counseling graduate program. Along with the support system she has through BHECN and UNK, Springer has gained knowledge and professional connections by shadowing local therapists.

“That helps tremendously. We’re still students, so there are so many questions that we have about getting into this field,” she said.

“The experiences BHOP provides will allow us to begin our careers with so much more confidence, which is huge,” she added. “This program definitely provides that leg up.”

Moving forward, Fritson hopes to see BHOP incorporate other academic programs, such as social work, and expand to additional institutions across the state.

“We know that we have six individuals who are going to be master’s-level therapists in this area in three or four years because of this program,” she said. “That’s the kind of progress we need in order to improve access to care and the quality of care for Nebraskans.”

For more information on the Behavioral Health Opportunities Program, contact Fritson at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fritsonkk@unk.edu">fritsonkk@unk.edu</a>.

Members of the inaugural Behavioral Health Opportunities Program cohort, listed by hometown, are:

Gering – Olivia Longmore (undergraduate)

Kearney – Robyn Springer (graduate student)

Kearney – Haley Clark (graduate student)

North Platte – Johanna McClure (undergraduate)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698679917512.jpeg" alt="Members of the Behavioral Health Opportunities Program (BHOP) are pictured on the UNK campus. Front row from left, Roger Garcia, associate director of recruitment and retention for the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) at UNMC; UNK students Olivia Longmore, Mariah Seim and Haley Clark; and Marly Brenning, the BHOP coordinator at UNK. Back row from left, Krista Fritson, a psychology professor and director of the BHECN site at UNK; and UNK students Johanna McClure, Robyn Springer and Juana Perez. (Photo courtesy of BHECN)" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Behavioral Health Opportunities Program (BHOP) are pictured on the UNK campus. Front row from left, Roger Garcia, associate director of recruitment and retention for the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) at UNMC; UNK students Olivia Longmore, Mariah Seim and Haley Clark; and Marly Brenning, the BHOP coordinator at UNK. Back row from left, Krista Fritson, a psychology professor and director of the BHECN site at UNK; and UNK students Johanna McClure, Robyn Springer and Juana Perez. (Photo courtesy of BHECN)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TYLER ELLYSONUNK CommunicationsKEARNEY – The statistics are staggering.Nearly 1 in 5 Nebraskans have a mental illness, yet access to behavioral health resources remains extremely limited in many parts of the state. All but five of the state’s 93 counties are designated as mental health professions shortage areas and 29 counties don’t have any behavioral health providers.“The need is great, especially in rural Nebraska,” said Krista Fritson, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor in the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Department of Psychology.In Kearney, for example, she notes that it can take anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months to access certain behavioral health services. That’s a problem, especially with rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic started.Recognizing this shortage back in 2009, the state Legislature created the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) to help recruit, train, support and retain mental and behavioral health professionals. BHECN is based at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, with rural sites at UNK, Chadron State College and Wayne State College.This collaboration between the Legislature, academic institutions and community partners has made a positive impact, with the state’s mental and behavioral health workforce growing by 38% from 2010 to 2020. However, there’s still a lot of ground to gain.“Given the fact that 88 of Nebraska’s 93 counties are designated as mental health professions shortage areas, these programs and the support for our students and mental health providers are crucial in order to continue to increase the number of professionals in Nebraska,” Fritson said.In addition to her role as a faculty member, Fritson serves as director of the BHECN location at UNK, where a new pilot program is building on this momentum. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/career-pathways/student-trainee-opportunities/bhop.html">Behavioral Health Opportunities Program</a>&nbsp;(BHOP) was launched this summer to continue expanding and enhancing this professional pipeline.Similar to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/scholarshipprograms.php">Kearney Health Opportunities Program</a>&nbsp;(KHOP), a successful partnership between UNK and UNMC that recruits and trains future health care professionals, BHOP is designed as a pathway program for students seeking behavioral health careers in Nebraska. Unlike KHOP, students in the behavioral health program can complete their entire education through UNK, starting in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/psychology/index.php">undergraduate psychology program</a>&nbsp;before advancing to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/csp/clinical-mental-health-counseling.php">clinical mental health counseling master’s program</a>.Participants receive BHECN-funded financial assistance – covering 100% of tuition and most student fees during the final year of their undergraduate program and 25% of tuition during their first three years in the master’s program – and they’re eligible for additional funding to support conference travel and other professional development activities.The inaugural cohort is comprised of six UNK students selected – two from the master’s program and four undergraduate seniors. As members of the same “learning community,” these scholars participate in monthly activities that allow them to build relationships and professional skills, including recent sessions that focused on equine therapy and meditation and mindfulness.They also receive one-on-one mentorship from licensed behavioral health professionals currently working in the field, as well as opportunities for job shadowing and internships.“For me, the most important thing is the real-world experience,” said Robyn Springer, a BHOP participant and graduate assistant for BHECN. “There are things you can learn from a book, but until you actually get out there and dip your toes in the water, you don’t know what it’s really like.”Springer helped run a local roofing business for nearly three decades, then she went through a divorce and decided to return to school in search of “something different.”“Once I started the psychology program, I realized I was home,” she said. “This is where I belong. I just love it.”She earned her bachelor’s degree from UNK in May and is currently pursuing a master’s through the clinical mental health counseling graduate program. Along with the support system she has through BHECN and UNK, Springer has gained knowledge and professional connections by shadowing local therapists.“That helps tremendously. We’re still students, so there are so many questions that we have about getting into this field,” she said.“The experiences BHOP provides will allow us to begin our careers with so much more confidence, which is huge,” she added. “This program definitely provides that leg up.”Moving forward, Fritson hopes to see BHOP incorporate other academic programs, such as social work, and expand to additional institutions across the state.“We know that we have six individuals who are going to be master’s-level therapists in this area in three or four years because of this program,” she said. “That’s the kind of progress we need in order to improve access to care and the quality of care for Nebraskans.”For more information on the Behavioral Health Opportunities Program, contact Fritson at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fritsonkk@unk.edu">fritsonkk@unk.edu</a>.Members of the inaugural Behavioral Health Opportunities Program cohort, listed by hometown, are:Gering – Olivia Longmore (undergraduate)Kearney – Robyn Springer (graduate student)Kearney – Mariah Seim (undergraduate)Kearney – Haley Clark (graduate student)Minatare – Juana Perez (undergraduate)North Platte – Johanna McClure (undergraduate)

New program prepares UNK students to serve state as behavioral health professionals

On 10-30-23, A small dedication was held at the North Platte Animal Center for the new “Meet &amp; Greet” area.   This area is designated for people looking to spend time with an animal up for adoption.  This area is fenced in and has a covered patio. 

   People can bring their dog to the “Meet &amp; Greet” area and allow them to run/play with the potential dog as well. This project was made possible by the City of North Platte, Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, Pawsitve Partners and New Harbor Construction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698698039937.jpeg" alt="NPPD Facebook Page" />
 <figcaption>NPPD Facebook Page</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Police DepartmentOn 10-30-23, A small dedication was held at the North Platte Animal Center for the new “Meet &amp; Greet” area. This area is designated for people looking to spend time with an animal up for adoption. This area is fenced in and has a covered patio. People can bring their dog to the “Meet &amp; Greet” area and allow them to run/play with the potential dog as well. This project was made possible by the City of North Platte, Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, Pawsitve Partners and New Harbor Construction.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorthplattepolice%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0AN29HKa4AAnrxSpC15H4ACZiVVYNwPb2M1Mvbo4vsEY6kkxuTdsoCEC3JgdPVx8gl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="756" 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 Animal Center held a dedication for new "Meet & Greet" area

RED WILLOW COUNTY, Neb. —One person died in a small plane crash just before noon Monday in southwest Nebraska.

The small plane crashed 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp;

There were two occupants in the airplane. First responders found one deceased, and the second occupant was transported to the Community Hospital of McCook for treatment.

City of McCook personnel were on the scene of the crash and have contacted the appropriate federal agencies.&nbsp;

Officials secured the crash site and it will be maintained until investigators from the appropriate federal agencies arrive.&nbsp; Officials have not released names of the pilot or passenger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McCook NEB. - First responders were dispatched to a small plane crash in McCook around 12:00pm. No further information is available at this time. We will provide updates once more information is released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698756364119.png" alt="Photo courtesy KLKN TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KLKN TV</figcaption>
 </figure>RED WILLOW COUNTY, Neb. —One person died in a small plane crash just before noon Monday in southwest Nebraska.The small plane crashed 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp;There were two occupants in the airplane. First responders found one deceased, and the second occupant was transported to the Community Hospital of McCook for treatment.City of McCook personnel were on the scene of the crash and have contacted the appropriate federal agencies.&nbsp;Officials secured the crash site and it will be maintained until investigators from the appropriate federal agencies arrive.&nbsp; Officials have not released names of the pilot or passenger.&nbsp;&nbsp;-------------McCook NEB. - First responders were dispatched to a small plane crash in McCook around 12:00pm. No further information is available at this time. We will provide updates once more information is released.

One dead after small plane crash in McCook

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LincolnCountyNebraska15">Lincoln County Facebook page</a>&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE - 11 employees working for Lincoln County were honored for years of service over the weekend. The time frame of years honored was 5-30 years. Check out the list below for the employees honored and how long they have been working with Lincoln County.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LincolnCountyNebraska15">Lincoln County Facebook page</a>&nbsp;NORTH PLATTE - 11 employees working for Lincoln County were honored for years of service over the weekend. The time frame of years honored was 5-30 years. Check out the list below for the employees honored and how long they have been working with Lincoln County.SueAnn Finke 30 yearsKerri Bellew 25 yearsCharity Farley 20 yearsBooker Boyer 15 yearsNila Pettit 10 yearsCarter Coble 5 yearsBetty Jo Hernandez 5 yearsKaleb King 5 yearsCarl Lunkwitz 5 yearsChristopher McCulley 5 yearsKenneth Neitzel 5 years&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lincoln County Employees honored for years of service

La Vista, NEB. - Last week, North Platte native and U.S. Senator Mike Jacobson was honored with the Health Care Advocate Award at the 2023 NHA Awards Banquet. The event was held in La Vista.&nbsp;

La Vista, NEB. - Last week, North Platte native and U.S. Senator Mike Jacobson was honored with the Health Care Advocate Award at the 2023 NHA Awards Banquet. The event was held in La Vista.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid02cidgvqhM7p8SM96ruP2TMDwLGZjPdB1eoWRY8PKuS4655qQzFhs6pERqqczVQry7l%26id%3D100057490746976&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="715" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Senator Mike Jacobson receives the Heath Care Advocate Award

On August 29th, 2023, The Dundy County Sheriff's Office received a report of a stolen vehicles which had been taken from farmstead in rural Dundy County. Deputies from this office them began speaking with officers from surrounding agencies and we learned of other vehicle thefts in Hitchcock and Perkins County.

On September 27th, 2023, one of those vehicle's a Nissan Exterra was located and recovered in rural Chase County.&nbsp;

October 2nd, 2023, The Dundy County Sheriff's office received information from Keith County Sheriff's Office of suspects and a location of another stolen vehicle from Dundy County, which was than located and recovered by Keith County Sheriff's Deputies.&nbsp;

Dundy County Sheriff's Office continued to keep in constant contact with other agencies about these vehicle thefts. Throughout the investigation, it was learned through video evidence that the vehicle suspect was driving a white Chevrolet Pickup, was also connected to the vehicle thefts in both Hitchcock County and Perkins County.

On October 27th, 2023, Chief Deputy King and Deputy Jones went to speak with our suspect, 29-year-old of Ogallala while he was in custody in Keith County Jail on unrelated charges. Deputy Jones did an excellent job on this interview and Patrik Reiman confessed not only to the vehicle thefts in Dundy County, but to the vehicle thefts in Hitchcock and Perkins Counties as well.

Patrik also gave Deputy Jones the location of the GMC Sierra which had been stolen from Hitchcock County in August. Dundy County Sgt. Lucci was given vague information about the location of the stolen vehicles and was able to locate that vehicle and Rural Dundy County. That vehicle has since been returned to the owner. The investigation into other involved person continues and we will update information as we can.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682359604.jpeg" alt="Patrik Reiman/Photo provided by Keith County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Patrik Reiman/Photo provided by Keith County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Dundy County Sheriff's officeOn August 29th, 2023, The Dundy County Sheriff's Office received a report of a stolen vehicles which had been taken from farmstead in rural Dundy County. Deputies from this office them began speaking with officers from surrounding agencies and we learned of other vehicle thefts in Hitchcock and Perkins County.On September 27th, 2023, one of those vehicle's a Nissan Exterra was located and recovered in rural Chase County.&nbsp;October 2nd, 2023, The Dundy County Sheriff's office received information from Keith County Sheriff's Office of suspects and a location of another stolen vehicle from Dundy County, which was than located and recovered by Keith County Sheriff's Deputies.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid0weJey5SHbC547hVvB9xjB8zX5s5dcnvnipE8ZN7vHQaxmtF6ReFVCn4er1zzBLyql%26id%3D100089561243657&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="609" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Dundy County Sheriff's Office continued to keep in constant contact with other agencies about these vehicle thefts. Throughout the investigation, it was learned through video evidence that the vehicle suspect was driving a white Chevrolet Pickup, was also connected to the vehicle thefts in both Hitchcock County and Perkins County.On October 27th, 2023, Chief Deputy King and Deputy Jones went to speak with our suspect, 29-year-old of Ogallala while he was in custody in Keith County Jail on unrelated charges. Deputy Jones did an excellent job on this interview and Patrik Reiman confessed not only to the vehicle thefts in Dundy County, but to the vehicle thefts in Hitchcock and Perkins Counties as well.Patrik also gave Deputy Jones the location of the GMC Sierra which had been stolen from Hitchcock County in August. Dundy County Sgt. Lucci was given vague information about the location of the stolen vehicles and was able to locate that vehicle and Rural Dundy County. That vehicle has since been returned to the owner. The investigation into other involved person continues and we will update information as we can.

Ogallala man linked to vehicle thefts in Dundy County, Hitchcock County and Perkins County

Townhall meeting scheduled for Sidney, Kimball on Nov. 6th & 8th

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655805794423.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County JailNo New Arrests***Keith County JailNo New Arrests***Buffalo County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698664241724.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Espino - Possess Controlled Substance x2, Possess K2 Or Marijunana 1 Oz Or Less 1st, Possess Or Use Drug Paraphernalia, Contempt Of Court, City Code Violation x2" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Espino - Possess Controlled Substance x2, Possess K2 Or Marijunana 1 Oz Or Less 1st, Possess Or Use Drug Paraphernalia, Contempt Of Court, City Code Violation x2</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698664265857.jpeg" alt="Levi Haines - Probation Violation" />
 <figcaption>Levi Haines - Probation Violation</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698664280962.jpeg" alt="Keith Goodson - Domestic Assault 3rd Degree, Assault-Causing Bodily Injury to Person" />
 <figcaption>Keith Goodson - Domestic Assault 3rd Degree, Assault-Causing Bodily Injury to Person</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698664293380.jpeg" alt="Oscar Martinez-Vallejo - DUI-Alcohol 2nd Offense, Refuse To Submit Pretest, Refuse To Submit Test 1st Offense, Refuse to Submit to test, 2nd Offense, Leave Accident-Fail To Furnish IO-1st, Driving During Revocation/Impound 1st Offense" />
 <figcaption>Oscar Martinez-Vallejo - DUI-Alcohol 2nd Offense, Refuse To Submit Pretest, Refuse To Submit Test 1st Offense, Refuse to Submit to test, 2nd Offense, Leave Accident-Fail To Furnish IO-1st, Driving During Revocation/Impound 1st Offense</figcaption>
 </figure>***<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>

This information is not a criminal history. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced. All individuals included in this post are presumed innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The North Platte Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint to admin@northplattepost.com.</div>

The Hot Sheets: October 30th, 2023

North Platte's 100 Women Who Care recently announced their latest recipient of grant money to a local non-profit organization. North Platte Pickleball was the recipient of their July 2023 grant of $4,500.The latest meeting was Tuesday, October 24 and according to Kelley Hasenauer, "We heard from 3 GREAT non-profits at tonight’s meeting… and the winner is, the North Platte chapter of the autism society of Nebraska!

"Please submit your donations to Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation via this link&nbsp;<a href="https://midncf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1210" target="_blank">https://midncf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1210</a>The concept behind the 100 Who Care movement is simple... when we join our resources together, we can make a huge impact in our community! ​100&nbsp;Women Who Care North Platte is a group of women who gather four times a year for a 1 hour meeting, learn about local charities, and each donate a $100 check to a charity that the group selects. This combined donation of $10,000 makes a real impact, without time-consuming fundraising events and planning.

<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.100womennp.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2KcFv8ZdCs_dxzT52OyCAqQsYtcREaFDbZrlP_jKR_CCHmgmvB0vFPW48&amp;h=AT1h4cimo-6pOBDKd9qLkb09VGHjxCF96gA0j_IG6Jo5_2nfGWugAzNSJw1r8AEMNjrmqlGMr5llmrs268XA1kfLlfGLS2NsDm1v-Gy3ftx9Sl0djh_QYHn4elIE1tHiHzqN" target="_blank">https://www.100womennp.org/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698579074068.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte's 100 Women Who Care recently announced their latest recipient of grant money to a local non-profit organization. North Platte Pickleball was the recipient of their July 2023 grant of $4,500.The latest meeting was Tuesday, October 24 and according to Kelley Hasenauer, "We heard from 3 GREAT non-profits at tonight’s meeting… and the winner is, the North Platte chapter of the autism society of Nebraska!"Please submit your donations to Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation via this link&nbsp;<a href="https://midncf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1210" target="_blank">https://midncf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1210</a>The concept behind the 100 Who Care movement is simple... when we join our resources together, we can make a huge impact in our community! ​100&nbsp;Women Who Care North Platte is a group of women who gather four times a year for a 1 hour meeting, learn about local charities, and each donate a $100 check to a charity that the group selects. This combined donation of $10,000 makes a real impact, without time-consuming fundraising events and planning.<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.100womennp.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2KcFv8ZdCs_dxzT52OyCAqQsYtcREaFDbZrlP_jKR_CCHmgmvB0vFPW48&amp;h=AT1h4cimo-6pOBDKd9qLkb09VGHjxCF96gA0j_IG6Jo5_2nfGWugAzNSJw1r8AEMNjrmqlGMr5llmrs268XA1kfLlfGLS2NsDm1v-Gy3ftx9Sl0djh_QYHn4elIE1tHiHzqN" target="_blank">https://www.100womennp.org/</a>

Autism Society of Nebraska is recipient of grant from 100 Women Who Care

Taylor Thomas Scott, 22, Burlington CO and Katherine Marie Cooper, 23, Waverly NE

Brent Matthew Hansen, 21, North Platte and ShaKota LeAnne Colton, 21, North Platte

Jose Luis Banuelas, 35, North Platte And Bobbie Lee Reynolds, 27, North Platte

Jonathan Michael Moore, 21, Kearney and Kelee Ann Louise, 22, Kearney

Brent Austin Eckman, 30, North Platte and Samantha Ray Gutherless, 34, North Platte

Timothy Riley Lopez, 26, North Platte and Mccyla Marie Mickelson, 24, North Platte

Joshua Mackenzie Golden, 29, North Platte and Elizabeth Rae Walsh, 31, North Platte

Alex James Smith, 27, North Platte and Julie Christine Hunt, 26, North Platte

Jose Gerardo Fernandez, 34, North Platte and Mackenzie Lynn Hough, 29, North Platte

Chase Lee Weiss, 29, North Platte and Chandler Ray Erickson, 26, North Platte

Chase Thomas Stearns, 29, North Platte and Heidi Jean Saner, 24, Dunning NE

Christopher Kenneth Dotson, 26, North Platte and Rebecca Marie Pasquinelly, 24, North Platte

Nicholas Robert Steffen, 25, North Platte and Victoria Cheyenne Hervey, 27, North Platte

Robert Lee Kosmacek, 30, North Platte and Aspen Marie Shirley, 30, North Platte

Quintan Alan Lehn, 25, North Platte and Holly Lynn Wolcott, 24, North Platte

Tyler Cory Pickett, 38, Gothenburg and Cassandra Raquel Seymour, 31, Gothenburg

Jesse David Soto, 40, North Platte and Tina Marie Silos, 49, North Platte

Gregory Alan Maranville, 48, North Platte and Stahsha Vlusta O’Donnell, 47, North Platte

Jory Thomas Hansen, 38, North Platte and Brittany Ann Davis, 33, North Platte

Taylor Thomas Scott, 22, Burlington CO and Katherine Marie Cooper, 23, Waverly NEBrent Matthew Hansen, 21, North Platte and ShaKota LeAnne Colton, 21, North PlatteJose Luis Banuelas, 35, North Platte And Bobbie Lee Reynolds, 27, North PlatteJonathan Michael Moore, 21, Kearney and Kelee Ann Louise, 22, KearneyBrent Austin Eckman, 30, North Platte and Samantha Ray Gutherless, 34, North PlatteTimothy Riley Lopez, 26, North Platte and Mccyla Marie Mickelson, 24, North PlatteJoshua Mackenzie Golden, 29, North Platte and Elizabeth Rae Walsh, 31, North PlatteAlex James Smith, 27, North Platte and Julie Christine Hunt, 26, North PlatteJose Gerardo Fernandez, 34, North Platte and Mackenzie Lynn Hough, 29, North PlatteChase Lee Weiss, 29, North Platte and Chandler Ray Erickson, 26, North PlatteChase Thomas Stearns, 29, North Platte and Heidi Jean Saner, 24, Dunning NEChristopher Kenneth Dotson, 26, North Platte and Rebecca Marie Pasquinelly, 24, North PlatteNicholas Robert Steffen, 25, North Platte and Victoria Cheyenne Hervey, 27, North PlatteRobert Lee Kosmacek, 30, North Platte and Aspen Marie Shirley, 30, North PlatteQuintan Alan Lehn, 25, North Platte and Holly Lynn Wolcott, 24, North PlatteTyler Cory Pickett, 38, Gothenburg and Cassandra Raquel Seymour, 31, GothenburgJesse David Soto, 40, North Platte and Tina Marie Silos, 49, North PlatteGregory Alan Maranville, 48, North Platte and Stahsha Vlusta O’Donnell, 47, North PlatteJory Thomas Hansen, 38, North Platte and Brittany Ann Davis, 33, North Platte

Marriage Licenses For Lincoln County (Week of October 2nd - October 23rd)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655805794423.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698578401149.jpeg" alt="San Suhr - Shoplifting 0-500 (3rd)" />
 <figcaption>San Suhr - Shoplifting 0-500 (3rd)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677411132090.jpeg" alt="Adrienne Prosser - Resisting Officer, Trespassing 2nd Degree" />
 <figcaption>Adrienne Prosser - Resisting Officer, Trespassing 2nd Degree</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith CountyNo New Arrest***Buffalo County<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677411132090.jpeg" alt="Mandi Gage - Domestic Assault 3rd Degree" />
 <figcaption>Mandi Gage - Domestic Assault 3rd Degree</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698578548581.jpeg" alt="Myron Klucznyk - Burglary" />
 <figcaption>Myron Klucznyk - Burglary</figcaption>
 </figure>***<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>

This information is not a criminal history. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced. All individuals included in this post are presumed innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The North Platte Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint to admin@northplattepost.com.</div>

The Hot Sheets: October 29th, 2023

This Halloween, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Safety Administration is teaming up with the North Platte Police Department to remind everyone that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.&nbsp; More pedestrians will be out&nbsp;at night on the hunt for candy and more drivers are heading to and from parties.&nbsp;

If your evening includes heading out to a party or festivity, make sure you plan for a sober ride home. Between 2017 &amp; 2021 there were 159 drunk driving fatalities on Halloween night.&nbsp; Seventeen of the fatalities were pedestrians.&nbsp; Additional Police Officers will be on the street focusing on taking impaired drivers off the road.

NPPDThis Halloween, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Safety Administration is teaming up with the North Platte Police Department to remind everyone that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.&nbsp; More pedestrians will be out&nbsp;at night on the hunt for candy and more drivers are heading to and from parties.&nbsp; If your evening includes heading out to a party or festivity, make sure you plan for a sober ride home. Between 2017 &amp; 2021 there were 159 drunk driving fatalities on Halloween night.&nbsp; Seventeen of the fatalities were pedestrians.&nbsp; Additional Police Officers will be on the street focusing on taking impaired drivers off the road.

NPPD to remind everyone that buzzed driving is drunk driving

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Entrepreneur and inventor Mike Farmer.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6_t2AHbfg80?si=hYdF3La0wE5SDbxQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Entrepreneur and inventor Mike Farmer.

🎤 Forward Ever: Entrepreneur and inventor Mike Farmer

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– The Judicial Nominating Commission for the District Court Judge for the Eleventh Judicial District (Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Furnas, Frontier, Gosper, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, and Thomas counties) provided the following two names for consideration by Governor Jim Pillen: Brian J. Davis, Cozad, NE and Matthew D. Neher, Lexington, NE.

The primary place of office for the judicial vacancy is Lexington, Dawson County, Nebraska. The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge James E. Doyle IV.&nbsp;&nbsp;

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– The Judicial Nominating Commission for the District Court Judge for the Eleventh Judicial District (Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Furnas, Frontier, Gosper, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, and Thomas counties) provided the following two names for consideration by Governor Jim Pillen: Brian J. Davis, Cozad, NE and Matthew D. Neher, Lexington, NE.The primary place of office for the judicial vacancy is Lexington, Dawson County, Nebraska. The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge James E. Doyle IV.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Two Nominees Forwarded for District Court Judge in the Eleventh Judicial District

(North Platte, Nebraska, October 27, 2023) – 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 held on&nbsp; October 25, 2023. The applications totaled $3,105 in requests and a total of $3,105 was awarded.&nbsp;

• Approved $1,855 in promotional and incentive funding to North Platte Pickleball for their&nbsp; Platte Valley Paddle Battle Tournament. The North Platte Pickleball Club is hosting a&nbsp; tournament on March 23-24, 2024, at the North Platte Recreation Center. As the sport of&nbsp; pickleball continues to grow in popularity, hosting tournaments like the Platte Valley Paddle&nbsp; Battle give our community the opportunity to draw in competitors from surrounding&nbsp; communities while also offering recreational opportunities for our local residents.&nbsp;

• Approved $1,250 in promotional and incentive funding to Dusty Trails for their guided Sandhill&nbsp; Crane and Prairie Chicken Tours. These funds will be used to promote the Sandhill Crane and&nbsp; Prairie Chicken tours through online advertising and to purchase new signage for the tours. The&nbsp; largest saturation of the Sandhill Crane migration is something that can only be experienced in&nbsp; central Nebraska. According to a study conducted in 2017, the overall economic impact of the&nbsp; annual migration on central Nebraska was $14.3 million, and it supported 182 year-round&nbsp; equivalent jobs. Local tourism related to birding has been on the rise in Lincoln County and has a&nbsp; growing economic impact on our area.&nbsp;

The next round of funding is now open, with a January 1 deadline for events or projects occurring in&nbsp; April, May, and June of 2024. These applications will be considered at the regular monthly Board of&nbsp; Directors meeting scheduled for January 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;

Grant funds, marketing, and operating expenses for Visit North Platte are funded solely through the&nbsp; lodging taxes that are collected and remitted for overnight stays by lodging properties in Lincoln County.&nbsp; It is thanks to the efforts of the lodging property partners located within the county that funds are&nbsp; available to attract more visitors, which have a significant impact on the economic well-being of our&nbsp; Lincoln County communities.&nbsp;

Visit North Platte(North Platte, Nebraska, October 27, 2023) – 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 held on&nbsp; October 25, 2023. The applications totaled $3,105 in requests and a total of $3,105 was awarded.&nbsp;• Approved $1,855 in promotional and incentive funding to North Platte Pickleball for their&nbsp; Platte Valley Paddle Battle Tournament. The North Platte Pickleball Club is hosting a&nbsp; tournament on March 23-24, 2024, at the North Platte Recreation Center. As the sport of&nbsp; pickleball continues to grow in popularity, hosting tournaments like the Platte Valley Paddle&nbsp; Battle give our community the opportunity to draw in competitors from surrounding&nbsp; communities while also offering recreational opportunities for our local residents.&nbsp;• Approved $1,250 in promotional and incentive funding to Dusty Trails for their guided Sandhill&nbsp; Crane and Prairie Chicken Tours. These funds will be used to promote the Sandhill Crane and&nbsp; Prairie Chicken tours through online advertising and to purchase new signage for the tours. The&nbsp; largest saturation of the Sandhill Crane migration is something that can only be experienced in&nbsp; central Nebraska. According to a study conducted in 2017, the overall economic impact of the&nbsp; annual migration on central Nebraska was $14.3 million, and it supported 182 year-round&nbsp; equivalent jobs. Local tourism related to birding has been on the rise in Lincoln County and has a&nbsp; growing economic impact on our area.&nbsp;The next round of funding is now open, with a January 1 deadline for events or projects occurring in&nbsp; April, May, and June of 2024. These applications will be considered at the regular monthly Board of&nbsp; Directors meeting scheduled for January 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;Grant funds, marketing, and operating expenses for Visit North Platte are funded solely through the&nbsp; lodging taxes that are collected and remitted for overnight stays by lodging properties in Lincoln County.&nbsp; It is thanks to the efforts of the lodging property partners located within the county that funds are&nbsp; available to attract more visitors, which have a significant impact on the economic well-being of our&nbsp; Lincoln County communities.&nbsp;

Visit North Platte Grant Awards 

Update: As of 11:00 a.m. this closure is still in effect.

Due to a traffic accident Interstate 80 will be closed to all westbound traffic from Brady to North Platte. Please use Highway 30 as an alternate route and monitor the Nebraska 511 app for updates.

***This story is devolping and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Lincoln County Sheriff's OfficeUpdate: As of 11:00 a.m. this closure is still in effect.Due to a traffic accident Interstate 80 will be closed to all westbound traffic from Brady to North Platte. Please use Highway 30 as an alternate route and monitor the Nebraska 511 app for updates.***This story is devolping and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLincolnCountySheriffsOfficeNP%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0z2fyEv8LUiqxZPUYF7E2f6GDRVyUUMtvFjoRKXaK9fAsytq3PUm7gEwMYcvjS157l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="322" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

I-80 closed westbound from Brady to North Platte due to crash, Ogallala Law Enforcements assiting with the crash

Nebraska High School Playoff football continues today from the Sandhills Post with coverage of Ogallala in Class C1 and Perkins County in Class D1.&nbsp;

Ogallala travels to Auburn today, Kwik Stop pregame at 4:30pm mountain time, kickoff at 5pm mountain on <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/#//">Flatrock 100.7</a>

Perkins County travels to Cross County, Kwik Stop pregame at 4:30pm mountain time, kickoff at 5pm mountain time on<a href="https://z935country.com/#//"> Z 93.5 Country</a>

Nebraska High School Playoff football continues today from the Sandhills Post with coverage of Ogallala in Class C1 and Perkins County in Class D1.&nbsp;Ogallala travels to Auburn today, Kwik Stop pregame at 4:30pm mountain time, kickoff at 5pm mountain on <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/#//">Flatrock 100.7</a>Perkins County travels to Cross County, Kwik Stop pregame at 4:30pm mountain time, kickoff at 5pm mountain time on<a href="https://z935country.com/#//"> Z 93.5 Country</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698420457210.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ogallala & Perkins County playoff football on radio this afternoon

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655805794423.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698405529521.jpeg" alt="Paul Whitmer - Driving Under Influence Liquor - 1st, Over .15" />
 <figcaption>Paul Whitmer - Driving Under Influence Liquor - 1st, Over .15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698405544806.jpeg" alt="Jonas Luea - Probation Sanction" />
 <figcaption>Jonas Luea - Probation Sanction</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698405665625.jpeg" alt="Dustin Moorhead - Possession Of Deadly Weapon By Prohibited Person, Assault - 3rd Degree" />
 <figcaption>Dustin Moorhead - Possession Of Deadly Weapon By Prohibited Person, Assault - 3rd Degree</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698405680277.jpeg" alt="Tiara Sheley - Probation Violation" />
 <figcaption>Tiara Sheley - Probation Violation</figcaption>
 </figure>***Buffalo County<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698406154225.jpeg" alt="Morgan Rapp - Possess K2 Or Marijuana 1 Oz Or Less-1st, Possess Or Use Drug Paraphernalia, DUI-.15+ Or Refusal (2 Prior Conv), Refuse To Submit To Pretest, Drive Under Suspension Before Reinstated-State, City Code Violation" />
 <figcaption>Morgan Rapp - Possess K2 Or Marijuana 1 Oz Or Less-1st, Possess Or Use Drug Paraphernalia, DUI-.15+ Or Refusal (2 Prior Conv), Refuse To Submit To Pretest, Drive Under Suspension Before Reinstated-State, City Code Violation</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698406173972.jpeg" alt="Brock Hale - Fail To Appear (x3)" />
 <figcaption>Brock Hale - Fail To Appear (x3)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698406188743.jpeg" alt="Brennon Miller - Probation Sanction" />
 <figcaption>Brennon Miller - Probation Sanction</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698406204188.jpeg" alt="Brianna Devich - Theft by Receiving Stolen Property - Over $5,000" />
 <figcaption>Brianna Devich - Theft by Receiving Stolen Property - Over $5,000</figcaption>
 </figure>***<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>

This information is not a criminal history. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced. All individuals included in this post are presumed innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The North Platte Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint to admin@northplattepost.com.</div>

The Hot Sheets: October 27th, 2023

Mid-Plains Community College will host a Getting Retirement Right class at five of its campuses in November.

The class is designed for those who are serious about having a more secure retirement. It will be taught by Marc Werkmeister, certified financial planner.

Whether thinking about retirement, nearing retirement or already retired, it is important to know the major threats to retirement and strategies to help minimize those threats, according Werkmeister.

He believes preparing for retirement is the single most important financial challenge people currently face. During his class, Werkmeister will explain new truths and techniques to help individuals prepare for what’s ahead.

The class will be offered at the following times and locations:

The cost of each session is $39. Registration can be done online at&nbsp;<a href="https://bceregister.mpcc.edu/" target="_blank">bceregister.mpcc.edu</a>&nbsp;or by calling any of the campuses directly.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698335152603.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Heather JohnsonMid-Plains Community College will host a Getting Retirement Right class at five of its campuses in November.The class is designed for those who are serious about having a more secure retirement. It will be taught by Marc Werkmeister, certified financial planner.Whether thinking about retirement, nearing retirement or already retired, it is important to know the major threats to retirement and strategies to help minimize those threats, according Werkmeister.He believes preparing for retirement is the single most important financial challenge people currently face. During his class, Werkmeister will explain new truths and techniques to help individuals prepare for what’s ahead.The class will be offered at the following times and locations:<ul>
 <li>McCook Campus – 6-8 p.m. (CST) Nov. 2, Room 213 of McMillen Hall</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Ogallala Campus – 6-9 p.m. (MST), Nov. 7</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Broken Bow Campus – 6-9 p.m. (CST), Nov. 9</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Imperial Campus – 6-9 p.m. (MST), Nov. 14</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>North Platte North Campus – 6-9 p.m. (CST) Nov. 16, Room 105 of W.W. Wood Building</li>
 </ul>The cost of each session is $39. Registration can be done online at&nbsp;<a href="https://bceregister.mpcc.edu/" target="_blank">bceregister.mpcc.edu</a>&nbsp;or by calling any of the campuses directly.

MPCC to offer retirement planning class in five communities

NORTH PLATTE - The Lincoln County Board of REALTORS would like to congratulate Nelson Jett of Great Plains Reality in North Platte, who was recently elected as the Nebraska REALTORS Association's Central Region Director for the term 1/1/2024-12/31/2025. The Central Region Directorship covers the area of North Platte, Kearney, and Grand Island and everything in between.

Jett is excited to assume the role starting in January of 2024. He looks forward to helping to ensuring that the voices of Central Nebraska are heard at the State level during his term.

Jett is currently the President of the Lincoln County Board of REALTORS. Other state roles currently include service as a State RPAC Trustee, and currently Vice Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. He has previously served as the Convention Committee Chair and the Young Professionals Network Committee Chair.

Jett is also Nationally involved and serves as a Region 8 Representative on the National Association of REALTORS Young Professionals Advisory Board, and on the National RPAC Participation Council as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698336106699.jpeg" alt="Nelson Jett" />
 <figcaption>Nelson Jett</figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County Board of REALTORSNORTH PLATTE - The Lincoln County Board of REALTORS would like to congratulate Nelson Jett of Great Plains Reality in North Platte, who was recently elected as the Nebraska REALTORS Association's Central Region Director for the term 1/1/2024-12/31/2025. The Central Region Directorship covers the area of North Platte, Kearney, and Grand Island and everything in between.Jett is excited to assume the role starting in January of 2024. He looks forward to helping to ensuring that the voices of Central Nebraska are heard at the State level during his term.Jett is currently the President of the Lincoln County Board of REALTORS. Other state roles currently include service as a State RPAC Trustee, and currently Vice Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. He has previously served as the Convention Committee Chair and the Young Professionals Network Committee Chair.Jett is also Nationally involved and serves as a Region 8 Representative on the National Association of REALTORS Young Professionals Advisory Board, and on the National RPAC Participation Council as well.

Jett Elected As New State Realtor Central Region Director

&nbsp;(SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the WING Task Force, Bureau of Indian Affairs – Division of Drug Enforcement, and the FBI Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, arrested three people after locating 1.6 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop Tuesday.

Early Tuesday, NSP received information of a vehicle suspected to be trafficking a controlled substance through western Nebraska. The vehicle was believed to be traveling to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

At approximately 3:15 a.m. Tuesday, a trooper located the vehicle, a Nissan Rogue, traveling northbound on Highway 385 near Gurley. During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered that the driver, Breohnna Big Crow, had an outstanding warrant and was in possession of a controlled substance. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 1.6 pounds of methamphetamine and a smaller amount of psilocybin mushrooms.

The driver, Breohnna Big Crow, 25, and passengers Monique Merrival, 37, and Dawn Dowty, 33, all of Rapid City, South Dakota, were arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. All three were lodged in Cheyenne County Jail.

The Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit also assisted in this incident.

Cody Thomas&nbsp;(SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the WING Task Force, Bureau of Indian Affairs – Division of Drug Enforcement, and the FBI Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, arrested three people after locating 1.6 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop Tuesday.Early Tuesday, NSP received information of a vehicle suspected to be trafficking a controlled substance through western Nebraska. The vehicle was believed to be traveling to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.At approximately 3:15 a.m. Tuesday, a trooper located the vehicle, a Nissan Rogue, traveling northbound on Highway 385 near Gurley. During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered that the driver, Breohnna Big Crow, had an outstanding warrant and was in possession of a controlled substance. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 1.6 pounds of methamphetamine and a smaller amount of psilocybin mushrooms.The driver, Breohnna Big Crow, 25, and passengers Monique Merrival, 37, and Dawn Dowty, 33, all of Rapid City, South Dakota, were arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. All three were lodged in Cheyenne County Jail.The Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit also assisted in this incident.

Three Arrested After Troopers Locate Meth During Traffic Stop

Cell Phones in the Workplace will be the subject of a new class at the Mid-Plains Community College Imperial Campus. The roundtable session is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. (MST) Nov. 8.

Instructor Amy Sabatka will discuss common difficulties of managing cell phone use at work and effective cell phone use policies.

The fee is $15, which includes lunch. Registration is required by Nov. 6. Those interested in registering can do so by calling the Imperial Campus at (308) 882-5972 or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:imperial@mpcc.edu">imperial@mpcc.edu</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698265852938.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Heather JohnsonCell Phones in the Workplace will be the subject of a new class at the Mid-Plains Community College Imperial Campus. The roundtable session is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. (MST) Nov. 8.Instructor Amy Sabatka will discuss common difficulties of managing cell phone use at work and effective cell phone use policies.The fee is $15, which includes lunch. Registration is required by Nov. 6. Those interested in registering can do so by calling the Imperial Campus at (308) 882-5972 or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:imperial@mpcc.edu">imperial@mpcc.edu</a>.