&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/author/nalamdari/">Natalia Alamdari</a>,&nbsp;Flatwater Free Press

NORTH PLATTE – In light, cursive script, she strings newly learned verbs into sentences.&nbsp;

She sounds out each foreign syllable, practicing with the volunteer teacher.&nbsp;

“Yo escucho, tu escuchas,” Janet Evans recites.&nbsp;I listen. You listen.&nbsp;

“It would take me 100 years to say anything to anyone,” the retired North Platte doctor jokes.&nbsp;

Evans is one of 53 people signed up for this Spanish class organized by the nonprofit HOPE-Esperanza. The goal for this group of English-speaking 911 dispatchers, doctors, city and county employees, ranchers, police officers and business owners: communicate better as North Platte prepares for the opening of a massive new meatpacking plant.&nbsp;

“If you want to go to Spain or Mexico, this isn’t the class for you,” said TinaMaria Fernandez, founder of the nonprofit. “There’s a need in our community. How do we help communicate with each other to provide safety and welcoming?”

In the spring, the rancher-owned meatpacking plant Sustainable Beef will open in this west-central Nebraska city of 22,523. The plant is expected to add 2,500 people to town, as employees and their families move to fill the predicted 800 jobs, making it the city’s third-largest employer.

City leaders say it’s a boon for North Platte, a rare growth opportunity after decades of stagnation.

<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/meet-our-sponsors">Meet our sponsors</a>&nbsp;•&nbsp;<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/sponsorship">Become a sponsor</a>

But in the years since the plant was announced in 2021, City Council meetings have also been peppered with complaints about the project – worry over the smell. Traffic on South Newberry Road. Harm to nearby wetlands.&nbsp;

And assumptions about the plant’s future employees, complaints about its yet-to-arrive people. Residents have pointed to Grand Island and Lexington, and the meatpacking plants that helped to demographically transform those towns, as cautionary tales.&nbsp;

They fear North Platte will change. They fear its future.&nbsp;

“These jobs that we’re getting are not for North Platte people,” resident Chuck McCarty said at a City Council meeting in August 2021.&nbsp;

“They are for the people that are coming across the border,” he said. “Obviously illegal.”&nbsp;

Echoes rattle through the gray concrete and metal insides of the Sustainable Beef plant, as construction workers hang the labyrinth of chains where strung-up cattle will soon be pulled through this 556,000-square-foot facility.&nbsp;

Soon, this assembly line will process 1,500 head of cattle, hauled in on 45 semi-trucks, each day. That’s an astonishingly ambitious number – fully 1.5% of the nation’s fat cattle, CEO David Briggs said.&nbsp;

“It’s right in the middle of cattle country,” Briggs said. “We’re right in the center of the country and I-80.” North Platte, he says, is “a natural fit.”

Since its announcement in 2021, Sustainable Beef has said it hopes to woo experienced meatpackers with better working conditions: a single, family-friendly daytime shift; decent wages; and a top-notch facility.&nbsp;

The idea is that meatpackers from places like Lexington, Grand Island and nearby states will leave their jobs for Sustainable Beef, growing North Platte’s population base and reversing a decades-long stall and slide.

In 1980, North Platte stood at 24,509 residents. It had grown by 5,000 people during the 1970s, and proudly hailed itself as the largest Nebraska city outside the Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island metros.&nbsp;

That same year, the trucking company Consolidated Freightways relocated employees to Las Vegas and Lincoln.&nbsp;

“I remember driving down one of the busier streets in North Platte. I’m not exaggerating – about every third house was for sale,” said Mayor Brandon Kelliher, a North Platte native. “I don’t know how many people moved out, but it was noticeable, even for a kid.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The trucking company’s departure kicked off three decades of population inching up or down, never breaking past 25,000 people.

With Union Pacific as its largest employer, North Platte’s size stayed yoked to the success and struggles of the railroad, Kelliher said.&nbsp;

“People just say, ‘well, I can’t find a good job here, so I’m going to go somewhere else,’” Kelliher said. “And they leave. It’s that simple.”&nbsp;

Then, from 2010 to 2020, the city shrank by 1,343 people – a blaring alarm bell to leaders like City Council President Jim Nisley.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sustainable Beef is expected to grow the population by roughly 10%, they say. It will fill empty seats in the school. It’s already helped bring hundreds of new apartments to the community.

It’s also bringing fear and anger, with much of it revolving around the meatpacking employees themselves, said the Rev. Steve Meysing, rector at North Platte’s Episcopal Church of Our Savior.

North Platte is the county seat of Lincoln County, which just voted 77% for Donald Trump after he promised an immigration crackdown and mass deportations. In public and private conversations, North Platte residents shared their fears: The new employees’ language. Their religion. Their immigration status. Their alleged criminality.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It didn’t take long before all the dark concerns of long-term residents were being named,” Meysing said.&nbsp;

Letters to the editor poured into the North Platte Telegraph.

“The only ones profiting from this will be the investors and the illegals,” resident Dee Fugate wrote to the paper. She appeared at a planning commission meeting and termed the project “a nightmare.”

“Are they in cahoots with Joe Biden? Or just looking to turn this wonderful small town into Lexington II?” wrote Lora Bevington.&nbsp;

“Most of these people that work at these plants are immigrants,” resident Jim Jackson said in December 2021. “Quite a few of them are illegal immigrants. What’s it going to do to the crime rate in North Platte?”&nbsp;

Before a packed room in March 2021, resident Josh Empfield spoke one question into the microphone: “Where are we going to put the prison?”&nbsp;

Laughter rippled through the crowd.&nbsp;

In Nebraska, industries like meatpacking and manufacturing do rely on immigrants, so much so that more than 60 Nebraska organizations – including the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Dairy Association – joined to publicly call for more generous federal immigration policies.&nbsp;

Plants like Sustainable Beef – and the lack of locals to staff them – have largely driven the diversification and population growth of rural Nebraska communities since the 1990s.&nbsp;

From 2010 to 2020, 16 different rural Nebraska counties grew, with 100% of that growth driven by Nebraskans of color, census data shows – largely first- and second-generation immigrants.

And like in other communities transformed by immigration, those potential changes have sparked anxiety.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“They definitely have the right to be concerned about their town changing, it’s their town,” Kelliher said. “What I feel like the government and city needs to do, is make sure that we’re communicating what is actually happening. Because if you’re living in a small town, boy, rumors are rampant.”&nbsp;

Drive an hour east of North Platte and you’ll hit Lexington – population 10,248 and home to a massive Tyson meatpacking plant.&nbsp;

Like much of rural Nebraska, the 1980s farm crisis hammered this town, when Sperry New Holland, a combine manufacturer, closed its Lexington plant and Dawson County saw an 11% population nose dive.&nbsp;

But in 1988, Iowa Beef Processors announced it would buy the old combine factory and turn it into a meatpacking plant.&nbsp;

At the time, IBP said its labor force would max at 1,300. Company managers told reporters they planned to “hire as many workers as possible from the immediate area.”&nbsp;

Instead, by the mid ’90s, the company employed 2,300 workers – most Latino immigrants, according to a 1997 University of Nebraska at Omaha case study on the city.&nbsp;

There are echoes of those workforce promises in North Platte. Sustainable Beef has said it expects to hire 800 workers, and that about 300 likely already live within 60 miles of North Platte.&nbsp;

“At this time, we do expect all our employees to come from within the United States,” CEO Briggs said in an interview, while declining to elaborate on recruitment tactics.&nbsp;

The opening of IBP prompted Lexington’s population to skyrocket from 6,601 in 1990 to past 10,000 a decade later. And all of Lexington’s growth was Latino, with that population jumping by 4,972 residents in 10 years.

In North Platte, the dynamics of a population increase should look and feel different because of its size, said Kelliher, the mayor. North Platte already has 23,390 residents and expects about a 10% population bump, nothing close to Lexington’s near doubling.&nbsp;

Still, the mayor knows there will be turbulence ahead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“One of the biggest messages that the folks from Lexington presented to us is no matter how well you prepare, there’s going to be things that happen that you didn’t even know were going to be an issue,” Kelliher said.

Housing consultants in Lexington originally thought the city needed 334 new units. It wasn’t nearly enough – more than half the families surveyed in the UNO case study reported they had difficulty finding homes.&nbsp;

By 1992, consultants realized Lexington actually needed twice as much new housing as had been recommended.

But in North Platte, there’s already much more building happening, with 2,000 new housing units, a mix of houses and apartments, in various stages of development.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“That is very, very significant for a community that’s only built between 20 and 30 new housing units a year for the last few decades,” said Gary Person, president and CEO of North Platte Area Chamber &amp; Development Corporation.

Crime is also on some North Platte residents’ minds. People point to meatpacking communities like Grand Island and Lexington as examples of what they fear.

But that fear obscures the fact that, today, North Platte’s crime rate is higher than Lexington’s. North Platte crime is in fact higher than every other similar sized city with a meatpacking plant in Nebraska, former police chief Dan Hudson told the North Platte Telegraph.

“For us to automatically assume that if this group of people or that group of people come into our community, that it’s going to be a problem, I think that’s a far reach,” Hudson said in a work session focused on Sustainable Beef.&nbsp;

North Platte is already more diverse than Lexington was before IBP came to town. Then, Lexington’s Latino population was barely 5%. Latinos already make up about 10% of North Platte.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And North Platte Public Schools is already equipped to handle more than 20 languages, Superintendent Todd Rhodes said. The district has three teachers and three paraprofessionals dedicated to students learning English, he said, though those students make up only 2% of the total student body of 3,872 kids.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Lexington, public school enrollment has doubled in the past 30 years, and about 40% of current students are learning English.

At a July 2021 meeting of North Platte’s Economic Development Fund Committee, resident Fugate voiced her concern over schools: “What are you going to do when you get a 14-year-old boy in a class with a bunch of third graders and he can’t speak English?”&nbsp;

That will never happen, Rhodes said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our high school kids are high school kids,” he said. “We don’t have a fifth grader in a first grade classroom because they don’t speak our language.”&nbsp;

When Sustainable Beef was first announced, Evans, a family doctor in North Platte for 34 years, had a knee jerk impulse – fear, she said, that North Platte would become “just like Lexington.”

Meysing, who leads the Episcopal Church of Our Savior congregation, decided to address that fear by bringing Lexington and North Platte residents together, planning a panel of residents from both cities to talk about the future at a time when North Platte was focused on Lexington’s past.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There are people feeling a lot of darkness, because they’re scared. They’re uncertain about what the future of the community is going to be … a lot of it was catastrophizing too,” Meysing said. “What I said was, let’s learn from those who have been down the road before us.”&nbsp;

The church gathered former teachers, nonprofit leaders and translators. They discussed Lexington’s rocky start with the IBP plant; how the young unmarried men who came to work were eventually replaced with new families and school-aged children; how local churches helped newcomers navigate doctors appointments, school registration and the immigration system.

These discussions changed Evans’ mind, calmed her fear.

“They had ironed out those difficulties, figured out how to live at peace with each other and realized their communities were stronger, more robust and better,” the retired doctor said. “We paid attention to Lexington at the beginning … but we never thought to go back and ask how they were doing.”

HOPE-Esperanza started out of the back of Fernandez’s SUV in 2021. The nonprofit’s founder would drive to church parking lots and parks handing out boxes of food to those in need. Sustainable Beef hadn’t been announced yet.&nbsp;

“If a kid needs a coat, let’s get them a coat. If somebody needs translation, let’s help them make that appointment,” Fernandez said. “And then it became glaringly obvious that this was a much bigger matter.”

Fernandez said that HOPE-Esperanza has helped thousands of people each year in North Platte and surrounding areas. It stocks walk-up food pantries and hands out nearly 50 food boxes each week. It gives donated furniture to newcomers who need a couch or kitchen table. It gets residents clothes, books, shampoo, soap.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A welcoming coordinator helps parents sign up their kids for school and sometimes helps the parents find jobs. The city reaches out to the nonprofit if they need a translator.&nbsp;

Early on, Fernandez said new families would find their way to HOPE-Esperanza maybe a month after arriving in North Platte, often referred by the school or city employees.

“Now, we’ll get calls from people wanting to set up an appointment before they even arrive in North Platte,” mostly through word of mouth and family, Fernandez said.&nbsp;

HOPE-Esperanza is helping the community prepare for an influx of people, many of whom are expected to be native Spanish speakers.&nbsp;

At Fernandez’s recommendation, law enforcement, schools and local businesses now have handheld translators.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With Episcopal Church of Our Savior, the nonprofit hopes to start a neighbor-to-neighbor program, where longtime residents of North Platte are paired with new families to share each other’s cultures, Meysing said.&nbsp;

Sustainable Beef actually plans to use HOPE-Esperanza’s space for job interviews, since the plant offices aren’t finished yet.&nbsp;

And potential employees are already arriving.&nbsp;

“We call them ‘the watchers,’” Fernandez said – mostly Cubans from Florida looking for temporary work as they wait for Sustainable Beef to be up and running.&nbsp;

“As soon as those walls are up and they’re hiring, they’re going to do the whistle and say, come,” Fernandez said.

The day after Spanish class in North Platte, two groups of people came together to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos – the longtime residents taking HOPE-Esperanza’s Spanish classes, and the newer residents learning English.&nbsp;

At each table, they painted detailed sugar skulls. An “ofrenda” honoring family members who have passed took up a corner of the church meeting room. Evans placed a photo of her parents there, to remember them.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I don’t think any of us feel like we’re going to be fluent in Spanish,” Evans said. “What we’re hoping to see is both sets of speakers get more comfortable with each other, feel OK making a mistake, laugh about it, move on and get to know each other.”&nbsp;

HOPE-Esperanza has another session of language classes planned for next year, Fernandez said.&nbsp;

Already, January’s Spanish classes are nearly booked solid.

***&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flatwaterfreepress.org/">The Flatwater Free Press</a> is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731699482944.jpeg" alt="The Sustainable Beef worksite is currently limited to construction workers, and danger signs are posted along the road on the plant’s north side. But the plant will soon be operational and will quickly become one of the city’s biggest employers, bringing an estimated 2,500 people to North Platte, as employees and their families move in to fill the predicted 800 jobs. Photo by Lori Potter for the Flatwater Free Press" />
 <figcaption>The Sustainable Beef worksite is currently limited to construction workers, and danger signs are posted along the road on the plant’s north side. But the plant will soon be operational and will quickly become one of the city’s biggest employers, bringing an estimated 2,500 people to North Platte, as employees and their families move in to fill the predicted 800 jobs. Photo by Lori Potter for the Flatwater Free Press</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/author/nalamdari/">Natalia Alamdari</a>,&nbsp;Flatwater Free PressNORTH PLATTE – In light, cursive script, she strings newly learned verbs into sentences.&nbsp;She sounds out each foreign syllable, practicing with the volunteer teacher.&nbsp;“Yo escucho, tu escuchas,” Janet Evans recites.&nbsp;I listen. You listen.&nbsp;“It would take me 100 years to say anything to anyone,” the retired North Platte doctor jokes.&nbsp;Evans is one of 53 people signed up for this Spanish class organized by the nonprofit HOPE-Esperanza. The goal for this group of English-speaking 911 dispatchers, doctors, city and county employees, ranchers, police officers and business owners: communicate better as North Platte prepares for the opening of a massive new meatpacking plant.&nbsp;“If you want to go to Spain or Mexico, this isn’t the class for you,” said TinaMaria Fernandez, founder of the nonprofit. “There’s a need in our community. How do we help communicate with each other to provide safety and welcoming?”In the spring, the rancher-owned meatpacking plant Sustainable Beef will open in this west-central Nebraska city of 22,523. The plant is expected to add 2,500 people to town, as employees and their families move to fill the predicted 800 jobs, making it the city’s third-largest employer.City leaders say it’s a boon for North Platte, a rare growth opportunity after decades of stagnation.Thanks to our sponsor<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/meet-our-sponsors">Meet our sponsors</a>&nbsp;•&nbsp;<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/sponsorship">Become a sponsor</a>But in the years since the plant was announced in 2021, City Council meetings have also been peppered with complaints about the project – worry over the smell. Traffic on South Newberry Road. Harm to nearby wetlands.&nbsp;And assumptions about the plant’s future employees, complaints about its yet-to-arrive people. Residents have pointed to Grand Island and Lexington, and the meatpacking plants that helped to demographically transform those towns, as cautionary tales.&nbsp;They fear North Platte will change. They fear its future.&nbsp;“These jobs that we’re getting are not for North Platte people,” resident Chuck McCarty said at a City Council meeting in August 2021.&nbsp;“They are for the people that are coming across the border,” he said. “Obviously illegal.”&nbsp;****Echoes rattle through the gray concrete and metal insides of the Sustainable Beef plant, as construction workers hang the labyrinth of chains where strung-up cattle will soon be pulled through this 556,000-square-foot facility.&nbsp;Soon, this assembly line will process 1,500 head of cattle, hauled in on 45 semi-trucks, each day. That’s an astonishingly ambitious number – fully 1.5% of the nation’s fat cattle, CEO David Briggs said.&nbsp;“It’s right in the middle of cattle country,” Briggs said. “We’re right in the center of the country and I-80.” North Platte, he says, is “a natural fit.”Since its announcement in 2021, Sustainable Beef has said it hopes to woo experienced meatpackers with better working conditions: a single, family-friendly daytime shift; decent wages; and a top-notch facility.&nbsp;The idea is that meatpackers from places like Lexington, Grand Island and nearby states will leave their jobs for Sustainable Beef, growing North Platte’s population base and reversing a decades-long stall and slide.In 1980, North Platte stood at 24,509 residents. It had grown by 5,000 people during the 1970s, and proudly hailed itself as the largest Nebraska city outside the Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island metros.&nbsp;That same year, the trucking company Consolidated Freightways relocated employees to Las Vegas and Lincoln.&nbsp;“I remember driving down one of the busier streets in North Platte. I’m not exaggerating – about every third house was for sale,” said Mayor Brandon Kelliher, a North Platte native. “I don’t know how many people moved out, but it was noticeable, even for a kid.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The trucking company’s departure kicked off three decades of population inching up or down, never breaking past 25,000 people.With Union Pacific as its largest employer, North Platte’s size stayed yoked to the success and struggles of the railroad, Kelliher said.&nbsp;“People just say, ‘well, I can’t find a good job here, so I’m going to go somewhere else,’” Kelliher said. “And they leave. It’s that simple.”&nbsp;Then, from 2010 to 2020, the city shrank by 1,343 people – a blaring alarm bell to leaders like City Council President Jim Nisley.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sustainable Beef is expected to grow the population by roughly 10%, they say. It will fill empty seats in the school. It’s already helped bring hundreds of new apartments to the community.It’s also bringing fear and anger, with much of it revolving around the meatpacking employees themselves, said the Rev. Steve Meysing, rector at North Platte’s Episcopal Church of Our Savior.North Platte is the county seat of Lincoln County, which just voted 77% for Donald Trump after he promised an immigration crackdown and mass deportations. In public and private conversations, North Platte residents shared their fears: The new employees’ language. Their religion. Their immigration status. Their alleged criminality.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It didn’t take long before all the dark concerns of long-term residents were being named,” Meysing said.&nbsp;Letters to the editor poured into the North Platte Telegraph.“The only ones profiting from this will be the investors and the illegals,” resident Dee Fugate wrote to the paper. She appeared at a planning commission meeting and termed the project “a nightmare.”“Are they in cahoots with Joe Biden? Or just looking to turn this wonderful small town into Lexington II?” wrote Lora Bevington.&nbsp;“Most of these people that work at these plants are immigrants,” resident Jim Jackson said in December 2021. “Quite a few of them are illegal immigrants. What’s it going to do to the crime rate in North Platte?”&nbsp;Before a packed room in March 2021, resident Josh Empfield spoke one question into the microphone: “Where are we going to put the prison?”&nbsp;Laughter rippled through the crowd.&nbsp;In Nebraska, industries like meatpacking and manufacturing do rely on immigrants, so much so that more than 60 Nebraska organizations – including the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Dairy Association – joined to publicly call for more generous federal immigration policies.&nbsp;Plants like Sustainable Beef – and the lack of locals to staff them – have largely driven the diversification and population growth of rural Nebraska communities since the 1990s.&nbsp;From 2010 to 2020, 16 different rural Nebraska counties grew, with 100% of that growth driven by Nebraskans of color, census data shows – largely first- and second-generation immigrants.And like in other communities transformed by immigration, those potential changes have sparked anxiety.&nbsp;&nbsp;“They definitely have the right to be concerned about their town changing, it’s their town,” Kelliher said. “What I feel like the government and city needs to do, is make sure that we’re communicating what is actually happening. Because if you’re living in a small town, boy, rumors are rampant.”&nbsp;****Drive an hour east of North Platte and you’ll hit Lexington – population 10,248 and home to a massive Tyson meatpacking plant.&nbsp;Like much of rural Nebraska, the 1980s farm crisis hammered this town, when Sperry New Holland, a combine manufacturer, closed its Lexington plant and Dawson County saw an 11% population nose dive.&nbsp;But in 1988, Iowa Beef Processors announced it would buy the old combine factory and turn it into a meatpacking plant.&nbsp;At the time, IBP said its labor force would max at 1,300. Company managers told reporters they planned to “hire as many workers as possible from the immediate area.”&nbsp;Instead, by the mid ’90s, the company employed 2,300 workers – most Latino immigrants, according to a 1997 University of Nebraska at Omaha case study on the city.&nbsp;There are echoes of those workforce promises in North Platte. Sustainable Beef has said it expects to hire 800 workers, and that about 300 likely already live within 60 miles of North Platte.&nbsp;“At this time, we do expect all our employees to come from within the United States,” CEO Briggs said in an interview, while declining to elaborate on recruitment tactics.&nbsp;The opening of IBP prompted Lexington’s population to skyrocket from 6,601 in 1990 to past 10,000 a decade later. And all of Lexington’s growth was Latino, with that population jumping by 4,972 residents in 10 years.In North Platte, the dynamics of a population increase should look and feel different because of its size, said Kelliher, the mayor. North Platte already has 23,390 residents and expects about a 10% population bump, nothing close to Lexington’s near doubling.&nbsp;Still, the mayor knows there will be turbulence ahead.&nbsp;&nbsp;“One of the biggest messages that the folks from Lexington presented to us is no matter how well you prepare, there’s going to be things that happen that you didn’t even know were going to be an issue,” Kelliher said.Housing consultants in Lexington originally thought the city needed 334 new units. It wasn’t nearly enough – more than half the families surveyed in the UNO case study reported they had difficulty finding homes.&nbsp;By 1992, consultants realized Lexington actually needed twice as much new housing as had been recommended.But in North Platte, there’s already much more building happening, with 2,000 new housing units, a mix of houses and apartments, in various stages of development.&nbsp;&nbsp;“That is very, very significant for a community that’s only built between 20 and 30 new housing units a year for the last few decades,” said Gary Person, president and CEO of North Platte Area Chamber &amp; Development Corporation.Crime is also on some North Platte residents’ minds. People point to meatpacking communities like Grand Island and Lexington as examples of what they fear.But that fear obscures the fact that, today, North Platte’s crime rate is higher than Lexington’s. North Platte crime is in fact higher than every other similar sized city with a meatpacking plant in Nebraska, former police chief Dan Hudson told the North Platte Telegraph.“For us to automatically assume that if this group of people or that group of people come into our community, that it’s going to be a problem, I think that’s a far reach,” Hudson said in a work session focused on Sustainable Beef.&nbsp;North Platte is already more diverse than Lexington was before IBP came to town. Then, Lexington’s Latino population was barely 5%. Latinos already make up about 10% of North Platte.&nbsp;&nbsp;And North Platte Public Schools is already equipped to handle more than 20 languages, Superintendent Todd Rhodes said. The district has three teachers and three paraprofessionals dedicated to students learning English, he said, though those students make up only 2% of the total student body of 3,872 kids.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Lexington, public school enrollment has doubled in the past 30 years, and about 40% of current students are learning English.At a July 2021 meeting of North Platte’s Economic Development Fund Committee, resident Fugate voiced her concern over schools: “What are you going to do when you get a 14-year-old boy in a class with a bunch of third graders and he can’t speak English?”&nbsp;That will never happen, Rhodes said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our high school kids are high school kids,” he said. “We don’t have a fifth grader in a first grade classroom because they don’t speak our language.”&nbsp;When Sustainable Beef was first announced, Evans, a family doctor in North Platte for 34 years, had a knee jerk impulse – fear, she said, that North Platte would become “just like Lexington.”Meysing, who leads the Episcopal Church of Our Savior congregation, decided to address that fear by bringing Lexington and North Platte residents together, planning a panel of residents from both cities to talk about the future at a time when North Platte was focused on Lexington’s past.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There are people feeling a lot of darkness, because they’re scared. They’re uncertain about what the future of the community is going to be … a lot of it was catastrophizing too,” Meysing said. “What I said was, let’s learn from those who have been down the road before us.”&nbsp;The church gathered former teachers, nonprofit leaders and translators. They discussed Lexington’s rocky start with the IBP plant; how the young unmarried men who came to work were eventually replaced with new families and school-aged children; how local churches helped newcomers navigate doctors appointments, school registration and the immigration system.These discussions changed Evans’ mind, calmed her fear.“They had ironed out those difficulties, figured out how to live at peace with each other and realized their communities were stronger, more robust and better,” the retired doctor said. “We paid attention to Lexington at the beginning … but we never thought to go back and ask how they were doing.”****HOPE-Esperanza started out of the back of Fernandez’s SUV in 2021. The nonprofit’s founder would drive to church parking lots and parks handing out boxes of food to those in need. Sustainable Beef hadn’t been announced yet.&nbsp;“If a kid needs a coat, let’s get them a coat. If somebody needs translation, let’s help them make that appointment,” Fernandez said. “And then it became glaringly obvious that this was a much bigger matter.”Fernandez said that HOPE-Esperanza has helped thousands of people each year in North Platte and surrounding areas. It stocks walk-up food pantries and hands out nearly 50 food boxes each week. It gives donated furniture to newcomers who need a couch or kitchen table. It gets residents clothes, books, shampoo, soap.&nbsp;&nbsp;A welcoming coordinator helps parents sign up their kids for school and sometimes helps the parents find jobs. The city reaches out to the nonprofit if they need a translator.&nbsp;Early on, Fernandez said new families would find their way to HOPE-Esperanza maybe a month after arriving in North Platte, often referred by the school or city employees.“Now, we’ll get calls from people wanting to set up an appointment before they even arrive in North Platte,” mostly through word of mouth and family, Fernandez said.&nbsp;HOPE-Esperanza is helping the community prepare for an influx of people, many of whom are expected to be native Spanish speakers.&nbsp;At Fernandez’s recommendation, law enforcement, schools and local businesses now have handheld translators.&nbsp;&nbsp;With Episcopal Church of Our Savior, the nonprofit hopes to start a neighbor-to-neighbor program, where longtime residents of North Platte are paired with new families to share each other’s cultures, Meysing said.&nbsp;Sustainable Beef actually plans to use HOPE-Esperanza’s space for job interviews, since the plant offices aren’t finished yet.&nbsp;And potential employees are already arriving.&nbsp;“We call them ‘the watchers,’” Fernandez said – mostly Cubans from Florida looking for temporary work as they wait for Sustainable Beef to be up and running.&nbsp;“As soon as those walls are up and they’re hiring, they’re going to do the whistle and say, come,” Fernandez said.The day after Spanish class in North Platte, two groups of people came together to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos – the longtime residents taking HOPE-Esperanza’s Spanish classes, and the newer residents learning English.&nbsp;At each table, they painted detailed sugar skulls. An “ofrenda” honoring family members who have passed took up a corner of the church meeting room. Evans placed a photo of her parents there, to remember them.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“I don’t think any of us feel like we’re going to be fluent in Spanish,” Evans said. “What we’re hoping to see is both sets of speakers get more comfortable with each other, feel OK making a mistake, laugh about it, move on and get to know each other.”&nbsp;HOPE-Esperanza has another session of language classes planned for next year, Fernandez said.&nbsp;Already, January’s Spanish classes are nearly booked solid.***&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flatwaterfreepress.org/">The Flatwater Free Press</a> is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beef over beef: In North Platte, promises of economic boom smash into fears over immigrants

North Platte, Ne - Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren stopped by the Eagle Media studios Friday. Warren was in North Platte all week, she spoke at two North Platte Elementary Schools earlier in the week in collaboration with the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. Thursday evening Warren picked up the dress she's wearing in the Miss America Pageant from Hirshfeld's.&nbsp;

Saturday she is in Alliance for the Miss Alliance and Miss Panhandle's Teen contest. Raechel Warren will be back in North Platte on Saturday, December 7 at Venvue 304 for her send-off party before the Miss America Pageant. The Public is invited to that event.

Enjoy the full conversation with Derek Beck sponsored by North Platte Kubota.

North Platte, Ne - Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren stopped by the Eagle Media studios Friday. Warren was in North Platte all week, she spoke at two North Platte Elementary Schools earlier in the week in collaboration with the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. Thursday evening Warren picked up the dress she's wearing in the Miss America Pageant from Hirshfeld's.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731698676062.jpeg" alt="Miss Nebraska 2024 Raechel Warren" />
 <figcaption>Miss Nebraska 2024 Raechel Warren</figcaption>
 </figure>Saturday she is in Alliance for the Miss Alliance and Miss Panhandle's Teen contest. Raechel Warren will be back in North Platte on Saturday, December 7 at Venvue 304 for her send-off party before the Miss America Pageant. The Public is invited to that event.Enjoy the full conversation with Derek Beck sponsored by North Platte Kubota.<div><iframe title="Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren spends day in North Platte" 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=gh2i4-173f157-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com">Post Podcasts sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com">Post Podcasts sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718031018438.jpeg" alt="L-R: Raechel Warren, 2024 Miss Nebraska and Janae Harris, 2024 Miss Teen Nebraska (Photo taken by Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>L-R: Raechel Warren, 2024 Miss Nebraska and Janae Harris, 2024 Miss Teen Nebraska (Photo taken by Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren spends day in North Platte, in Alliance Saturday (PODCAST)

The North Platte Community College and the North Platte Community Playhouse is excited to present "Little Shop of Horror" which kicks off tonight at the Historic Fox Theatre in Downtown North Platte. Showtime for tonight and tomorrow are 7:30pm and Sunday is at 2:00pm. If you can't make it this week, more showtimes will be available Nov. 22nd-24th.

POST news director chatted with Caleb Allen and Anja Tejral both members of the play. To learn more, check out the podcast below or c<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/d32d9cf6-5f36-4562-8364-675225a76b09">lick here.</a>

***Interview originally aired on 11/14/24.

<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 PostThe North Platte Community College and the North Platte Community Playhouse is excited to present "Little Shop of Horror" which kicks off tonight at the Historic Fox Theatre in Downtown North Platte. Showtime for tonight and tomorrow are 7:30pm and Sunday is at 2:00pm. If you can't make it this week, more showtimes will be available Nov. 22nd-24th.POST news director chatted with Caleb Allen and Anja Tejral both members of the play. To learn more, check out the podcast below or c<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/d32d9cf6-5f36-4562-8364-675225a76b09">lick here.</a>***Interview originally aired on 11/14/24.<div><iframe title="(Audio ) Little Shop of Horror kicks off tonight!" 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=a8wuh-173ece4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

(Audio ) Little Shop of Horror premieres tonight! 

Mid-Plains Community College will break ground on a new electrical building Nov. 20. The public is invited to attend the ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on the west side the W.W. Wood building.

Due to construction, parking will be limited. Guests are asked to park on the south or east side of the main building on NPCC’s North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive.

The Electrical Technology program has operated out of the existing facility since 1979. Since then, the program has grown to include an Electrical Automation degree and continues to operate full classes with an occasional wait list of students.

As the demand for residential and commercial electricians has increased, so has the need to adequately train those professionals.&nbsp;

By constructing a new facility, the program can accept additional students and grow partnerships with local high schools to deliver career exploration opportunities. The additional space will also offer state-of-the-art technology and give instructors the space to continue to grow the program, thus meeting the needs of area employers.&nbsp;

The total cost of the building is estimated at $3.7 million.

The North Platte Community College Foundation is continuing to fundraise for the project. Those interested in making a contribution can call (308) 535-3720.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731681058235.jpeg" alt="Electrical Building Concept Art (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Electrical Building Concept Art (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer FullerMPCCMid-Plains Community College will break ground on a new electrical building Nov. 20. The public is invited to attend the ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on the west side the W.W. Wood building.Due to construction, parking will be limited. Guests are asked to park on the south or east side of the main building on NPCC’s North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive.Meeting the needThe Electrical Technology program has operated out of the existing facility since 1979. Since then, the program has grown to include an Electrical Automation degree and continues to operate full classes with an occasional wait list of students.As the demand for residential and commercial electricians has increased, so has the need to adequately train those professionals.&nbsp;By constructing a new facility, the program can accept additional students and grow partnerships with local high schools to deliver career exploration opportunities. The additional space will also offer state-of-the-art technology and give instructors the space to continue to grow the program, thus meeting the needs of area employers.&nbsp;The total cost of the building is estimated at $3.7 million.The North Platte Community College Foundation is continuing to fundraise for the project. Those interested in making a contribution can call (308) 535-3720.

MPCC to break ground on new electrical technology building

<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/2024/11/1731673534950.jpeg" alt="Jon Caudillo - Criminal Trespassing 2nd Degree" />
 <figcaption>Jon Caudillo - Criminal Trespassing 2nd Degree</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731673547470.jpeg" alt="Colby Hansen - Contributing Delinquent Minor, Willful Reckless Driving, Driving Under Suspension, Poss Of Controlled Substance" />
 <figcaption>Colby Hansen - Contributing Delinquent Minor, Willful Reckless Driving, Driving Under Suspension, Poss Of Controlled Substance</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731673561040.jpeg" alt="Joshua Martens - Contempt Of Court - Dawson County x2" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Martens - Contempt Of Court - Dawson County x2</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731673574053.jpeg" alt="Raymond Martinez - Safekeep - Kimball County" />
 <figcaption>Raymond Martinez - Safekeep - Kimball County</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731673595460.jpeg" alt="Ezeikial Florea - Driving Under Influence Liquor -1st +.15" />
 <figcaption>Ezeikial Florea - Driving Under Influence Liquor -1st +.15</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County JailNo New Arrest***Buffalo County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731673621582.jpeg" alt="Ashley Wempen - DUI-Alcohol-2nd Offense" />
 <figcaption>Ashley Wempen - DUI-Alcohol-2nd Offense</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731673633464.jpeg" alt="Jon Epping - Probation Sanction" />
 <figcaption>Jon Epping - Probation Sanction</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731673644985.jpeg" alt="Jacob Garcia - Probation Sanction" />
 <figcaption>Jacob Garcia - Probation Sanction</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731673670821.jpeg" alt="Amy Petersen - DUI-Alcohol-4th Offense, Fail To Appear l Out Of County, Possess Controlled Substance, Transport Child While Intoxicated x2, Refuse To Submit To Test-4th Offense, Refuse To Submit To Pretest, Drive Under Susp/Before Reinstated-State" />
 <figcaption>Amy Petersen - DUI-Alcohol-4th Offense, Fail To Appear l Out Of County, Possess Controlled Substance, Transport Child While Intoxicated x2, Refuse To Submit To Test-4th Offense, Refuse To Submit To Pretest, Drive Under Susp/Before Reinstated-State</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731673680892.jpeg" alt="Hope Linden - DEL/DSP/DST/MAN/Pos Except Haz Drug, Disorderly Conduct, Attempt Of A Class 4 Felony" />
 <figcaption>Hope Linden - DEL/DSP/DST/MAN/Pos Except Haz Drug, Disorderly Conduct, Attempt Of A Class 4 Felony</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731673715664.jpeg" alt="Christopher Jarmin - Fail To Appear l Out Of County" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Jarmin - Fail To Appear l Out Of County</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731673726908.jpeg" alt="Talon Crago - DUI-.08 Blood-1st Offense" />
 <figcaption>Talon Crago - DUI-.08 Blood-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: November 15th, 2024

<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/2024/11/1731587091618.jpeg" alt="Ty Dowling - Possession Of Weapon, Possession Of Controlled Substance" />
 <figcaption>Ty Dowling - Possession Of Weapon, Possession Of Controlled Substance</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731587104353.jpeg" alt="Dylan Hathorn - Robbery-Hooker County, Terroristic Threats-Hooker County, Abuse Of Vulnerable Adult-Hooker County" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Hathorn - Robbery-Hooker County, Terroristic Threats-Hooker County, Abuse Of Vulnerable Adult-Hooker County</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731587123026.jpeg" alt="Matthew Robinson - Probation Violation" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Robinson - Probation Violation</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731587136853.jpeg" alt="Robert Wabashaw - Safekeep USMS" />
 <figcaption>Robert Wabashaw - Safekeep USMS</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731587148196.jpeg" alt="Floyd Helvie Jr - Disturbing The Peace" />
 <figcaption>Floyd Helvie Jr - Disturbing The Peace</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731587169999.jpeg" alt="Trenton Nielsen - Assault-2nd Degree, False Imprisonment-1st Degree, Possess Controlled Substance/Except Haz" />
 <figcaption>Trenton Nielsen - Assault-2nd Degree, False Imprisonment-1st Degree, Possess Controlled Substance/Except Haz</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731587185469.jpeg" alt="Candice Ledbetter - False Reporting - Misdemeanor, Obstruct A Peace Officer, Contempt Of Court l Out Of County" />
 <figcaption>Candice Ledbetter - False Reporting - Misdemeanor, Obstruct A Peace Officer, Contempt Of Court l Out Of County</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731587196518.jpeg" alt="Joel Jimenez - Criminal Mischief - $1499 - $4999" />
 <figcaption>Joel Jimenez - Criminal Mischief - $1499 - $4999</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731587210908.jpeg" alt="Joel Torres - Assault Officer/Health Care Prof-3rd Degree, Hold-Court" />
 <figcaption>Joel Torres - Assault Officer/Health Care Prof-3rd Degree, Hold-Court</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731587226261.jpeg" alt="Madison Hulse - Theft-Shoplifting $501-1499" />
 <figcaption>Madison Hulse - Theft-Shoplifting $501-1499</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: November 14th, 2024

The Salvation Army in North Platte is gearing up for the 2024 Holiday Season with the ringing of the bells beginning on Monday. If you would like to sign up to ring, click here. Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Camon Landry from the Salvation Army about the upcoming holiday season. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

<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>The Salvation Army in North Platte is gearing up for the 2024 Holiday Season with the ringing of the bells beginning on Monday. If you would like to sign up to ring, click here. Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Camon Landry from the Salvation Army about the upcoming holiday season. To learn more, check out the podcast below.<div><iframe title="(Audio) Salvation Army gearing up for the 2024 Holiday season" 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=m6kuv-173b5a4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

(Audio) Salvation Army gearing up for the 2024 Holiday season

Omaha, Neb. - Union Pacific Railroad proudly recognized 16 customers and suppliers with the railroad’s 2024 Sustainability Partner Award. This is the second year Union Pacific awarded innovative partners who demonstrated leadership and progress toward achieving their sustainability goals.

“Creating a more sustainable future is not a solo mission,” said Union Pacific President Beth Whited. “While rail is already the most environmentally responsible way to move goods across land, we’re fortunate to work with many customers and suppliers who share our commitment to being a leader in sustainability and having a positive impact on communities for generations to come.”

The award was open to Union Pacific’s customers and suppliers and was based on a company’s sustainability efforts, such as the use of innovative business practices to reduce their environmental impact. Also considered was a company’s track record of engaging and collaborating effectively with key stakeholders, including communities and business partners.

Winners were honored Thursday, Nov. 7, at an awards ceremony held at Union Pacific Center in Omaha, Nebraska, where they were given a chance to share their sustainability initiatives and projects.

“Our business partners are focused on making a difference for generations to come,” said Kenny Rocker, executive vice president – Marketing and Sales. “We congratulate the winners of Union Pacific’s annual Sustainability Partner Award and value their work driving meaningful change in sustainability.”

Companies who are interested in applying for next year’s award should speak to their Union Pacific sales or supply representative.

Union PacificOmaha, Neb. - Union Pacific Railroad proudly recognized 16 customers and suppliers with the railroad’s 2024 Sustainability Partner Award. This is the second year Union Pacific awarded innovative partners who demonstrated leadership and progress toward achieving their sustainability goals.“Creating a more sustainable future is not a solo mission,” said Union Pacific President Beth Whited. “While rail is already the most environmentally responsible way to move goods across land, we’re fortunate to work with many customers and suppliers who share our commitment to being a leader in sustainability and having a positive impact on communities for generations to come.”The award was open to Union Pacific’s customers and suppliers and was based on a company’s sustainability efforts, such as the use of innovative business practices to reduce their environmental impact. Also considered was a company’s track record of engaging and collaborating effectively with key stakeholders, including communities and business partners.Union Pacific Customer Winners:<ul>
 <li>Americold Realty Trust</li><li>Evergreen Line</li><li>General Motors</li><li>Green Plains Inc.</li><li>Occidental Chemical Corporation</li><li>Schneider</li><li>Toyota North America</li><li>Waste Management</li><li>Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp.</li>
 </ul>Union Pacific Supplier Winners:<ul>
 <li>Chevron REG</li><li>Niagara Bottling</li><li>SAP</li><li>Steel Dynamics, Inc.</li><li>Stella-Jones</li><li>The Greenbrier Companies</li><li>Wabtec</li>
 </ul>Winners were honored Thursday, Nov. 7, at an awards ceremony held at Union Pacific Center in Omaha, Nebraska, where they were given a chance to share their sustainability initiatives and projects.“Our business partners are focused on making a difference for generations to come,” said Kenny Rocker, executive vice president – Marketing and Sales. “We congratulate the winners of Union Pacific’s annual Sustainability Partner Award and value their work driving meaningful change in sustainability.”Companies who are interested in applying for next year’s award should speak to their Union Pacific sales or supply representative.

Union Pacific Honors 16 Companies with Annual Sustainability Partner Award

<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/2024/11/1731500917150.jpeg" alt="Mary Kohl - Driving Under Influence Liquor .15+" />
 <figcaption>Mary Kohl - Driving Under Influence Liquor .15+</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731500928152.jpeg" alt="Peter Noel - Obstructing The Police, Resisting Officer" />
 <figcaption>Peter Noel - Obstructing The Police, Resisting Officer</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731500946186.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Brittain - Assault" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Brittain - Assault</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731500957178.jpeg" alt="Kayla Trumbull - Assault" />
 <figcaption>Kayla Trumbull - Assault</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731500976776.jpeg" alt="Keith Cook - Hold-DOC" />
 <figcaption>Keith Cook - Hold-DOC</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731501005395.jpeg" alt="Jaden Haussermann - Contribute To Delinquency Of Child" />
 <figcaption>Jaden Haussermann - Contribute To Delinquency Of Child</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731501033336.jpeg" alt="David Jacobo - Drive While Revoked From DUI/Refusal" />
 <figcaption>David Jacobo - Drive While Revoked From DUI/Refusal</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731501048794.jpeg" alt="Christian Randels - Hold - Court" />
 <figcaption>Christian Randels - Hold - Court</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731501060948.jpeg" alt="Christian Mount - Probation Violation" />
 <figcaption>Christian Mount - Probation Violation</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731501071706.jpeg" alt="Juan Santacruz-Perez - Possess Controlled Substance" />
 <figcaption>Juan Santacruz-Perez - Possess Controlled Substance</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: November 13th, 2024

Ogallala, Neb. - The Tri-County Crimestoppers are seeking public help in any information on a burglary incident that occurred at Cornhusker Glass back in late October in Ogallala.

The Tri-County Crimestoppers posted on social media that the burglary occurred sometime between 7am on October 26th and 10am on October 27th at Cornhusker Glass. An unidentified suspect or suspects broke the glass door with what appears to be a blunt object and entered the store. The suspect or suspects stole a&nbsp;quart sized glass jar with cash inside.

Tri-County Crimestoppers will pay a cash reward up to $1000 with any information leading up to the arrest and conviction of those who were involved in the crime.&nbsp;

If you have any information, contact&nbsp;(308) 284-4600, the Ogallala Police Department or submit a tip online by <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=616&amp;CX=172459">clicking here.</a>

Ogallala, Neb. - The Tri-County Crimestoppers are seeking public help in any information on a burglary incident that occurred at Cornhusker Glass back in late October in Ogallala.The Tri-County Crimestoppers posted on social media that the burglary occurred sometime between 7am on October 26th and 10am on October 27th at Cornhusker Glass. An unidentified suspect or suspects broke the glass door with what appears to be a blunt object and entered the store. The suspect or suspects stole a&nbsp;quart sized glass jar with cash inside.Tri-County Crimestoppers will pay a cash reward up to $1000 with any information leading up to the arrest and conviction of those who were involved in the crime.&nbsp;If you have any information, contact&nbsp;(308) 284-4600, the Ogallala Police Department or submit a tip online by <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=616&amp;CX=172459">clicking here.</a>

Tri-County Crimestoppers seeking public assistance of a burglary incident at Cornhusker Glass

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/8-3m-in-federal-community-development-block-grants-awarded-to-18-ne-communities/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Department of Economic Development awarded $8.3 million in federal community development block grant funds to 18 communities across the state for downtown revitalization and other improvements.

<a href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/community/cdbg/" target="_blank">CDBG&nbsp;</a>funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The state DED administers the program for communities outside Lincoln, Omaha, Bellevue and Grand Island, which are big enough to administer their own CDBG programming.

“For the state to grow, it’s critically important to invest in projects that enhance the attractiveness of our communities,” said K.C. Belitz, DED director. “These initiatives elevate quality of life and strengthen our ability to recruit new residents to Nebraska.”

Belitz said in a media statement that the most recent awardees provided a solid plan for community development that included support from local businesses and residents.

The awardees were announced Friday. (A few communities received more than one grant):

Alvo,&nbsp;$260,000, street improvement project.

Beatrice,&nbsp;$480,000, residential street improvement project.

Bellwood,&nbsp;$480,000, sidewalk improvement project.

Bellwood,&nbsp;$53,000, planning grant for repairs to water lagoon system.

Crete,&nbsp;$480,000, road, sewer and sidewalk project.&nbsp;

Crete,&nbsp;$435,000, rehabilitation of downtown commercial storefronts.

Emerson, $435,000, façade improvement project.

Falls City,&nbsp;$458,000, sewer improvement project.

Filley,&nbsp;$312,000, residential street improvements.

Gordon,&nbsp;$335,000, downtown commercial rehab project.

Hastings, $435,000, business district improvements.

Hastings,&nbsp;$480,000, renovation of a nonprofit substance abuse health care facility.

Hastings,&nbsp;$335,900, fire protection for mobile home community.

Newman Grove, $43,000, community development plan.

Newman Grove,&nbsp;$430,000, street, sewer and sidewalk improvements.

Niobrara, $53,000, creation of a comprehensive plan.

North Platte,&nbsp;$440,200, road, sewer and sidewalk improvements.

Pawnee City,&nbsp;$480,000, street improvement project.

Red Cloud,&nbsp;$53,000, creation of trails system plan.

Scotia,&nbsp;$480,000, street improvements.

Tilden,&nbsp;$435,000, downtown facade and sidewalk improvements.

Wymore,&nbsp;$480,000, water system improvements.

York,&nbsp;$435,000, downtown commercial improvements.&nbsp;

Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/8-3m-in-federal-community-development-block-grants-awarded-to-18-ne-communities/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The Nebraska Department of Economic Development awarded $8.3 million in federal community development block grant funds to 18 communities across the state for downtown revitalization and other improvements.<a href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/community/cdbg/" target="_blank">CDBG&nbsp;</a>funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The state DED administers the program for communities outside Lincoln, Omaha, Bellevue and Grand Island, which are big enough to administer their own CDBG programming.“For the state to grow, it’s critically important to invest in projects that enhance the attractiveness of our communities,” said K.C. Belitz, DED director. “These initiatives elevate quality of life and strengthen our ability to recruit new residents to Nebraska.”Belitz said in a media statement that the most recent awardees provided a solid plan for community development that included support from local businesses and residents.The awardees were announced Friday. (A few communities received more than one grant):Alvo,&nbsp;$260,000, street improvement project.Beatrice,&nbsp;$480,000, residential street improvement project.Bellwood,&nbsp;$480,000, sidewalk improvement project.Bellwood,&nbsp;$53,000, planning grant for repairs to water lagoon system.Crete,&nbsp;$480,000, road, sewer and sidewalk project.&nbsp;Crete,&nbsp;$435,000, rehabilitation of downtown commercial storefronts.Emerson, $435,000, façade improvement project.Falls City,&nbsp;$458,000, sewer improvement project.Filley,&nbsp;$312,000, residential street improvements.Gordon,&nbsp;$335,000, downtown commercial rehab project.Hastings, $435,000, business district improvements.Hastings,&nbsp;$480,000, renovation of a nonprofit substance abuse health care facility.Hastings,&nbsp;$335,900, fire protection for mobile home community.Newman Grove, $43,000, community development plan.Newman Grove,&nbsp;$430,000, street, sewer and sidewalk improvements.Niobrara, $53,000, creation of a comprehensive plan.North Platte,&nbsp;$440,200, road, sewer and sidewalk improvements.Pawnee City,&nbsp;$480,000, street improvement project.Red Cloud,&nbsp;$53,000, creation of trails system plan.Scotia,&nbsp;$480,000, street improvements.Tilden,&nbsp;$435,000, downtown facade and sidewalk improvements.Wymore,&nbsp;$480,000, water system improvements.York,&nbsp;$435,000, downtown commercial improvements.&nbsp;

$8.3M in federal community development block grants awarded to 18 NE communities

The annual Keith County Craft Fair is this Saturday from 9am-2pm Mountain Time at the Keith County Fairgrounds in Ogallala. Derek Beck spoke with Keith County Chamber's Tawny Craig about the upcoming event which will have over 40 vendors from Nebraska and Colorado. (Click Play to listen to conversation, sponsored by NP Kubota)

The annual Keith County Craft Fair is this Saturday from 9am-2pm Mountain Time at the Keith County Fairgrounds in Ogallala. Derek Beck spoke with Keith County Chamber's Tawny Craig about the upcoming event which will have over 40 vendors from Nebraska and Colorado. (Click Play to listen to conversation, sponsored by NP Kubota)<div><iframe title="Keith County Craft Fair this Saturday (Conversation with Tawny Craig)" 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=qaw69-17391ef-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="Post Podcast conversations sponsored by <a href="http://www.npkubota.com">North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption>Post Podcast conversations sponsored by <a href="http://www.npkubota.com">North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>

Keith County Craft Fair this Saturday (Conversation with Tawny Craig)

&nbsp;OGALLALA - The Ogallala City Council is hosting their meeting today, November 11th.&nbsp;Below is tonight's agenda for the meeting:

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 </figure>Sandhills Post&nbsp;OGALLALA - The Ogallala City Council is hosting their meeting today, November 11th.&nbsp;Below is tonight's agenda for the meeting:<figure>
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11/12 Ogallala City Council Meeting Agenda

North Platte, Neb. - Registrations are now open until November 17th for the upcoming 3rd-6th grade Kwik Stop Youth Basketball League in North Platte. Those who are interested in signing up can sign as an individual or as a team. Many area teams have already signed up. The league starts on December 7th. You can register at the Rec Center or at Sports Shoppe.&nbsp;

Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Travis Klein about the upcoming league. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&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;North Platte, Neb. - Registrations are now open until November 17th for the upcoming 3rd-6th grade Kwik Stop Youth Basketball League in North Platte. Those who are interested in signing up can sign as an individual or as a team. Many area teams have already signed up. The league starts on December 7th. You can register at the Rec Center or at Sports Shoppe.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731428450054.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Travis Klein about the upcoming league. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) Registrations open for the 3rd-6th grade Kwik Stop Youth Basketball League" 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=5t6tj-17390b0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

(Audio) Registrations open for the 3rd-6th grade Kwik Stop Youth Basketball League

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655805794423.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>Lincoln County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731414103428.jpeg" alt="Daniel Engle - Obstructing The Police" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Engle - Obstructing The Police</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731414113732.jpeg" alt="Shona Townsend - 2nd Degree Criminal Trespassing, Commit Child Abuse Negligently/No Injury" />
 <figcaption>Shona Townsend - 2nd Degree Criminal Trespassing, Commit Child Abuse Negligently/No Injury</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731414132529.jpeg" alt="Justice Ile - Probation Violation" />
 <figcaption>Justice Ile - Probation Violation</figcaption>
 </figure>***Buffalo County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731414148800.jpeg" alt="Jordan Kovarik - Probation Violation" />
 <figcaption>Jordan Kovarik - Probation Violation</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: November 12th, 2024

Clay Jordan, of McCook, has been selected to receive the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from Mid-Plains Community College.

Jordan was nominated by MPCC cabinet members based on his ongoing support to the institution. He was recently recognized during the Nebraska Community College Association’s annual meeting in Norfolk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When Clay Jordan signed up for an EMT class his senior year of high school, he had no idea it would change his life.

At 12 years-old he attended an auction class and was hooked. “I was just a country bumpkin kid that thought I was going to be an auctioneer the rest of my life,” Jordan said.

However, his experience with McCook Community College, a division of Mid-Plains Community College, took him on a journey he never imagined.

Jordan took advantage of the opportunity to take some agriculture classes in high school through MCC.

“The idea of going to a four-year school was never even a consideration,” Jordan said. “Mid-Plains was easy, approachable and not intimidating.”

On a whim he signed up for an EMT class his senior year.

“You only had to go to class a couple times a week in the afternoon and it looked like a lot of freedom to me,” said Jordan. “I had very little interest in being an EMT.”

That thought quickly changed, though, and one week after graduating from McCook High School, Jordan enrolled in the accelerated paramedic program.

“I fell in love with the career of EMS and what it was about. It was super interesting to me once I got into it, and the instructors were really inspiring to me.”

Instructors Bob Molcyk and Bob Allen were instrumental in Jordan’s decision to pursue a career in healthcare.

“They took me from never thinking I would ever do anything where I had to touch people, to completely changing my life choices in less than nine months.”

His first job as an EMT took him to Grand Island where he received his paramedic license and got married. He then moved to Holdrege for work before deciding to go back to nursing school which would afford him better hours and opportunities.&nbsp;

Jordan enrolled in a paramedic to RN program at Hutchinson Community College. He was able to do his clinical rotation while traveling the state as an educator for an air medical transport based out of McCook, which brought his family back home.

He went on to get his bachelor's degree from Purdue Global and is pursuing his master’s degree from Western Governors University.

“Because of my paramedic background I fell into some opportunities as a nurse to get into leadership very early in my nursing career,” Jordan said.

Jordan’s career includes time as a trauma nurse specialist for the State of Nebraska and ER Education Coordinator at Tri Valley Health Systems, working up to be the Chief Nursing Officer in 2019.

In March of 2024 Jordan was named the Chief Executive Officer of Tri Valley Health System.

In his current role, Jordan continues his relationship with MPCC.&nbsp; “It’s been very helpful to have staff trained through the nursing and nurse aide program in McCook,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to have the college available to those in our area.”

During his time at MCC Jordan said he learned good, relevant, appliable information. Today, he shares that information with other students as an MPCC adjunct EMS instructor.

“Mid-Plains is a very important part of why I am where I am at,” Jordan said. “I credit it all back to the first EMT class that I took.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731358279366.jpeg" alt="Clay Jordan (right) receives the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from Mid-Plains Community College President Ryan Purdy during the Nov. 3 Nebraska Community College Association’s annual meeting in Norfolk, Neb. (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Clay Jordan (right) receives the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from Mid-Plains Community College President Ryan Purdy during the Nov. 3 Nebraska Community College Association’s annual meeting in Norfolk, Neb. (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennife FullerMPCCClay Jordan, of McCook, has been selected to receive the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from Mid-Plains Community College.Jordan was nominated by MPCC cabinet members based on his ongoing support to the institution. He was recently recognized during the Nebraska Community College Association’s annual meeting in Norfolk.&nbsp;&nbsp;About JordanWhen Clay Jordan signed up for an EMT class his senior year of high school, he had no idea it would change his life.At 12 years-old he attended an auction class and was hooked. “I was just a country bumpkin kid that thought I was going to be an auctioneer the rest of my life,” Jordan said.However, his experience with McCook Community College, a division of Mid-Plains Community College, took him on a journey he never imagined.Jordan took advantage of the opportunity to take some agriculture classes in high school through MCC.“The idea of going to a four-year school was never even a consideration,” Jordan said. “Mid-Plains was easy, approachable and not intimidating.”On a whim he signed up for an EMT class his senior year.“You only had to go to class a couple times a week in the afternoon and it looked like a lot of freedom to me,” said Jordan. “I had very little interest in being an EMT.”That thought quickly changed, though, and one week after graduating from McCook High School, Jordan enrolled in the accelerated paramedic program.“I fell in love with the career of EMS and what it was about. It was super interesting to me once I got into it, and the instructors were really inspiring to me.”Instructors Bob Molcyk and Bob Allen were instrumental in Jordan’s decision to pursue a career in healthcare.“They took me from never thinking I would ever do anything where I had to touch people, to completely changing my life choices in less than nine months.”His first job as an EMT took him to Grand Island where he received his paramedic license and got married. He then moved to Holdrege for work before deciding to go back to nursing school which would afford him better hours and opportunities.&nbsp;Jordan enrolled in a paramedic to RN program at Hutchinson Community College. He was able to do his clinical rotation while traveling the state as an educator for an air medical transport based out of McCook, which brought his family back home.He went on to get his bachelor's degree from Purdue Global and is pursuing his master’s degree from Western Governors University.“Because of my paramedic background I fell into some opportunities as a nurse to get into leadership very early in my nursing career,” Jordan said.Jordan’s career includes time as a trauma nurse specialist for the State of Nebraska and ER Education Coordinator at Tri Valley Health Systems, working up to be the Chief Nursing Officer in 2019.In March of 2024 Jordan was named the Chief Executive Officer of Tri Valley Health System.In his current role, Jordan continues his relationship with MPCC.&nbsp; “It’s been very helpful to have staff trained through the nursing and nurse aide program in McCook,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to have the college available to those in our area.”During his time at MCC Jordan said he learned good, relevant, appliable information. Today, he shares that information with other students as an MPCC adjunct EMS instructor.“Mid-Plains is a very important part of why I am where I am at,” Jordan said. “I credit it all back to the first EMT class that I took.”

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