LINCOLN, NEB. – “Nebraska Farm Bureau appreciates the Legislature’s thoughtful consideration of our members’ concerns about the proposed changes to the Nebraska Brand Committee’s fee structure called for in Sen. Teresa Ibach’s LB646 and her subsequent amendments.

Our organization stood in opposition to both the original bill which would have allowed feedlots to be exempt from the Livestock Brand Act, and a subsequent amendment adopted by the body which modifies the brand fee structure. While the advancement of the bill to Select File is not what we had hoped for, we remain optimistic that a reasonable solution can be reached to protect the integrity of the state’s cattle industry and the work of the Nebraska Brand Committee.

We thank Senator Tanya Storer for her leadership opposing LB646 and for standing with beef producers who believe in the need for sound Nebraska brand laws. We appreciate Senator Ibach’s recognition that changes need to be made to her proposal before it can come back for debate, and her commitment to work with Senator Storer to find a fair and balanced agreement.

We are eager to continue the dialogue to ensure that brand laws in Nebraska are both fair and effective for all producers.”

Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 56,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

Nebraska Farm BureauLINCOLN, NEB. – “Nebraska Farm Bureau appreciates the Legislature’s thoughtful consideration of our members’ concerns about the proposed changes to the Nebraska Brand Committee’s fee structure called for in Sen. Teresa Ibach’s LB646 and her subsequent amendments.Our organization stood in opposition to both the original bill which would have allowed feedlots to be exempt from the Livestock Brand Act, and a subsequent amendment adopted by the body which modifies the brand fee structure. While the advancement of the bill to Select File is not what we had hoped for, we remain optimistic that a reasonable solution can be reached to protect the integrity of the state’s cattle industry and the work of the Nebraska Brand Committee.We thank Senator Tanya Storer for her leadership opposing LB646 and for standing with beef producers who believe in the need for sound Nebraska brand laws. We appreciate Senator Ibach’s recognition that changes need to be made to her proposal before it can come back for debate, and her commitment to work with Senator Storer to find a fair and balanced agreement.We are eager to continue the dialogue to ensure that brand laws in Nebraska are both fair and effective for all producers.”Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 56,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Legislative Bill to Change Fees of the Nebraska Brand Act

Nebraska Department of Transportation&nbsp;

 (McCook, Neb.) — Weather permitting, the Blackshirt Feeders’ turn lane project will resume April 7 on US-34, from reference post 0.80 to 1.20, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Work was suspended last December due to winter weather conditions. 

The added turn lane work is being done by Shelco Construction. This project includes building a new driveway, railroad crossing, and adding turn lanes to the highway. Traffic will be maintained with flaggers and a pilot car. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place. Anticipated completion is June 2025. 

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down. 

Nebraska Department of Transportation&nbsp; (McCook, Neb.) — Weather permitting, the Blackshirt Feeders’ turn lane project will resume April 7 on US-34, from reference post 0.80 to 1.20, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Work was suspended last December due to winter weather conditions. The added turn lane work is being done by Shelco Construction. This project includes building a new driveway, railroad crossing, and adding turn lanes to the highway. Traffic will be maintained with flaggers and a pilot car. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place. Anticipated completion is June 2025. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Added turn lanes on US-34, near Colorado state line 

The American Red Cross urges individuals to give lifesaving blood or platelets now as&nbsp; seasonal travel ramps up. Donors of all blood types are essential this April to help keep&nbsp; the blood supply stable and ready to support patients in need.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Spring break and upcoming holidays can disrupt donor giving patterns. With record breaking travel expected, including 173 million Americans flying in the weeks ahead,&nbsp; people are encouraged to build a blood or platelet donation into their seasonal plans.&nbsp; The impact of busy spring calendars comes on the heels of an incredibly challenging&nbsp; winter, where tens of thousands of blood products went uncollected due to weather.&nbsp; Donors are asked to make and keep donation appointments this spring to keep the&nbsp; blood supply rising. Platelets and type O blood are especially needed right now.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Help hope bloom for patients in need – give blood or platelets now by visiting&nbsp; RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor&nbsp; App. All donors who come to give in April will be automatically entered for a chance to&nbsp; win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three lucky winners! Those who come to give April&nbsp; 1-13, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Those who come to give&nbsp; later in the month, April 14-30, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while&nbsp; supplies last. Details on all April donor gifts can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Hope.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In North Platte, those who come to give at the Red Cross Donation Center at 1111 S.&nbsp; Cottonwood Street, will have the opportunity to pick an extra gift from the prize basket.&nbsp; Items include gift certificates for local businesses, free food, and much more. This&nbsp; promotion is only valid at the Cottonwood Donation Center and only through Easter&nbsp; Sunday, April 20, 2025.&nbsp;

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood &nbsp;Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or&nbsp; enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process.&nbsp; To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood&nbsp; Donor App. 

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are&nbsp; required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental&nbsp; consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally&nbsp; good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18&nbsp; years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743535096213.jpeg" alt="Prizes (Courtesy of American Red Cross)" />
 <figcaption>Prizes (Courtesy of American Red Cross)</figcaption>
 </figure>American Red CrossThe American Red Cross urges individuals to give lifesaving blood or platelets now as&nbsp; seasonal travel ramps up. Donors of all blood types are essential this April to help keep&nbsp; the blood supply stable and ready to support patients in need.&nbsp;&nbsp;Spring break and upcoming holidays can disrupt donor giving patterns. With record breaking travel expected, including 173 million Americans flying in the weeks ahead,&nbsp; people are encouraged to build a blood or platelet donation into their seasonal plans.&nbsp; The impact of busy spring calendars comes on the heels of an incredibly challenging&nbsp; winter, where tens of thousands of blood products went uncollected due to weather.&nbsp; Donors are asked to make and keep donation appointments this spring to keep the&nbsp; blood supply rising. Platelets and type O blood are especially needed right now.&nbsp;&nbsp;Help hope bloom for patients in need – give blood or platelets now by visiting&nbsp; RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor&nbsp; App. All donors who come to give in April will be automatically entered for a chance to&nbsp; win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three lucky winners! Those who come to give April&nbsp; 1-13, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Those who come to give&nbsp; later in the month, April 14-30, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while&nbsp; supplies last. Details on all April donor gifts can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Hope.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743535136097.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of American Red Cross)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of American Red Cross)</figcaption>
 </figure>In North Platte, those who come to give at the Red Cross Donation Center at 1111 S.&nbsp; Cottonwood Street, will have the opportunity to pick an extra gift from the prize basket.&nbsp; Items include gift certificates for local businesses, free food, and much more. This&nbsp; promotion is only valid at the Cottonwood Donation Center and only through Easter&nbsp; Sunday, April 20, 2025.&nbsp;To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood &nbsp;Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or&nbsp; enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process.&nbsp; To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood&nbsp; Donor App. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are&nbsp; required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental&nbsp; consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally&nbsp; good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18&nbsp; years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.&nbsp;

Give blood in April and get rewarded with fun prizes 

North Platte, Neb. - Gary’s Super Foods has been a staple of the North Platte area for a long time, but the two North Platte locations have been recently sold and will be rebranded as Fresh Foods. Kerri and Ben Dishman, both with North Platte ties, are the proud owners of Fresh Foods and are excited to own two locations&nbsp;in North Platte. The McCook Gary's Super Foods location will also rebrand as Fresh Foods.&nbsp;

Ben Dishman has been working in the grocery industry for most of his life. The North Platte native worked his way up the chain to different leadership positions beginning as a bagger, manager, to eventually owning his own grocery stores. He landed his first gig working for Sixth Street Food at the Westfield Shopping Plaza.&nbsp;

Dishman has experience working in grocery stores in North Platte, Ogallala and Gering. Ben and his wife Kerri opened up their first grocery store in 2012 in Gering. Since 2018, the husband-and-wife duo has bought and operates 10 locations including both North Platte stores and in McCook. The Dishmans are excited to operate two locations back in North Platte.&nbsp;

“I'm excited. I was just telling, I don't remember who I was talking to, but I went into the back room when I first started touring the store and I still have my name still written on the ceiling back there. It was kind of a rite of passage for anybody who worked here to take a marker, put your name up on the rafter. And so it was kind of fun going through all those names, just seeing some of the same people that I hired are still here,” said Ben Dishman, owner of Fresh Foods.&nbsp;

Ben and Kerri Dishman met in 1995 in North Platte after Kerri returned home from college and wanted to look for a group to play basketball with. She eventually met Ben but stated he was a shy person. Kerri also learned that he worked for Sixth Street Food.&nbsp;

“After that, I found out he had worked at the Sixth Street here in Westfield and I would always have to somehow go pick things up there and stock 'em all. He was stocking the shelves. So that was kind of how we met,” said Kerri Dishman, owner of Fresh Foods.&nbsp;

North Platte means a lot to the Dishman family as they met here, were married in 1997 here and also their children were born at Great Plains Health. Kerri and Ben both still have family living in town.&nbsp;

For the Dishmans, the acquisition of the locations may have been quick but has been in the works for quite some time.&nbsp;

“It was fast. So from the time we started getting serious about this until we closed was about five or six weeks. So it was fast, but there was a lot of conversations in the background, a lot of things that had to be done to get to that point,” said Ben Dishman. “So we probably started talking about this for years, three, four or five years.”&nbsp;

The Dishmans have had a strong relationship with Gary Suhr, owner of Gary’s Super Foods for a long time as Ben also worked for Gary. Suhr has been very supportive of the Dishmans over the years and even helped train the Dishmans to prepare them for owning their own store.&nbsp;

“Gary let me sit with his bookkeepers and learn some processes back there. And I know Ben did some training with Gary also before we opened up our store in Gering. So he definitely has a huge place in our heart: him, Chris and April,” said Kerri Dishman. “They really did a great job and we appreciate the path that they set before us and that we can continue to run down and put our flair on it with Fresh Foods, but definitely give honor to the Suhr family and what they've done for the community here.”&nbsp;

The big question that has been asked is about the current point system and the Dishman family has confirmed that the current point system will stay in place.&nbsp;

“We got the point not to change the points. So yes [the current point system will stay],” said Ben Dishman with a smile.&nbsp;

The Dishmans plan is to rebrand Gary's Super Foods stores as "Fresh Foods" and make some adjustments to the product selection and in-store offerings, while maintaining the existing customer loyalty programs. The store reset is set for May 12th to add more variety and remove underperforming items.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743533551618.jpeg" alt="Gary's Super Foods location at Westfield Shopping Center (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>Gary's Super Foods location at Westfield Shopping Center (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte PostNorth Platte, Neb. - Gary’s Super Foods has been a staple of the North Platte area for a long time, but the two North Platte locations have been recently sold and will be rebranded as Fresh Foods. Kerri and Ben Dishman, both with North Platte ties, are the proud owners of Fresh Foods and are excited to own two locations&nbsp;in North Platte. The McCook Gary's Super Foods location will also rebrand as Fresh Foods.&nbsp;Ben Dishman has been working in the grocery industry for most of his life. The North Platte native worked his way up the chain to different leadership positions beginning as a bagger, manager, to eventually owning his own grocery stores. He landed his first gig working for Sixth Street Food at the Westfield Shopping Plaza.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743533682121.jpeg" alt="L-R: Kerri Dishman, Ben Dishman (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>L-R: Kerri Dishman, Ben Dishman (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure>Dishman has experience working in grocery stores in North Platte, Ogallala and Gering. Ben and his wife Kerri opened up their first grocery store in 2012 in Gering. Since 2018, the husband-and-wife duo has bought and operates 10 locations including both North Platte stores and in McCook. The Dishmans are excited to operate two locations back in North Platte.&nbsp;“I'm excited. I was just telling, I don't remember who I was talking to, but I went into the back room when I first started touring the store and I still have my name still written on the ceiling back there. It was kind of a rite of passage for anybody who worked here to take a marker, put your name up on the rafter. And so it was kind of fun going through all those names, just seeing some of the same people that I hired are still here,” said Ben Dishman, owner of Fresh Foods.&nbsp;Ben and Kerri Dishman met in 1995 in North Platte after Kerri returned home from college and wanted to look for a group to play basketball with. She eventually met Ben but stated he was a shy person. Kerri also learned that he worked for Sixth Street Food.&nbsp;“After that, I found out he had worked at the Sixth Street here in Westfield and I would always have to somehow go pick things up there and stock 'em all. He was stocking the shelves. So that was kind of how we met,” said Kerri Dishman, owner of Fresh Foods.&nbsp;North Platte means a lot to the Dishman family as they met here, were married in 1997 here and also their children were born at Great Plains Health. Kerri and Ben both still have family living in town.&nbsp;For the Dishmans, the acquisition of the locations may have been quick but has been in the works for quite some time.&nbsp;“It was fast. So from the time we started getting serious about this until we closed was about five or six weeks. So it was fast, but there was a lot of conversations in the background, a lot of things that had to be done to get to that point,” said Ben Dishman. “So we probably started talking about this for years, three, four or five years.”&nbsp;The Dishmans have had a strong relationship with Gary Suhr, owner of Gary’s Super Foods for a long time as Ben also worked for Gary. Suhr has been very supportive of the Dishmans over the years and even helped train the Dishmans to prepare them for owning their own store.&nbsp;“Gary let me sit with his bookkeepers and learn some processes back there. And I know Ben did some training with Gary also before we opened up our store in Gering. So he definitely has a huge place in our heart: him, Chris and April,” said Kerri Dishman. “They really did a great job and we appreciate the path that they set before us and that we can continue to run down and put our flair on it with Fresh Foods, but definitely give honor to the Suhr family and what they've done for the community here.”&nbsp;The big question that has been asked is about the current point system and the Dishman family has confirmed that the current point system will stay in place.&nbsp;“We got the point not to change the points. So yes [the current point system will stay],” said Ben Dishman with a smile.&nbsp;The Dishmans plan is to rebrand Gary's Super Foods stores as "Fresh Foods" and make some adjustments to the product selection and in-store offerings, while maintaining the existing customer loyalty programs. The store reset is set for May 12th to add more variety and remove underperforming items.&nbsp;

Gary’s Super Foods to rebrand as Fresh Foods 

Omaha, NE: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association (NBA) has awarded a $2,000.00 scholarship to three students with aspirations to work in broadcasting upon graduation:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jacie Ambrose currently attends Northeast Community College and is transferring to the University of Nebraska – Omaha to pursue a degree in Journalism &amp; Media Communication.&nbsp; Following her anticipated graduation in May of 2027, Jacie plans to build a career as an on-air talent in broadcast radio.&nbsp;

Austin Glanz is pursuing a major in Media Production in Communications at Chadron State College.&nbsp; Following his anticipated graduation in May of 2027, Austin is considering career options including radio host, sports commentator/announcer and voice acting.&nbsp;

Jacqueline Ruiz-Rodriguez is pursuing a dual major in Broadcasting and Journalism at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.&nbsp; Following her anticipated graduation in May of 2027, Jacqueline aspires to become a&nbsp;radio or television news reporter or anchor.&nbsp;

This unique scholarship program is supported by participating NBA member Station Employment Units (SEUs), who fund and promote the program, and then review and score the qualified applications.&nbsp; All SEU scores are then averaged, with the top three scoring applicants each awarded a scholarship.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

NBAF Board Chairperson Jessie Johnson, Vice President of News Channel Nebraska Tri-Cities/General Manager – Kearney, said: “These hard-working students represent a broad range of experience, skills and talent that will serve our industry and audiences well in the near future.&nbsp; The new perspectives and innovations of these students will be welcome.&nbsp; On behalf of the NBA Board of Directors, congratulations to each of you!”&nbsp;

The NBA also offers scholarships to assist students enrolled in radio and/or television broadcasting or broadcast journalism educational programs at designated colleges and universities in Nebraska.&nbsp; Over $300,000 in scholarships have been awarded by the NBA and its foundation since the NBA first began a scholarship program in 1977.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705610071408.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Broadcasters AssociationOmaha, NE: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association (NBA) has awarded a $2,000.00 scholarship to three students with aspirations to work in broadcasting upon graduation:&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743533814130.jpeg" alt="Jacie Ambrose (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Jacie Ambrose (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jacie Ambrose currently attends Northeast Community College and is transferring to the University of Nebraska – Omaha to pursue a degree in Journalism &amp; Media Communication.&nbsp; Following her anticipated graduation in May of 2027, Jacie plans to build a career as an on-air talent in broadcast radio.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743533838997.png" alt="Austin Glanz (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Austin Glanz (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Austin Glanz is pursuing a major in Media Production in Communications at Chadron State College.&nbsp; Following his anticipated graduation in May of 2027, Austin is considering career options including radio host, sports commentator/announcer and voice acting.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743533858822.jpeg" alt="Jacqueline Ruiz-Rodriguez (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Jacqueline Ruiz-Rodriguez (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jacqueline Ruiz-Rodriguez is pursuing a dual major in Broadcasting and Journalism at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.&nbsp; Following her anticipated graduation in May of 2027, Jacqueline aspires to become a&nbsp;radio or television news reporter or anchor.&nbsp;This unique scholarship program is supported by participating NBA member Station Employment Units (SEUs), who fund and promote the program, and then review and score the qualified applications.&nbsp; All SEU scores are then averaged, with the top three scoring applicants each awarded a scholarship.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NBAF Board Chairperson Jessie Johnson, Vice President of News Channel Nebraska Tri-Cities/General Manager – Kearney, said: “These hard-working students represent a broad range of experience, skills and talent that will serve our industry and audiences well in the near future.&nbsp; The new perspectives and innovations of these students will be welcome.&nbsp; On behalf of the NBA Board of Directors, congratulations to each of you!”&nbsp;The NBA also offers scholarships to assist students enrolled in radio and/or television broadcasting or broadcast journalism educational programs at designated colleges and universities in Nebraska.&nbsp; Over $300,000 in scholarships have been awarded by the NBA and its foundation since the NBA first began a scholarship program in 1977.&nbsp;

Jacie Ambrose, Austin Glanz and Jacqueline Ruiz-Rodriguez earn    Nebraska Broadcasters Association EEO Scholarships 

(LINCOLN, NE – April 2025) The Lied Center's ARTS ACROSS NEBRASKA tours bring the best in music, theatre, and dance to communities across the state! On Thursday, April 17, AAN is proud to bring the thrilling musical trio Take3 to the community of North Platte.&nbsp;

“Stunning, Superb, Powerful …” says the Los Angeles Times of TAKE3: Where ROCK meets BACH, featuring the music of popular artists, including The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elvis, Neil Diamond, Imagine Dragons, and crowd favorites, “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Hallelujah,” “Game of Thrones.” “Stand by Me,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Featuring musicians trained at the world’s top conservatories, this unique trio of violin, cello, and piano brings together the power and energy of rock music with the sophistication and beauty of classical Bach.&nbsp;

Take3 will perform on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the North Platte High School Performing Arts Center, located at 1220 W 2nd Street in North Platte, NE. There will be a free will donation at the door, with proceeds going to the North Platte Foundation for a refurbished piano at the high school.&nbsp;

This special event is sponsored by a Mid Nebraska Community Betterment Grant and North Platte Foundation REACH Grant.&nbsp;

This performance is part of the Lied Center’s Arts Across Nebraska program, made possible by the Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Friends of Lied, and The Richard P. Kimmel and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation.&nbsp;

About the Lied Center for Performing Arts&nbsp;

(LINCOLN, NE – April 2025) The Lied Center's ARTS ACROSS NEBRASKA tours bring the best in music, theatre, and dance to communities across the state! On Thursday, April 17, AAN is proud to bring the thrilling musical trio Take3 to the community of North Platte.&nbsp;“Stunning, Superb, Powerful …” says the Los Angeles Times of TAKE3: Where ROCK meets BACH, featuring the music of popular artists, including The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elvis, Neil Diamond, Imagine Dragons, and crowd favorites, “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Hallelujah,” “Game of Thrones.” “Stand by Me,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Featuring musicians trained at the world’s top conservatories, this unique trio of violin, cello, and piano brings together the power and energy of rock music with the sophistication and beauty of classical Bach.&nbsp;Take3 will perform on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the North Platte High School Performing Arts Center, located at 1220 W 2nd Street in North Platte, NE. There will be a free will donation at the door, with proceeds going to the North Platte Foundation for a refurbished piano at the high school.&nbsp;This special event is sponsored by a Mid Nebraska Community Betterment Grant and North Platte Foundation REACH Grant.&nbsp;This performance is part of the Lied Center’s Arts Across Nebraska program, made possible by the Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Friends of Lied, and The Richard P. Kimmel and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation.&nbsp;About the Lied Center for Performing Arts&nbsp;

‘Rock Meets Bach’ When the Spectacular Take3 Comes to North Platte 

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) announced that their staff will hold Service Academy Days in Bellevue, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, Grand Island, and Lincoln.

The events inform high school students about the process to apply for a congressional nomination to one of our nation’s military service academies. Service academy representatives will be on hand to answer questions.

“Home to Offutt Air Force Base and Camp Ashland, Nebraska has long been the home of our nation’s exceptional service members. To continue our state’s proud tradition of military service, I’m happy to host Academy Days for high school students and their parents to learn more about how to apply for nominations to one of our prestigious Military Service Academies,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

“Nebraska has a strong tradition of supporting our military. Each year, I honor that tradition by nominating outstanding young Nebraskans to attend our United States service academies. I encourage high school students from across our state to attend Academy Days and learn more about the nomination process,”&nbsp;said Senator Ricketts.“America’s Military Service Academies are training a new generation of young leaders who are stepping up to serve in our nation’s Armed Forces. Academy Days hosted by the Nebraska delegation will provide in depth briefings on how nominations work. I strongly encourage any young Nebraskan who has an interest in attending one of the academies to join our offices to learn more and get all your questions answered before diving into the application process,”&nbsp;said Representative Flood.

“As a veteran who served nearly 30 years in the Air Force, I cannot share enough how much my military career meant to me and these academies help our youth get a start on their own exciting and fulfilling careers. I encourage our high school students to check out each of the academies and wish them the best as they start their application process,”&nbsp;said Representative Bacon.“Nebraska has many bright young people who are willing to serve and would make outstanding cadets at our country’s service academies. It is an honor to partner with our congressional delegation and connect our state’s leading students with a first-rate education, leadership opportunities, and training for service,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Representative&nbsp;Smith.

The event includes representatives from the Nebraska chapters of the service academy alumni associations and Nebraska service academy parent clubs.

All high school students, parents, and guidance counselors who have an interest in the nation’s service academies are welcome and no preregistration is required. The targeted audience is freshman through juniors.

To learn more, please contact Kevin Huebert, Senator Fischer’s Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, at (402) 391-3411.Please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/173fe132-e148-4355-94d8-cb70bbbbc540/service-academy-nominations-state-flyer---delegation-.pdf">click here</a>&nbsp;or see below for dates, locations, and more information:

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON&nbsp;– Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) announced that their staff will hold Service Academy Days in Bellevue, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, Grand Island, and Lincoln.The events inform high school students about the process to apply for a congressional nomination to one of our nation’s military service academies. Service academy representatives will be on hand to answer questions.“Home to Offutt Air Force Base and Camp Ashland, Nebraska has long been the home of our nation’s exceptional service members. To continue our state’s proud tradition of military service, I’m happy to host Academy Days for high school students and their parents to learn more about how to apply for nominations to one of our prestigious Military Service Academies,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.“Nebraska has a strong tradition of supporting our military. Each year, I honor that tradition by nominating outstanding young Nebraskans to attend our United States service academies. I encourage high school students from across our state to attend Academy Days and learn more about the nomination process,”&nbsp;said Senator Ricketts.“America’s Military Service Academies are training a new generation of young leaders who are stepping up to serve in our nation’s Armed Forces. Academy Days hosted by the Nebraska delegation will provide in depth briefings on how nominations work. I strongly encourage any young Nebraskan who has an interest in attending one of the academies to join our offices to learn more and get all your questions answered before diving into the application process,”&nbsp;said Representative Flood.“As a veteran who served nearly 30 years in the Air Force, I cannot share enough how much my military career meant to me and these academies help our youth get a start on their own exciting and fulfilling careers. I encourage our high school students to check out each of the academies and wish them the best as they start their application process,”&nbsp;said Representative Bacon.“Nebraska has many bright young people who are willing to serve and would make outstanding cadets at our country’s service academies. It is an honor to partner with our congressional delegation and connect our state’s leading students with a first-rate education, leadership opportunities, and training for service,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Representative&nbsp;Smith.The event includes representatives from the Nebraska chapters of the service academy alumni associations and Nebraska service academy parent clubs.All high school students, parents, and guidance counselors who have an interest in the nation’s service academies are welcome and no preregistration is required. The targeted audience is freshman through juniors.To learn more, please contact Kevin Huebert, Senator Fischer’s Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, at (402) 391-3411.Please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/173fe132-e148-4355-94d8-cb70bbbbc540/service-academy-nominations-state-flyer---delegation-.pdf">click here</a>&nbsp;or see below for dates, locations, and more information:<ul>
 <li>April 58:00am – 12:00pm CTBellevue University, John B. Muller Admin Bldg.812 Bruin Blvd</li><li>8:00am – 12:00pm CT</li><li>Bellevue University, John B. Muller Admin Bldg.812 Bruin Blvd</li><li>812 Bruin Blvd</li>
 </ul>Bellevue, NE 68005<ul>
 <li>May 39:00am – 12:00pm CTNorfolk Chamber of Commerce609 W. Norfolk Ave</li><li>9:00am – 12:00pm CT</li><li>Norfolk Chamber of Commerce609 W. Norfolk Ave</li><li>609 W. Norfolk Ave</li>
 </ul>Norfolk, NE 68701<ul>
 <li>May 109:00am – 12:00pm CTNebraska National Guard Armory1700 N. Jeffers St</li><li>9:00am – 12:00pm CT</li><li>Nebraska National Guard Armory1700 N. Jeffers St</li><li>1700 N. Jeffers St</li>
 </ul>North Platte, NE 69101<ul>
 <li>May 179:00am – 12:00pm CTOmaha North High School4410 N. 36th St</li><li>9:00am – 12:00pm CT</li><li>Omaha North High School4410 N. 36th St</li><li>4410 N. 36th St</li>
 </ul>Omaha, NE 68111<ul>
 <li>July 271:00pm – 3:00pm CT<a target="_blank" href="https://senate.webex.com/senate/j.php?MTID=mf4fa7f557b8ccfeaa95948e5505ad975">Virtual</a></li><li>1:00pm – 3:00pm CT</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://senate.webex.com/senate/j.php?MTID=mf4fa7f557b8ccfeaa95948e5505ad975">Virtual</a></li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>August 911:00am – 2:00pm CTGrand Island Public Library1124 W 2nd StGrand Island, NE 68801</li><li>11:00am – 2:00pm CT</li><li>Grand Island Public Library1124 W 2nd StGrand Island, NE 68801</li><li>1124 W 2nd StGrand Island, NE 68801</li><li>August 2311:00am – 2:00pm CTJohn J. Pershing Army Reserve Center3700 West O StreetLincoln, NE 68528</li><li>11:00am – 2:00pm CT</li><li>John J. Pershing Army Reserve Center3700 West O StreetLincoln, NE 68528</li><li>3700 West O StreetLincoln, NE 68528</li>
 </ul>

Fischer, Congressional Delegation Announce Military Service Academy Days Across Nebraska

*** POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Kim Baxter. The pair discusses the history behind the project, what rotary does and so much more. To learn more, check out the podcast above.

North Platte, Neb. - Kim Baxter is an optometrist who has been doing mission trips to provide eye care in developing countries for many years, including to Kenya.&nbsp;&nbsp;

About 13 years ago, Kim went on a trip to Kenya with his son Craig, and they were deeply impacted by the poverty and lack of access to healthcare, especially for newborns and expectant mothers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;After Craig's tragic passing a few years later, Kim worked with his local Rotary club to secure a large global grant from Rotary International to provide medical equipment and training to a hospital in Kenya.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Lots of this has to do with Craig, so his spirit is very much enthralled and a big part of it,” said Kim Baxter.&nbsp;

After Craig's passing, Kim made a promise to continue the work in Kenya in his son's memory, which led to a major global grant project through Rotary to improve the maternity ward and neonatal care at a hospital in western Kenya. This project was highly successful, reducing infant mortality at the hospital by 60% and leading to significant improvements in the hospital's facilities and equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Baxter and his Rotary club have continued to go on annual eye care missions to Kenya, providing eye exams and glasses to thousands of people who have never had access to such care.&nbsp;

The Rotary Club is working to build and equip a medical clinic called the "Craig Memorial Dispensary" in Kenya, named after a Kim’s son Craig.&nbsp; There was initial setback when the local village leader reneged on a promise to donate land for the clinic, but they found an abandoned clinic that they will renovate instead.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The club is working on a $250,000 global grant from Rotary International to provide medical equipment and other infrastructure for the clinic.&nbsp;This project has attracted partnerships with the Kenyan government, a local university, and other Rotary clubs that are providing additional funding and resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;The clinic will provide medical services and training opportunities for local students, helping to address a shortage of healthcare access in the region.&nbsp;

&nbsp;This project has involved many volunteers and donors from the local community and Rotary network and has been described as a story of "divine intervention" and people coming together to do good.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;"For anybody out there that thinks they can't make a difference in the world, particularly, I'm thankful to be a Rotarian because it's linked me up with many other Rotarians. It's given us access to the Rotary Foundation funds for these big projects, these big global grant projects that without that kind of funding behind us, we wouldn't be able to ever get off the ground with the magnitude of the projects that we've been involved in is tremendous,” said Baxter.&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><div><iframe title="(PODCAST) &quot;Craig Baxter's Kenya Dream with Rotary&quot; - Kim Baxter" 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=33ypt-186ad93-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>*** POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Kim Baxter. The pair discusses the history behind the project, what rotary does and so much more. To learn more, check out the podcast above.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743521177834.jpeg" alt="Kim Baxter (POST/Canon Rath)" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baxter (POST/Canon Rath)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte, Neb. - Kim Baxter is an optometrist who has been doing mission trips to provide eye care in developing countries for many years, including to Kenya.&nbsp;&nbsp;About 13 years ago, Kim went on a trip to Kenya with his son Craig, and they were deeply impacted by the poverty and lack of access to healthcare, especially for newborns and expectant mothers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After Craig's tragic passing a few years later, Kim worked with his local Rotary club to secure a large global grant from Rotary International to provide medical equipment and training to a hospital in Kenya.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lots of this has to do with Craig, so his spirit is very much enthralled and a big part of it,” said Kim Baxter.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743521223043.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>After Craig's passing, Kim made a promise to continue the work in Kenya in his son's memory, which led to a major global grant project through Rotary to improve the maternity ward and neonatal care at a hospital in western Kenya. This project was highly successful, reducing infant mortality at the hospital by 60% and leading to significant improvements in the hospital's facilities and equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Baxter and his Rotary club have continued to go on annual eye care missions to Kenya, providing eye exams and glasses to thousands of people who have never had access to such care.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743521246372.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Rotary Club is working to build and equip a medical clinic called the "Craig Memorial Dispensary" in Kenya, named after a Kim’s son Craig.&nbsp; There was initial setback when the local village leader reneged on a promise to donate land for the clinic, but they found an abandoned clinic that they will renovate instead.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The club is working on a $250,000 global grant from Rotary International to provide medical equipment and other infrastructure for the clinic.&nbsp;This project has attracted partnerships with the Kenyan government, a local university, and other Rotary clubs that are providing additional funding and resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743521265238.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The clinic will provide medical services and training opportunities for local students, helping to address a shortage of healthcare access in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;This project has involved many volunteers and donors from the local community and Rotary network and has been described as a story of "divine intervention" and people coming together to do good.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743521288992.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;"For anybody out there that thinks they can't make a difference in the world, particularly, I'm thankful to be a Rotarian because it's linked me up with many other Rotarians. It's given us access to the Rotary Foundation funds for these big projects, these big global grant projects that without that kind of funding behind us, we wouldn't be able to ever get off the ground with the magnitude of the projects that we've been involved in is tremendous,” said Baxter.&nbsp;

(PODCAST) "Craig Baxter's Kenya Dream with Rotary" - interview with Kim Baxter

Nebraska Association of County Officials

Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) will celebrate National&nbsp; County Government Month during the month of April. This month, we acknowledge and commend&nbsp; the essential work that our 93 counties do to make Nebraska a great place to live and work. Elected and&nbsp; appointed county officials work tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver vital services to Nebraskans, and&nbsp; they take pride in all that they do to represent and advocate for the best interests of their residents.&nbsp;

NACO is proud to participate in National County Government Month by engaging with counties across the&nbsp; United States to help promote the county workforce, encourage civic engagement, and raise awareness of&nbsp; the essential functions of county governments.&nbsp;

“Counties are the linchpins of our society,” said NACO Executive Director Jon Cannon. “County&nbsp; government cares for the things everyone uses or relies on every day – whether it’s roads, law enforcement,&nbsp; elections, or beyond. While everyone reads about what happens in Washington and Lincoln, it’s your local&nbsp; counties which have the greatest effect on your daily life. County officials are your friends, family, and&nbsp; neighbors. We encourage every Nebraskan to recognize the tremendous work our county officials and&nbsp; employees do for our communities.”&nbsp;

We urge county officials, employees, residents, and schools to join us in celebrating National County&nbsp; Government Month by checking out our How Nebraska Counties Work resource hub where you can access&nbsp; valuable information about your county. We also encourage you to show us what your county is doing for&nbsp; County Government Day – send in your photos or information on programming and events so that we can&nbsp; help you celebrate!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743518945672.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Association of County OfficialsLincoln, NE – The Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) will celebrate National&nbsp; County Government Month during the month of April. This month, we acknowledge and commend&nbsp; the essential work that our 93 counties do to make Nebraska a great place to live and work. Elected and&nbsp; appointed county officials work tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver vital services to Nebraskans, and&nbsp; they take pride in all that they do to represent and advocate for the best interests of their residents.&nbsp;NACO is proud to participate in National County Government Month by engaging with counties across the&nbsp; United States to help promote the county workforce, encourage civic engagement, and raise awareness of&nbsp; the essential functions of county governments.&nbsp;“Counties are the linchpins of our society,” said NACO Executive Director Jon Cannon. “County&nbsp; government cares for the things everyone uses or relies on every day – whether it’s roads, law enforcement,&nbsp; elections, or beyond. While everyone reads about what happens in Washington and Lincoln, it’s your local&nbsp; counties which have the greatest effect on your daily life. County officials are your friends, family, and&nbsp; neighbors. We encourage every Nebraskan to recognize the tremendous work our county officials and&nbsp; employees do for our communities.”&nbsp;We urge county officials, employees, residents, and schools to join us in celebrating National County&nbsp; Government Month by checking out our How Nebraska Counties Work resource hub where you can access&nbsp; valuable information about your county. We also encourage you to show us what your county is doing for&nbsp; County Government Day – send in your photos or information on programming and events so that we can&nbsp; help you celebrate!&nbsp;

NACO Celebrates National County Government Month in April 

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

North Platte Post&nbsp; &nbsp; The North Platte City Council will meet tonight in a regular meeting.&nbsp; Below is tonight's agenda. To watch tonight's meeting,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfNorthPlatte/streams">click here.</a>&nbsp;The meeting is at 5:30pm at the City Hall Council Chambers.<figure>
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04/01 North Platte City Council Meeting, Tonight's Agenda

North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;Distracted driving is the act of driving while engaged in any task that takes your focus off the road.&nbsp; Texting is the most alarming distraction.&nbsp; Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for approximately 5 seconds. At 55 mph that is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.&nbsp; In Nebraska in 2022, there were over three thousand drivers involved in distracted driving crashes, and in 2023, over 2400.&nbsp; 

The North Platte Police Department will participate in a high visibility traffic enforcement campaign from April 7th through April 14, 2025, with an emphasis on offenses related to distracted driving.

North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;Distracted driving is the act of driving while engaged in any task that takes your focus off the road.&nbsp; Texting is the most alarming distraction.&nbsp; Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for approximately 5 seconds. At 55 mph that is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.&nbsp; In Nebraska in 2022, there were over three thousand drivers involved in distracted driving crashes, and in 2023, over 2400.&nbsp; The North Platte Police Department will participate in a high visibility traffic enforcement campaign from April 7th through April 14, 2025, with an emphasis on offenses related to distracted driving.

North Platte Police Department gearing up for high visibility traffic enforcement campaign 

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department’s annual&nbsp;Walk to Health&nbsp;Team Challenge&nbsp;kicks off Monday, April 7th.&nbsp; This free walking program will last for 12 weeks and is open to residents of all ages in the SWNPHD nine-county service area.

“The Walk to Health program is a fun and easy way to increase your physical activity,” states Sarah Minnick, Program Manager at Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD).&nbsp; “The team challenge encourages participants to walk with a friend or in a group, and research shows this helps with motivation and reaching step goals, so they are more likely to finish the challenge and get the health benefits of walking.”

This year a new step-tracking app called&nbsp;Be Well&nbsp;is being provided by Community Hospital of McCook’s Wellness for Life program.&nbsp; Participants can use the web or mobile app to create an account and connect a device for tracking, recognition, and encouragement.

“Everyone who participates in the 12-week challenge and fills out an evaluation of the program, will receive a free Walk to Health t-shirt,” explains Sarah Minnick. “Teams have fun competing against each other or going for the most steps. The top team will receive a special prize provided by this year’s sponsor Chase County Community Hospital.”

To register for the walking challenge, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://walktohealth.thrives.app/login">walktohealth.thrives.app</a>.&nbsp; Log in to your account or create an account if it is your first time. You may also download the&nbsp;Be Well&nbsp;app by TerryBerry from the App Store or Google Play. After you create your account, join a team or create your own by scrolling to the team section. You can register as a team of 2 to 10 people. Then add your team to the “Get Fit on Route 66” Challenge.

You will be able to connect your fitness device to track activity automatically, or you can manually enter your daily steps into the app or on the paper step journal. Instructions and step journals are available on the SWNPHD website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.swhealth.ne.gov/healthylifestyle/walktohealth">swhealth.ne.gov</a>.&nbsp;

For more information or to pick up paper step journals, visit SWNPHD at 404 West 10th&nbsp;Street in McCook or 418 North Spruce in Ogallala. SWNPHD serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. You can also follow us on Facebook, You Tube, and Instagram or call 308-345-4223.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health DepartmentSouthwest Nebraska Public Health Department’s annual&nbsp;Walk to Health&nbsp;Team Challenge&nbsp;kicks off Monday, April 7th.&nbsp; This free walking program will last for 12 weeks and is open to residents of all ages in the SWNPHD nine-county service area.“The Walk to Health program is a fun and easy way to increase your physical activity,” states Sarah Minnick, Program Manager at Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD).&nbsp; “The team challenge encourages participants to walk with a friend or in a group, and research shows this helps with motivation and reaching step goals, so they are more likely to finish the challenge and get the health benefits of walking.”This year a new step-tracking app called&nbsp;Be Well&nbsp;is being provided by Community Hospital of McCook’s Wellness for Life program.&nbsp; Participants can use the web or mobile app to create an account and connect a device for tracking, recognition, and encouragement.“Everyone who participates in the 12-week challenge and fills out an evaluation of the program, will receive a free Walk to Health t-shirt,” explains Sarah Minnick. “Teams have fun competing against each other or going for the most steps. The top team will receive a special prize provided by this year’s sponsor Chase County Community Hospital.”To register for the walking challenge, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://walktohealth.thrives.app/login">walktohealth.thrives.app</a>.&nbsp; Log in to your account or create an account if it is your first time. You may also download the&nbsp;Be Well&nbsp;app by TerryBerry from the App Store or Google Play. After you create your account, join a team or create your own by scrolling to the team section. You can register as a team of 2 to 10 people. Then add your team to the “Get Fit on Route 66” Challenge.You will be able to connect your fitness device to track activity automatically, or you can manually enter your daily steps into the app or on the paper step journal. Instructions and step journals are available on the SWNPHD website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.swhealth.ne.gov/healthylifestyle/walktohealth">swhealth.ne.gov</a>.&nbsp;For more information or to pick up paper step journals, visit SWNPHD at 404 West 10th&nbsp;Street in McCook or 418 North Spruce in Ogallala. SWNPHD serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. You can also follow us on Facebook, You Tube, and Instagram or call 308-345-4223.

Walk to Health Team Challenge Starts April 7th

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) will be offering Vaccines for Children at public clinics in April. Anyone two months of age and older are invited to get their vaccinations. If you have students going to college this fall, now is the perfect time to look at what shots they will need to attend college.

Curtis&nbsp;– Monday, April 14th, 4:30-5:30 pm at Medicine Valley High School.

Imperial&nbsp;– Wednesday, April 16th, 4:00-6:00 pm Mountain Time at Chase County Clinic.

Ogallala&nbsp;– by appointment only, based upon the nurse availability, at 418 N Spruce (across the street from the Methodist Church).

McCook&nbsp;–&nbsp;daily Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00 pm based upon the nurse availability, at 404 West 10th Street (one block north of Arby’s).

Other locations:&nbsp;check with your local healthcare provider or pharmacy.

We encourage those interested in vaccination to call to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority will be given to those with a scheduled appointment.&nbsp;

Vaccines for Children is&nbsp;funded in whole with federal and DHHS funds.&nbsp;Children with no insurance, under-insured, Medicaid, Native American or Native Alaskan qualify for state-funded vaccine. Adults who are uninsured or under-insured may also qualify for state funded vaccine. Call the office for qualifications at 308-345-4223. Only state-funded vaccines are available at the Imperial location. Both state- funded and private vaccine will be offered at all other clinics.&nbsp; Insurance billing and cash or credit card payment options are available to those who do not qualify for the state-funded vaccine.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;The website swhealth.ne.gov contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and You Tube.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health DepartmentSouthwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) will be offering Vaccines for Children at public clinics in April. Anyone two months of age and older are invited to get their vaccinations. If you have students going to college this fall, now is the perfect time to look at what shots they will need to attend college.Locations include:Curtis&nbsp;– Monday, April 14th, 4:30-5:30 pm at Medicine Valley High School.Imperial&nbsp;– Wednesday, April 16th, 4:00-6:00 pm Mountain Time at Chase County Clinic.Ogallala&nbsp;– by appointment only, based upon the nurse availability, at 418 N Spruce (across the street from the Methodist Church).McCook&nbsp;–&nbsp;daily Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00 pm based upon the nurse availability, at 404 West 10th Street (one block north of Arby’s).Other locations:&nbsp;check with your local healthcare provider or pharmacy.We encourage those interested in vaccination to call to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority will be given to those with a scheduled appointment.&nbsp;Vaccines for Children is&nbsp;funded in whole with federal and DHHS funds.&nbsp;Children with no insurance, under-insured, Medicaid, Native American or Native Alaskan qualify for state-funded vaccine. Adults who are uninsured or under-insured may also qualify for state funded vaccine. Call the office for qualifications at 308-345-4223. Only state-funded vaccines are available at the Imperial location. Both state- funded and private vaccine will be offered at all other clinics.&nbsp; Insurance billing and cash or credit card payment options are available to those who do not qualify for the state-funded vaccine.Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;The website swhealth.ne.gov contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and You Tube.

Vaccines for Children Public Clinics in April

Seventeen new members were inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at North Platte Community College Sunday.

PTK is the world’s largest and most prestigious honor society for two-year college students, and NPCC is home to the Alpha Beta Theta chapter.

Students are invited to join based on their grade point average. To be considered, they must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours and have a GPA of at least 3.5.

NPCC’s induction ceremony included a presentation by English instructor Dr. Melissa Pilakowski, a candle lighting and a presentation of yellow stoles, which new inductees will wear at commencement May 9.

<figure>
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 </figure>Jennifer FullerNPCCSeventeen new members were inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at North Platte Community College Sunday.They are NPCC students:<ul>
 <li>Big Springs - Claudia Rhoades</li><li>Broken Bow - Jenna Claflin</li><li>Colorado Springs, Colo. - Zoe Maher</li><li>Hershey - Quinton Schaffer, Kristyn Woolley</li><li>Imperial - Grisleydi Ortega</li><li>Maxwell - Alexis Walker</li><li>North Platte - Alexandra Blackwell, Keagan Hartman, Hannah Kelley, Evelyn Kittle, Jamie Murtaugh, MaKenna Nelson, Marisa Pfeifer, Jazlyn Richardson, Gianna Tejral, Ani Zakrzewski-Aten</li>
 </ul>PTK is the world’s largest and most prestigious honor society for two-year college students, and NPCC is home to the Alpha Beta Theta chapter.Students are invited to join based on their grade point average. To be considered, they must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours and have a GPA of at least 3.5.NPCC’s induction ceremony included a presentation by English instructor Dr. Melissa Pilakowski, a candle lighting and a presentation of yellow stoles, which new inductees will wear at commencement May 9.

MPCC inducts Phi Theta Kappa members

Grisleydi Ortega has been selected as Mid-Plains Community College’s Business Student of the Month for March.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ortega is from Imperial. She graduated from Chase County Schools in 2023 and is the daughter of Paco and Yedith Ortega.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“​I like the opportunities that the campus has to offer, the support and help from instructors and faculty and the fact that it’s close to my hometown,” said Ortega of why she chose MPCC.​&nbsp;Ortega is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business. She is on track to graduate in May of 2025.

&nbsp;​​“After graduation, I plan to transfer to a university and continue studying business​, enhance my skills, and seek opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said Ortega.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was chosen for the Business Student of the Month recognition by MPCC Business Instructor Cathy Nutt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Grisleydi exemplifies the qualities we value most in our students. Her dedication to academic excellence is evident in her consistent hard work and diligence in all subjects,” said Nutt. “What truly sets her apart is her genuine thirst for knowledge. She approaches her education not merely as a requirement, but as an opportunity for growth and understanding.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ortega is a business/math tutor and works at the fitness center on campus. Her most memorable moments at MPCC include meeting new people and achieving personal records at the fitness center.&nbsp;Outside of school and work, Ortega enjoys ​running, lifting weights and spending time with friends and family. ​&nbsp;

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 </figure>Jennifer FullerMPCCGrisleydi Ortega has been selected as Mid-Plains Community College’s Business Student of the Month for March.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ortega is from Imperial. She graduated from Chase County Schools in 2023 and is the daughter of Paco and Yedith Ortega.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“​I like the opportunities that the campus has to offer, the support and help from instructors and faculty and the fact that it’s close to my hometown,” said Ortega of why she chose MPCC.​&nbsp;Ortega is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business. She is on track to graduate in May of 2025.&nbsp;​​“After graduation, I plan to transfer to a university and continue studying business​, enhance my skills, and seek opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said Ortega.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was chosen for the Business Student of the Month recognition by MPCC Business Instructor Cathy Nutt.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Grisleydi exemplifies the qualities we value most in our students. Her dedication to academic excellence is evident in her consistent hard work and diligence in all subjects,” said Nutt. “What truly sets her apart is her genuine thirst for knowledge. She approaches her education not merely as a requirement, but as an opportunity for growth and understanding.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Ortega is a business/math tutor and works at the fitness center on campus. Her most memorable moments at MPCC include meeting new people and achieving personal records at the fitness center.&nbsp;Outside of school and work, Ortega enjoys ​running, lifting weights and spending time with friends and family. ​&nbsp;

Imperial student named MPCC Business Student of the Month 

North Platte, Neb. - The Lincoln County Department of Roads will be closing E State Farm RD between S Plainview RD and E Plainview RD on Tuesday for a culvert replacement project. The closure will begin at 7:00am and is expected to last until 5:00pm. The Lincoln County Department of Roads recommends to travelers to use S Plainview RD and E Plainview RD as an alternate route to avoid the affected area.

North Platte, Neb. - The Lincoln County Department of Roads will be closing E State Farm RD between S Plainview RD and E Plainview RD on Tuesday for a culvert replacement project. The closure will begin at 7:00am and is expected to last until 5:00pm. The Lincoln County Department of Roads recommends to travelers to use S Plainview RD and E Plainview RD as an alternate route to avoid the affected area.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLincolnCountySheriffsOfficeNP%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0sT4J4AM4KBxR6c1qRPKanvdrR6AD3QudP9eFDa1xZX9PbndURnhrQ6ytJTfGV5Qnl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="498" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Road Closure: E State Farm RD between S Plainview RD and E Plainview RD to be closed Tuesday

Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Mikayla Daleness, 26, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. 

United Sates District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Daleness to 78 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Daleness’s release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.&nbsp;

From summer 2023 into early 2024, Daleness and three others from Cozad worked together to bring pounds of methamphetamine from Colorado to the Lexington-Cozad area where the drugs were distributed. Search warrants for Facebook communications allowed investigators to identify individuals and their residences involved in the distribution of methamphetamine. 

During a January 2024 search warrant at a co-conspirator’s residence in Cozad, investigators found a loaded handgun, ammunition, methamphetamine, and distribution paraphernalia. Search warrants for the residents’ cell phones contained messages showing drug distribution. Recorded jail calls tipped investigators to the group’s travel plans to get more methamphetamine in Colorado.

 A search warrant for a tracking device led investigators to making a traffic stop on February 6, 2024. Daleness was a passenger in the car containing more methamphetamine, THC, and drug paraphernalia. A later search of Daleness’s Cozad residence turned up drug use and distribution paraphernalia.

This case was investigated by the CODE Drug Task Force which is comprised of members from the Lexington Police Department, the Cozad Police Department, the North Platte Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol. Investigators from the West Metro Drug Task Force in Colorado also assisted in the investigation.

United States Attorney's OfficeActing United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Mikayla Daleness, 26, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United Sates District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Daleness to 78 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Daleness’s release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.&nbsp;From summer 2023 into early 2024, Daleness and three others from Cozad worked together to bring pounds of methamphetamine from Colorado to the Lexington-Cozad area where the drugs were distributed. Search warrants for Facebook communications allowed investigators to identify individuals and their residences involved in the distribution of methamphetamine. During a January 2024 search warrant at a co-conspirator’s residence in Cozad, investigators found a loaded handgun, ammunition, methamphetamine, and distribution paraphernalia. Search warrants for the residents’ cell phones contained messages showing drug distribution. Recorded jail calls tipped investigators to the group’s travel plans to get more methamphetamine in Colorado. A search warrant for a tracking device led investigators to making a traffic stop on February 6, 2024. Daleness was a passenger in the car containing more methamphetamine, THC, and drug paraphernalia. A later search of Daleness’s Cozad residence turned up drug use and distribution paraphernalia.This case was investigated by the CODE Drug Task Force which is comprised of members from the Lexington Police Department, the Cozad Police Department, the North Platte Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol. Investigators from the West Metro Drug Task Force in Colorado also assisted in the investigation.

Lexington Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

The event will kick off at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, April 4th, 2025, with a CASA burrito breakfast on the 2nd floor of the Prairie&nbsp; Arts Center in North Platte. At 9 a.m., Mayor Brandon Kelliher will read the official Proclamation, marking the beginning&nbsp; of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The burrito breakfast will serve as a community gathering to raise awareness about&nbsp; child abuse prevention.&nbsp;

While addressing child abuse prevention is the core mission of several local organizations, it’s important to remember&nbsp; that Nebraska is a mandatory reporting state. Every citizen has a role to play in recognizing and reporting signs of child&nbsp; abuse and neglect.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During April, the local Child Abuse Prevention Council will promote education and awareness using materials from Bring&nbsp; Up Nebraska. The campaign's signature blue pinwheels symbolize the message of prevention, with blue pinwheels being&nbsp; placed throughout the community as a reminder.&nbsp;

Other planned activities include Dress Blue Fridays, where local businesses are invited to wear blue and take photos with&nbsp; council members to show support for child abuse prevention.&nbsp;

Child abuse and neglect remain serious concerns in Lincoln County. Unfortunately, many children placed in state care&nbsp; are relocated outside of Lincoln County due to a lack of local foster homes. For many children, being removed from their&nbsp; homes is a deeply traumatic experience. Even when placed in loving environments, these children often face unfamiliar&nbsp; and unsettling circumstances.&nbsp;

For more information on April’s activities and resources about Promotive and Protective Factors that support family&nbsp; stability, please visit Lincoln County Children on Facebook:&nbsp;&nbsp;

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068537400553&nbsp;

• Lincoln County Child Abuse Prevention Council

The event will kick off at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, April 4th, 2025, with a CASA burrito breakfast on the 2nd floor of the Prairie&nbsp; Arts Center in North Platte. At 9 a.m., Mayor Brandon Kelliher will read the official Proclamation, marking the beginning&nbsp; of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The burrito breakfast will serve as a community gathering to raise awareness about&nbsp; child abuse prevention.&nbsp;While addressing child abuse prevention is the core mission of several local organizations, it’s important to remember&nbsp; that Nebraska is a mandatory reporting state. Every citizen has a role to play in recognizing and reporting signs of child&nbsp; abuse and neglect.&nbsp;&nbsp;During April, the local Child Abuse Prevention Council will promote education and awareness using materials from Bring&nbsp; Up Nebraska. The campaign's signature blue pinwheels symbolize the message of prevention, with blue pinwheels being&nbsp; placed throughout the community as a reminder.&nbsp;Other planned activities include Dress Blue Fridays, where local businesses are invited to wear blue and take photos with&nbsp; council members to show support for child abuse prevention.&nbsp;Child abuse and neglect remain serious concerns in Lincoln County. Unfortunately, many children placed in state care&nbsp; are relocated outside of Lincoln County due to a lack of local foster homes. For many children, being removed from their&nbsp; homes is a deeply traumatic experience. Even when placed in loving environments, these children often face unfamiliar&nbsp; and unsettling circumstances.&nbsp;For more information on April’s activities and resources about Promotive and Protective Factors that support family&nbsp; stability, please visit Lincoln County Children on Facebook:&nbsp;&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068537400553&nbsp;Proclamation Sponsors Include:&nbsp;• Lincoln County CASA&nbsp;• Prairie Arts Center&nbsp;• Lincoln County Child Abuse Prevention Council

Proclamation event for Child Abuse Prevention Month this April

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.&nbsp;— Elevate IVy, North Platte’s first med spa for IV infusion therapy and vitamin injections, is excited to announce its move to a new, larger location to better serve the community. To mark this milestone, Elevate IVy will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on&nbsp;Friday, April 11, 2025, at 4 p.m., followed by an open house from&nbsp;4 p.m. to 6 p.m.&nbsp;at their new address:&nbsp;403 East C Street, North Platte, NE.

This expansion allows Elevate IVy to accommodate more clients and offer an even broader range of services. The new location is designed to provide a more spacious and comfortable environment where individuals can benefit from IV therapy, vitamin injections, and comprehensive wellness support.

"We’re thrilled to expand into a larger space, to serve more people in the North Platte area," said Natasha Jarvis-Burch, APNR, FNP-C, Co-Owner of Elevate IVy. "Our new facility provides an enhanced experience for our clients, with more room for relaxation.”

The upgraded space includes heated massage chairs, soothing music, and a tranquil atmosphere, ensuring that visitors enjoy a calm and rejuvenating experience. Elevate IVy specializes in IV infusion therapy, vitamin injections, weight loss support, and private party bookings for group events like bachelor or bachelorette parties, workplace events, and more.

Ribbon Cutting &amp; Open House Event Details:

Date:&nbsp;Friday, April 11, 2025

Open House Time:&nbsp;4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Location:&nbsp;403 East C Street, North Platte, NE

Guests are invited to explore the new space, meet the Elevate IVy team, and discover the range of wellness services available. Complimentary refreshments, including macarons from Pure Macaronage, will be served throughout the event.

Elevate IVy is dedicated to promoting health and wellness by offering accessible, innovative treatments in a welcoming environment. The move to their new location is a major step forward in their mission to help more individuals achieve their health and wellness goals.

For more information about Elevate IVy, the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the open house, visit their Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="http://facebook.com/ElevateIVy" target="_blank">facebook.com/ElevateIVy</a>.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.&nbsp;— Elevate IVy, North Platte’s first med spa for IV infusion therapy and vitamin injections, is excited to announce its move to a new, larger location to better serve the community. To mark this milestone, Elevate IVy will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on&nbsp;Friday, April 11, 2025, at 4 p.m., followed by an open house from&nbsp;4 p.m. to 6 p.m.&nbsp;at their new address:&nbsp;403 East C Street, North Platte, NE.This expansion allows Elevate IVy to accommodate more clients and offer an even broader range of services. The new location is designed to provide a more spacious and comfortable environment where individuals can benefit from IV therapy, vitamin injections, and comprehensive wellness support."We’re thrilled to expand into a larger space, to serve more people in the North Platte area," said Natasha Jarvis-Burch, APNR, FNP-C, Co-Owner of Elevate IVy. "Our new facility provides an enhanced experience for our clients, with more room for relaxation.”The upgraded space includes heated massage chairs, soothing music, and a tranquil atmosphere, ensuring that visitors enjoy a calm and rejuvenating experience. Elevate IVy specializes in IV infusion therapy, vitamin injections, weight loss support, and private party bookings for group events like bachelor or bachelorette parties, workplace events, and more.Ribbon Cutting &amp; Open House Event Details:Date:&nbsp;Friday, April 11, 2025Ribbon Cutting Time:&nbsp;4 p.m.Open House Time:&nbsp;4 p.m. to 6 p.m.Location:&nbsp;403 East C Street, North Platte, NEGuests are invited to explore the new space, meet the Elevate IVy team, and discover the range of wellness services available. Complimentary refreshments, including macarons from Pure Macaronage, will be served throughout the event.Elevate IVy is dedicated to promoting health and wellness by offering accessible, innovative treatments in a welcoming environment. The move to their new location is a major step forward in their mission to help more individuals achieve their health and wellness goals.For more information about Elevate IVy, the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the open house, visit their Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="http://facebook.com/ElevateIVy" target="_blank">facebook.com/ElevateIVy</a>.

Elevate IVy Expands to New Location with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, Celebrating Growth and Enhanced Services

The Nebraska International Port of the Plains Board of Directors reserves the right to enter into a closed executive&nbsp; session at any time as necessary to discuss the agenda item currently before the board.&nbsp;

The Nebraska International Port of the Plains Board of Directors reserves the right to take agenda items out of order&nbsp; for the convenience of the involved parties.&nbsp;

Meeting of the Nebraska International Port of the Plains Board of Directors to be held on March &nbsp;31, 2025, at the Greenbrier Facility located at 18610 W Highway 30, Hershey, NE 69143 at 2:00 &nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;

2. Approve the minutes regarding the Nebraska International Port of the Plains Board&nbsp; meetings held on February 24, 2025.&nbsp;

Facilities Report: Discuss and Consider maintenance of the property&nbsp;

Executive Committee Report: Progress report with TranSystems and the submission to&nbsp; the UPRR&nbsp;

4. Discuss and Consider visiting ports-Mike Noffsinger&nbsp;

5. Update from Commissioner Bruns and Commissioner Hewgley on the transfer of the&nbsp; property at 18610 W Highway 30, Hershey, NE to Lincoln County.&nbsp;

6. Discuss and Consider adopting Resolution 2025-01 authorizing two officers to sign&nbsp; checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money.&nbsp;

7. Discuss and Consider RFQ for a local attorney to provide legal services for the Nebraska&nbsp; International Port of the Plains.&nbsp;

8. Update from Development Corporation&nbsp;

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

NOTICE OF HEARING AND AGENDA&nbsp;MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2025&nbsp;The Nebraska International Port of the Plains Board of Directors reserves the right to enter into a closed executive&nbsp; session at any time as necessary to discuss the agenda item currently before the board.&nbsp;The Nebraska International Port of the Plains Board of Directors reserves the right to take agenda items out of order&nbsp; for the convenience of the involved parties.&nbsp;Meeting of the Nebraska International Port of the Plains Board of Directors to be held on March &nbsp;31, 2025, at the Greenbrier Facility located at 18610 W Highway 30, Hershey, NE 69143 at 2:00 &nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;1. Call to Order/Roll Call&nbsp;2. Approve the minutes regarding the Nebraska International Port of the Plains Board&nbsp; meetings held on February 24, 2025.&nbsp;3. Consider the following:&nbsp;Finance Committee:&nbsp;Facilities Report: Discuss and Consider maintenance of the property&nbsp;Executive Committee Report: Progress report with TranSystems and the submission to&nbsp; the UPRR&nbsp;4. Discuss and Consider visiting ports-Mike Noffsinger&nbsp;5. Update from Commissioner Bruns and Commissioner Hewgley on the transfer of the&nbsp; property at 18610 W Highway 30, Hershey, NE to Lincoln County.&nbsp;6. Discuss and Consider adopting Resolution 2025-01 authorizing two officers to sign&nbsp; checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money.&nbsp;7. Discuss and Consider RFQ for a local attorney to provide legal services for the Nebraska&nbsp; International Port of the Plains.&nbsp;8. Update from Development Corporation&nbsp;9. Public Comment&nbsp;Closed session to discuss strategy with respect to pending or imminent litigation, real estate&nbsp; purchase, deployment of security personnel and devices or evaluation of job performance as to&nbsp; prevent needless injury to reputation (if necessary)&nbsp;

Nebraska International Port of the Plains Board of Directors Meeting Agenda 3-31

Scottsbluff, Neb. — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a wanted person after a pursuit and standoff in Scotts Bluff County.

At approximately 11:15 p.m. MT Thursday, a trooper saw a Mercury Grand Marquis speeding on Lake Minatare Road, north of Scottsbluff. During the traffic stop, the driver accelerated and fled westbound on Lake Minatare Road. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The suspect turned southbound on Highway 71 and continued into Scottsbluff, reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour. The driver drove through Scottsbluff on Highway 26, then turned northbound on county roads, eventually coming to a stop at a residence near Lake Minatare Road and County Road 24. The driver and passenger then fled into the home and barricaded themselves inside.

Additional troopers, as well as the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Police Department, and Gering Police Department all responded to assist. Crisis Negotiators also responded and began attempts to communicate with the suspects. Troopers learned that there was a female inside the house as well and the suspects had access to firearms.

Communication was established and it was determined that the driver who had fled the traffic stop was preventing the passenger and the female from exiting the house. After approximately one hour, the male passenger was able to leave the house, but the driver still refused to exit or allow the female to leave.

At approximately 2:10 a.m., negotiators were successfully able to get the driver to exit the residence peacefully and he was immediately taken into custody. The female was then able to leave the home safely. Two firearms were found inside the home.

The suspect, Tyreese Monroe, 21, of Scottsbluff, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, kidnapping, and an active warrant out of Texas. He was lodged in Scotts Bluff County Jail.

Scottsbluff, Neb. — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a wanted person after a pursuit and standoff in Scotts Bluff County.At approximately 11:15 p.m. MT Thursday, a trooper saw a Mercury Grand Marquis speeding on Lake Minatare Road, north of Scottsbluff. During the traffic stop, the driver accelerated and fled westbound on Lake Minatare Road. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The suspect turned southbound on Highway 71 and continued into Scottsbluff, reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour. The driver drove through Scottsbluff on Highway 26, then turned northbound on county roads, eventually coming to a stop at a residence near Lake Minatare Road and County Road 24. The driver and passenger then fled into the home and barricaded themselves inside.Additional troopers, as well as the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Police Department, and Gering Police Department all responded to assist. Crisis Negotiators also responded and began attempts to communicate with the suspects. Troopers learned that there was a female inside the house as well and the suspects had access to firearms.Communication was established and it was determined that the driver who had fled the traffic stop was preventing the passenger and the female from exiting the house. After approximately one hour, the male passenger was able to leave the house, but the driver still refused to exit or allow the female to leave.At approximately 2:10 a.m., negotiators were successfully able to get the driver to exit the residence peacefully and he was immediately taken into custody. The female was then able to leave the home safely. Two firearms were found inside the home.The suspect, Tyreese Monroe, 21, of Scottsbluff, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, kidnapping, and an active warrant out of Texas. He was lodged in Scotts Bluff County Jail.

Troopers Arrest One After Pursuit and Standoff in Scotts Bluff County

North Platte, Neb. - The Hershey Volunteer Fire Department is back again for its annual Free Will donation Spaghetti Dinner at the Hershey School Cafeteria. The event takes place from 11 am to 2 pm with all-you-can-eat spaghetti with meat sauce, Homemade buns, and deserts with a free-will donation.

Sports Director Paxton Gordon sat down with Toby, Amanda and Jenifer of the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department the to discuss the up coming event.

<figure>
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 </figure>North PlatteNorth Platte, Neb. - The Hershey Volunteer Fire Department is back again for its annual Free Will donation Spaghetti Dinner at the Hershey School Cafeteria. The event takes place from 11 am to 2 pm with all-you-can-eat spaghetti with meat sauce, Homemade buns, and deserts with a free-will donation.Sports Director Paxton Gordon sat down with Toby, Amanda and Jenifer of the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department the to discuss the up coming event.<figure>
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(Audio) Hershey Volunteer Fire Department Annual Spaghetti Dinner

March 28, 2025 (Lexington, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people after locating credit card skimming devices during a traffic stop on Interstate 80.

Thursday, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a trooper observed an eastbound Mercedes SUV driving with expired license plates near Lexington on I-80. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of marijuana and credit card skimming devices. The driver, Omar Reyes Galvez, 33, of California, and passenger, Gerard Rodriguez-Montes De Oca, 34, of Nevada, were both arrested for possession of electronic scanning devices with intent to obtain encoded payment card information. Rodrigues-Montes De Oca also had an active arrest warrant from Nevada.

March 28, 2025 (Lexington, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people after locating credit card skimming devices during a traffic stop on Interstate 80.Thursday, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a trooper observed an eastbound Mercedes SUV driving with expired license plates near Lexington on I-80. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.A search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of marijuana and credit card skimming devices. The driver, Omar Reyes Galvez, 33, of California, and passenger, Gerard Rodriguez-Montes De Oca, 34, of Nevada, were both arrested for possession of electronic scanning devices with intent to obtain encoded payment card information. Rodrigues-Montes De Oca also had an active arrest warrant from Nevada.

Troopers Find Credit Card Skimmers in I-80 Traffic Stop Near Lexington

Kasey Kroeker from the Perkins County Fair Board announced on Friday, that the fair will host Rock group Eve 6 on Friday, July 18. Tickets onsale today at www.PerkinsCountyFair.com (LISTEN TO ANNOUNCEMENT HERE)

Kasey Kroeker from the Perkins County Fair Board announced on Friday, that the fair will host Rock group Eve 6 on Friday, July 18. Tickets onsale today at www.PerkinsCountyFair.com (LISTEN TO ANNOUNCEMENT HERE)<div><iframe title="Perkins County Fair having Rock Concert at Fair with Eve 6" 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=5m7hr-1865211-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><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPerkinsCountyFair%2Fvideos%2F1299550011123826%2F&show_text=true&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

Perkins County hosting Rock Concert at 2025 Fair with Eve 6

Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that on March 26, 2025, a multi-agency operation led to the arrests of 8 individuals in central Nebraska on federal drug charges, and the unsealing of several indictments. An additional 5 people were arrested on state charges. Multiple search warrants were also executed.

Those arrested federally and a summary of their charges and the penalties include the following:

A superseding indictment was unsealed charging&nbsp;Manuel Enrique Corona-Ramirez, Shawn Norris, Trevor Hardin, and Omar Gonzalez-Garcia with conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine between March 1, 2024 and February 5, 2025. Also listed in that conspiracy count are Reyes Ernesto Garcia-Urquizo and Enrique Martinez, who were arrested a month prior. A conviction on that conspiracy charge carries a possible penalty of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million; and a term of supervised release not less than five years.

A related indictment was also unsealed charging Adelso Saravia and Adriana Zepeda Rivera with conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine (actual) between October 3, 2024 and November 30, 2024. The penalties on that charge are not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million; and a term of supervised release not less than five years.

These cases were investigated by the Cooperative Operations for Drug Enforcement (CODE) Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska in cooperation with federal partners at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Also assisting in the investigation and subsequent arrests were the Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) Task Force based around the Grand Island-Hastings-Kearney area, the Cozad Police Department, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, the Lexington Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, the North Platte Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States Attorney's OfficeActing United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that on March 26, 2025, a multi-agency operation led to the arrests of 8 individuals in central Nebraska on federal drug charges, and the unsealing of several indictments. An additional 5 people were arrested on state charges. Multiple search warrants were also executed.Those arrested federally and a summary of their charges and the penalties include the following:A superseding indictment was unsealed charging&nbsp;Manuel Enrique Corona-Ramirez, Shawn Norris, Trevor Hardin, and Omar Gonzalez-Garcia with conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine between March 1, 2024 and February 5, 2025. Also listed in that conspiracy count are Reyes Ernesto Garcia-Urquizo and Enrique Martinez, who were arrested a month prior. A conviction on that conspiracy charge carries a possible penalty of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million; and a term of supervised release not less than five years.A related indictment was also unsealed charging Adelso Saravia and Adriana Zepeda Rivera with conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine (actual) between October 3, 2024 and November 30, 2024. The penalties on that charge are not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million; and a term of supervised release not less than five years.These cases were investigated by the Cooperative Operations for Drug Enforcement (CODE) Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska in cooperation with federal partners at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Also assisting in the investigation and subsequent arrests were the Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) Task Force based around the Grand Island-Hastings-Kearney area, the Cozad Police Department, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, the Lexington Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, the North Platte Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF" target="_blank">https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF</a>.An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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