As March Madness winds down, Nebraskans can fill their April calendar with the 2025 Nebraska Science Festival and a full slate of science and technology-related activities.

Presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the annual statewide festival allows participants to discover the importance of science and how it is intertwined in their daily lives. Interactive, relevant and fun activities – for every age and interest – are planned.

View the entire festival schedule (with details and registration links) at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nescifest.com/" target="_blank">NESciFest.com</a>.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nescifest.com/schedule/" target="_blank">NE SciFest&nbsp;</a>for more activities (events continue to be added) including: the science of ice cream and dry ice, Lincoln Earth Day, a statewide art contest, incredible edible landfill at the Omaha Public Library, Lego's at the Kearney Library, sharp-tailed grouse viewing, plant fair, and more.

Presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Nebraska Science Festival is a collaboration of organizations and individuals interested in the advancement of science literacy.&nbsp;In addition to UNMC, other sponsors are Boys Town, Metro Credit Union, KETV and the Omaha Public Schools Foundation.

UNMCAs March Madness winds down, Nebraskans can fill their April calendar with the 2025 Nebraska Science Festival and a full slate of science and technology-related activities.Presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the annual statewide festival allows participants to discover the importance of science and how it is intertwined in their daily lives. Interactive, relevant and fun activities – for every age and interest – are planned.View the entire festival schedule (with details and registration links) at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nescifest.com/" target="_blank">NESciFest.com</a>.Among the highlights:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.nescifest.com/participate/moon/" target="_blank">Walk to the Moon Challenge</a>:&nbsp;NE SciFest is challenging everyone in Nebraska to show their love of science by participating in a 30-day exercise challenge that collectively will take us to the moon. The challenge will start April 1 and end April 30. Any type of exercise will count (miles, minutes or steps) and&nbsp;all&nbsp;exercise will be converted into steps for the challenge. The challenge will require us to cover 238,855 miles or 477,710,000 steps, so plan your exercise schedule.</li><li><a href="https://www.nescifest.com/event/ne-scifest-public-expo/" target="_blank">FREE Public Science Expo</a>:&nbsp;Join us at the 2025 Public Science Expo for engaging hands-on learning opportunities. The free public expo on April 26 at The Durham Museum will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. Attendees will interact with a variety of science-related booths and hear from the KETV weather team, who will present in The Stanley and Dorothy Truhlsen Lecture Hall at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Admission is free, but tickets are required (and accessible via the NE SciFest website).&nbsp;</li><li>Galactic Peanut Butter Blitz:&nbsp;Available all month long at eCreamery in Omaha’s Dundee neighborhood, science (and ice cream) fans of all ages can enjoy a special festival ice cream flavor of chocolate ice cream, Reese's Pieces, Reese's Cups and cookie dough.</li><li><a href="https://www.nescifest.com/event/mad-science-cafe/" target="_blank">Mad Science Café</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Join No More Empty Pots and NE SciFest on April 5 from 2-4 p.m. and learn how to make a variety of flavored drink syrups to create milk, fruit and sparkling teas; tapioca and popping boba; and flavored cold foams. Customize your own drink and then mix up some unusual snacks with roasted bugs. Space is limited; registration is required.</li><li><a href="https://www.nescifest.com/event/science-sunday-2/" target="_blank">Science Sunday at The RiverFront:</a>&nbsp;Join the Nebraska Science Festival for Science Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Omaha RiverFront.&nbsp;During this free, family-friendly hour, participants will learn about nature, animals, medicine and more with hands-on science activities (while supplies last). Science Sunday activities include:</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>April 6 – Tin Foil Watercolor Eggs</li><li>April 13 – Seed Bombs</li><li>April 27 – Constellation Making</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.nescifest.com/event/metropolitan-community-college-science-day-2/" target="_blank">MCC Science Day</a>:&nbsp;Stop by the Metropolitan Community College&nbsp;South Omaha Campus, Mahoney building, on Saturday, April 12 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., for kid-friendly hands-on activities that encompass science disciplines ranging from physics to chemistry to biology.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.nescifest.com/event/raptor-trivia-at-kros-strain/" target="_blank">Raptor Trivia at Kros Strain</a>:&nbsp;On April 15, put your raptor knowledge to the test with a thrilling&nbsp;trivia&nbsp;competition from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Kros Strain Brewing in LaVista, Nebraska. Questions will cover a range of topics, from species identification and habitats to hunting techniques and conservation efforts. Prizes include raptor merch that you can find only at Fontenelle Forest!</li><li><a href="https://www.nescifest.com/event/kennedy-steam-night-2/" target="_blank">Kennedy Elementary School</a>:&nbsp;Stop by Kennedy Elementary for a STEAM Family Night on April 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. featuring robotics, rockets, Hovercrafts, fire truck, urban gardening, 3D pens, water science, laser utting and more!</li><li><a href="https://www.nescifest.com/event/seeds-sprouts/" target="_blank">Seeds &amp; Sprouts</a>:&nbsp;Looking for a fun, educational and hands-on activity for the whole family? Bring your loved ones closer to nature with Crete Public Library’s Seeds &amp; Sprouts program! Whether you’re seasoned gardeners or beginners, there’s something for everyone.</li><li>Omaha Science Café: Giorgia Picci, PhD, director of the Cognitive Affective Neurodevelopment in Youth Laboratory at the Boys Town National Research Hospital Institute for Human Neuroscience, will present “The Teenage Brain Today” on April 22 at 7 p.m. at the Slowdown in downtown Omaha.</li><li><a href="https://www.nescifest.com/event/nebraska-science-festival-star-party/" target="_blank">NE Star Party</a>:&nbsp;This event is for all lovers of space science and astronomy. On Saturday, April 26, Branched Oak Observatory will open its doors and train its telescopes to the skies. Between 9 p.m. and midnight, SciFest fans can explore the wonders of the night sky through a variety of telescopes.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nescifest.com/schedule/" target="_blank">NE SciFest&nbsp;</a>for more activities (events continue to be added) including: the science of ice cream and dry ice, Lincoln Earth Day, a statewide art contest, incredible edible landfill at the Omaha Public Library, Lego's at the Kearney Library, sharp-tailed grouse viewing, plant fair, and more.Presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Nebraska Science Festival is a collaboration of organizations and individuals interested in the advancement of science literacy.&nbsp;In addition to UNMC, other sponsors are Boys Town, Metro Credit Union, KETV and the Omaha Public Schools Foundation.

Nebraska Science Festival runs throughout April

Union Pacific Railroad announced today it has entered into an agreement with Jaguar Transport Holdings LLC to provide short line rail service in the Central Industrial District in Kansas City, a move that will enhance customer service and support regional economic growth.

Union Pacific will lease about 12 acres of land and four miles of track in central Kansas City to Jaguar Transport, a leading transportation logistics company with experience in short line rail, warehousing and transload services.

“Jaguar has a proven track record of providing premier customer service and we believe this operating change will be a win for both railroads, our mutual customers and the local economy,” said Kenny Rocker, executive vice president – Marketing and Sales, for Union Pacific. “Both parties have high expectations for growth under this exciting new deal.”

The change allows Union Pacific to focus on fast, reliable long-haul service from the site in central Kansas City, while Jaguar will offer five-day-a-week short-haul services via its new short line railroad: the Kansas City West Bottoms Railroad.

“Our new business partnership with Union Pacific will create operational efficiencies and unique economic opportunities for the region, allowing local businesses in the greater Kansas City area faster and easier access to Union Pacific’s leading rail network,” said Tim Enayati, senior vice president of commercial development for Jaguar Transport Holdings. “We’re thrilled this opportunity is happening in Missouri and Kansas, two states that have been great partners and longtime supporters of the rail industry.”

In addition to its short-line services, Jaguar owns a cold and dry storage warehouse adjacent to the property and it is finalizing construction of a new transload facility on the site that will begin accepting train cars sometime this month.

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

Union PacificUnion Pacific Railroad announced today it has entered into an agreement with Jaguar Transport Holdings LLC to provide short line rail service in the Central Industrial District in Kansas City, a move that will enhance customer service and support regional economic growth.Union Pacific will lease about 12 acres of land and four miles of track in central Kansas City to Jaguar Transport, a leading transportation logistics company with experience in short line rail, warehousing and transload services.“Jaguar has a proven track record of providing premier customer service and we believe this operating change will be a win for both railroads, our mutual customers and the local economy,” said Kenny Rocker, executive vice president – Marketing and Sales, for Union Pacific. “Both parties have high expectations for growth under this exciting new deal.”The change allows Union Pacific to focus on fast, reliable long-haul service from the site in central Kansas City, while Jaguar will offer five-day-a-week short-haul services via its new short line railroad: the Kansas City West Bottoms Railroad.“Our new business partnership with Union Pacific will create operational efficiencies and unique economic opportunities for the region, allowing local businesses in the greater Kansas City area faster and easier access to Union Pacific’s leading rail network,” said Tim Enayati, senior vice president of commercial development for Jaguar Transport Holdings. “We’re thrilled this opportunity is happening in Missouri and Kansas, two states that have been great partners and longtime supporters of the rail industry.”In addition to its short-line services, Jaguar owns a cold and dry storage warehouse adjacent to the property and it is finalizing construction of a new transload facility on the site that will begin accepting train cars sometime this month.<h2>About Union Pacific</h2>Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.up.com/">www.up.com</a>.

Union Pacific and Jaguar Transport Holding LLC Primed for Growth in Kansas City

The Annual Re-Ride of the historic Pony Express mail service will be conducted from June 11 - 21, 2025, by the National Pony Express Association (NPEA). The event, celebrating the 165th year anniversary of “the Pony”, will start in Sacramento, CA and end in St. Joseph, MO, traveling west to east this year.

Personal letters and Commemorative letters will be carried in a mochila (a leather square that is placed over the saddle, with four locked cantinas to hold the mail) by horse and rider relays from the Sacramento River to the Missouri River. The first rider will depart Old Sacramento, California on Wednesday, June 11, at 2:00 PM PDT, and the last rider is scheduled to arrive at the Patee House in St. Joseph, Missouri, on Saturday, June 21, at 7:30 PM CDT.

The route will follow the Pony Express National Historic Trail, a component of the National Trails System. The mail will travel 1966 miles across California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas, to Missouri.

Approximately 600 member riders from NPEA’s eight State Divisions will ride relay-style, 24 hours a day, until the mochila is delivered in St. Joseph, Missouri. Each rider will take the Pony Express Oath prior to riding with the mochila, just as the riders did in 1860.

History: The annual Re-Ride is a 10-day, 24 hours-a-day event honoring the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company. The Company carried letters and telegrams from April 1860, to November 1861, between St. Joseph and Sacramento, proving the Central Route through Salt Lake City was passable year round. Their intent was to win a federal mail contract, which, unfortunately, never materialized.

Riders Wanted: Are you interested in participating in the annual Re-Ride? Get your mount legged up to ride a leg in the annual Re-Ride. Reach out to a State President near you and find out about riding in this year's Re-Ride. Several states have ride sections available; come experience the thrill of being a Pony Express rider! State Officer Directory: H<a target="_blank" href="https://nationalponyexpress.org/about/national-directory/">ttps://nationalponyexpress.org/about/national-directory/</a>

Send A Letter: The Commemorative letters carried this year will be a vignette of Pony Express history in Nevada. The letters can be purchased by the public for the 1860 price of $5 each. Personal letters are also available for $10 each. All letters will be carried on horseback from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri. They will be stamped as having been officially carried by Pony Express and then delivered via USPS. The letter application form can be obtained by downloading it from the NPEA website at <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/send-a-letter/">https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/send-a-letter/</a>.

Re-Ride: During the Re-Ride, updates and information about the progress across the Pony Express trail can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/expressrider/">https://www.facebook.com/expressrider/</a>. A GPS Device will be carried in the mochila, that transmits real-time location of the mail. The National Parks Service (NPS) will have an interactive map to follow the transmissions at <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/follow-the-ride/">https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/follow-the-ride/</a>. Status updates will also be posted on the website and photos &amp; videos on the NPEA Facebook page.

The Annual Re-Ride of the historic Pony Express mail service will be conducted from June 11 - 21, 2025, by the National Pony Express Association (NPEA). The event, celebrating the 165th year anniversary of “the Pony”, will start in Sacramento, CA and end in St. Joseph, MO, traveling west to east this year.Personal letters and Commemorative letters will be carried in a mochila (a leather square that is placed over the saddle, with four locked cantinas to hold the mail) by horse and rider relays from the Sacramento River to the Missouri River. The first rider will depart Old Sacramento, California on Wednesday, June 11, at 2:00 PM PDT, and the last rider is scheduled to arrive at the Patee House in St. Joseph, Missouri, on Saturday, June 21, at 7:30 PM CDT.The route will follow the Pony Express National Historic Trail, a component of the National Trails System. The mail will travel 1966 miles across California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas, to Missouri.Approximately 600 member riders from NPEA’s eight State Divisions will ride relay-style, 24 hours a day, until the mochila is delivered in St. Joseph, Missouri. Each rider will take the Pony Express Oath prior to riding with the mochila, just as the riders did in 1860.History: The annual Re-Ride is a 10-day, 24 hours-a-day event honoring the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company. The Company carried letters and telegrams from April 1860, to November 1861, between St. Joseph and Sacramento, proving the Central Route through Salt Lake City was passable year round. Their intent was to win a federal mail contract, which, unfortunately, never materialized.Riders Wanted: Are you interested in participating in the annual Re-Ride? Get your mount legged up to ride a leg in the annual Re-Ride. Reach out to a State President near you and find out about riding in this year's Re-Ride. Several states have ride sections available; come experience the thrill of being a Pony Express rider! State Officer Directory: H<a target="_blank" href="https://nationalponyexpress.org/about/national-directory/">ttps://nationalponyexpress.org/about/national-directory/</a>Send A Letter: The Commemorative letters carried this year will be a vignette of Pony Express history in Nevada. The letters can be purchased by the public for the 1860 price of $5 each. Personal letters are also available for $10 each. All letters will be carried on horseback from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri. They will be stamped as having been officially carried by Pony Express and then delivered via USPS. The letter application form can be obtained by downloading it from the NPEA website at <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/send-a-letter/">https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/send-a-letter/</a>.Re-Ride: During the Re-Ride, updates and information about the progress across the Pony Express trail can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/expressrider/">https://www.facebook.com/expressrider/</a>. A GPS Device will be carried in the mochila, that transmits real-time location of the mail. The National Parks Service (NPS) will have an interactive map to follow the transmissions at <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/follow-the-ride/">https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/follow-the-ride/</a>. Status updates will also be posted on the website and photos &amp; videos on the NPEA Facebook page.

Pony Express Re-Ride Sacramento to St. Joseph, June 11-21, 2025

The evacuation order was lifted around 7:30pm Wednesday evening. The fire took place about 9 miles north of Maxwell and burned NW towards Nedian Road where it was contained by fire crews.

Maxwell, Neb. - Crews are on scene battling a grass fire a few miles north of Maxwell. A rave alert has been sent out urging residents to evacuate from N Maxwell Rd to HWY 83 at this time. The Salvation Army is open in North Platte for those who need shelter. Please avoid the area to let crews and first responders work on scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Warm temperatures and winds have been a mixture for many grass fires that have been hitting the area and much of Nebraska. Crews are actively battling a grass fire in the Arnold area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Stapleton Public Schools announced on social media there is no practice today for all spring sports due to the range of the fire and smoke in the air. Buses will run accordingly according to the social media post.&nbsp;

This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743020320221.jpeg" alt="Grass fire north of Maxwell (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>Grass fire north of Maxwell (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure>The evacuation order was lifted around 7:30pm Wednesday evening. The fire took place about 9 miles north of Maxwell and burned NW towards Nedian Road where it was contained by fire crews.-----Maxwell, Neb. - Crews are on scene battling a grass fire a few miles north of Maxwell. A rave alert has been sent out urging residents to evacuate from N Maxwell Rd to HWY 83 at this time. The Salvation Army is open in North Platte for those who need shelter. Please avoid the area to let crews and first responders work on scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Warm temperatures and winds have been a mixture for many grass fires that have been hitting the area and much of Nebraska. Crews are actively battling a grass fire in the Arnold area.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stapleton Public Schools announced on social media there is no practice today for all spring sports due to the range of the fire and smoke in the air. Buses will run accordingly according to the social media post.&nbsp;This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.&nbsp;

Crews battled a large wildland fire north of Maxwell

&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb., March 26 —&nbsp;The Nebraska LEAD Program honored the 29 Fellows of Class 42 during the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council’s Annual Recognition Banquet, held Friday, March 21, on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. 

Hosted in partnership with UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the banquet celebrated the completion of the two-year leadership development program and recognized key supporters who make the program possible.

As part of their graduation, each Fellow received a digital badge from UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, recognizing their intensive two-year study of agricultural leadership, communication and global perspectives. This micro-credential serves as a formal acknowledgment of their skills and can be shared with employers and professional networks to highlight their leadership development.

During the evening, Nebraska LEAD Class 42 Fellows shared insights from their experiences in the program and highlighted key takeaways from their two-year journey. Dr. Terry Hejny, who served as the program’s director during their first year before retiring, delivered the keynote address. He was also honored with the “Allen G. Blezek Friend of LEAD Award” in recognition of his dedication to agricultural leadership development in Nebraska.

“The Nebraska LEAD Program continues to develop individuals who are committed to the future of agriculture and rural communities,” said Kurtis Harms, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “Class 42 has demonstrated outstanding leadership potential, and I have no doubt they will make a lasting impact in their communities, businesses and beyond.”

Nebraska LEAD 42 Fellows (by hometown) who completed the program at the March 21 recognition banquet are:

LINCOLN: Nic Grams, Rachel Ibach, Michael Manning, Nathan Watermeier, Jake Werner

With the graduation of Class 42, the Nebraska LEAD Program has now surpassed 1,200 graduates since its founding more than 40 years ago. These alumni serve in key leadership roles across agriculture, business and policy, furthering the program’s mission of strengthening Nebraska’s agricultural industry and rural communities.

The Nebraska LEAD Program provides participants with in-depth leadership training through 12 in-state seminars, a national study/travel experience, and an international study/travel seminar.&nbsp;For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 44 which begins in the fall of 2025, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program online at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFt1n_ziNHwk_Y0X6HFJFCf7m" target="_blank">lead.unl.edu</a>. The application deadline is June 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743016299318.jpeg" alt="Nebraska LEAD Class 42 Fellows celebrate their graduation after completing the two-year leadership development program. With their completion, the Nebraska LEAD Program now boasts more than 1,200 alumni dedicated to strengthening Nebraska’s agricultural industry and rural communities" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska LEAD Class 42 Fellows celebrate their graduation after completing the two-year leadership development program. With their completion, the Nebraska LEAD Program now boasts more than 1,200 alumni dedicated to strengthening Nebraska’s agricultural industry and rural communities</figcaption>
 </figure>UNL Ag&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb., March 26 —&nbsp;The Nebraska LEAD Program honored the 29 Fellows of Class 42 during the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council’s Annual Recognition Banquet, held Friday, March 21, on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. Hosted in partnership with UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the banquet celebrated the completion of the two-year leadership development program and recognized key supporters who make the program possible.As part of their graduation, each Fellow received a digital badge from UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, recognizing their intensive two-year study of agricultural leadership, communication and global perspectives. This micro-credential serves as a formal acknowledgment of their skills and can be shared with employers and professional networks to highlight their leadership development.During the evening, Nebraska LEAD Class 42 Fellows shared insights from their experiences in the program and highlighted key takeaways from their two-year journey. Dr. Terry Hejny, who served as the program’s director during their first year before retiring, delivered the keynote address. He was also honored with the “Allen G. Blezek Friend of LEAD Award” in recognition of his dedication to agricultural leadership development in Nebraska.“The Nebraska LEAD Program continues to develop individuals who are committed to the future of agriculture and rural communities,” said Kurtis Harms, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “Class 42 has demonstrated outstanding leadership potential, and I have no doubt they will make a lasting impact in their communities, businesses and beyond.”Nebraska LEAD 42 Fellows (by hometown) who completed the program at the March 21 recognition banquet are:ARCADIA: Michelle BoseAURORA: Matthew OswaldAYR: Adam OldemeyerBELLEVUE: Annalyssa FountainBROKEN BOW: Levi FrenchCAIRO: Ryan HanousekDEWITT: Wes CammackELKHORN: John GarlockGREENWOOD: Nicholas SwensonHEMINGFORD: April DelsingHOLDREGE: Logan ReedKEARNEY: Sloane HoltmeierLINCOLN: Nic Grams, Rachel Ibach, Michael Manning, Nathan Watermeier, Jake WernerMASON CITY: Brad ParliamentMITCHELL: Jessica PalmNORTH PLATTE: Emmet StorerOMAHA: Cathryn KleinORD: Kelby SudbeckRANDOLPH: Blake HokampSEWARD: Traci Menke, Zach TveitnesSHELBY: Carter SmithWAHOO: Brett StorerWOOD RIVER: Dalton KenningWith the graduation of Class 42, the Nebraska LEAD Program has now surpassed 1,200 graduates since its founding more than 40 years ago. These alumni serve in key leadership roles across agriculture, business and policy, furthering the program’s mission of strengthening Nebraska’s agricultural industry and rural communities.The Nebraska LEAD Program provides participants with in-depth leadership training through 12 in-state seminars, a national study/travel experience, and an international study/travel seminar.&nbsp;For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 44 which begins in the fall of 2025, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program online at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFt1n_ziNHwk_Y0X6HFJFCf7m" target="_blank">lead.unl.edu</a>. The application deadline is June 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska LEAD Program Class 42 Graduates, Recognized at Annual Banquet

Ogallala, Ne - The Ogallala City Council held their regular March meeting on Tuesday (March 25). The Council approved adding Jeffrey Lampmann to the Ogallala Tree Board. It's a two-year term.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Council had a discussion with the public on the speed limit heading west on highway 30 towards the sale barn. City Manager Kevin Wilkins said "we had a citizen address the speed limits on Highway 30 as it goes towards the sale barn. I think they made a credible case for the State of Nebraska to examine the speed zone changes as it migrates out towards the intersection of Highway 30 and the bypass." The speed limit increases to 50mph right before the sale barn. "We will ask the State to take a look at that" Wilkins said.&nbsp;

Action items heard by the council included an amendment to the agreement for consulting services with the Airport Improvement Program Project. Wilkens said this was just housekeeping to approve a 3rd party FAA requirement for payment to an engineering firm who already had worked on the Searle Field master layout plan. The council approved the item.&nbsp;

Also, the council talked about amending section 31.07 of the Municipal Code Regulating Historic Preservation Commision. "We amended a section of the municipal code related to the historic preservation commission a year ago," according to Wilkins. "I was trying to streamline the commission, so I took out some language the State preferred; in addition, we're adding some additional language that allows for historic overlays." He said, "you have a historic structure that may be zoned residential or commercial. You could put an overlay over that zoning designation for historic purposes. What that does is set you up for some additional tax credits or funding." Wilkins told the POST, "right now the primary intent of this is a proposed project at the Ogallala Middle School for 44 units of mixed to low-income housing there." Wilkins says "this helps facilitate moving that project forward. It gives that project additional points for the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority application. It could potentially get that area a Historic Preservation tax credit." Wilkens went on to say, "we're anticipating doing a historic overlay on that particular block where the Middle school sits and then incorporating the auditorium into that." The Council passed the motion.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Council also approved the installation of two automated license plate readers in Ogallala. One permanent reader on the viaduct and a mobile license plate reader. The readers can scan a license plate and automatically relay plates that are in the system for BOLO or Amber Alerts to law enforcement officials in the city and county. This is a statewide system already in place in other cities around Nebraska including North Platte and Kearney.&nbsp;

(LISTEN TO FULL CONVERSATION WITH KEVIN WILKINS HERE)

The Ogallala City Council will meet again April 8.&nbsp;

Ogallala, Ne - The Ogallala City Council held their regular March meeting on Tuesday (March 25). The Council approved adding Jeffrey Lampmann to the Ogallala Tree Board. It's a two-year term.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Council had a discussion with the public on the speed limit heading west on highway 30 towards the sale barn. City Manager Kevin Wilkins said "we had a citizen address the speed limits on Highway 30 as it goes towards the sale barn. I think they made a credible case for the State of Nebraska to examine the speed zone changes as it migrates out towards the intersection of Highway 30 and the bypass." The speed limit increases to 50mph right before the sale barn. "We will ask the State to take a look at that" Wilkins said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736963504459.jpeg" alt="Kevin Wilkins - Ogallala City Manager" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Wilkins - Ogallala City Manager</figcaption>
 </figure>Action items heard by the council included an amendment to the agreement for consulting services with the Airport Improvement Program Project. Wilkens said this was just housekeeping to approve a 3rd party FAA requirement for payment to an engineering firm who already had worked on the Searle Field master layout plan. The council approved the item.&nbsp;Also, the council talked about amending section 31.07 of the Municipal Code Regulating Historic Preservation Commision. "We amended a section of the municipal code related to the historic preservation commission a year ago," according to Wilkins. "I was trying to streamline the commission, so I took out some language the State preferred; in addition, we're adding some additional language that allows for historic overlays." He said, "you have a historic structure that may be zoned residential or commercial. You could put an overlay over that zoning designation for historic purposes. What that does is set you up for some additional tax credits or funding." Wilkins told the POST, "right now the primary intent of this is a proposed project at the Ogallala Middle School for 44 units of mixed to low-income housing there." Wilkins says "this helps facilitate moving that project forward. It gives that project additional points for the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority application. It could potentially get that area a Historic Preservation tax credit." Wilkens went on to say, "we're anticipating doing a historic overlay on that particular block where the Middle school sits and then incorporating the auditorium into that." The Council passed the motion.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Council also approved the installation of two automated license plate readers in Ogallala. One permanent reader on the viaduct and a mobile license plate reader. The readers can scan a license plate and automatically relay plates that are in the system for BOLO or Amber Alerts to law enforcement officials in the city and county. This is a statewide system already in place in other cities around Nebraska including North Platte and Kearney.&nbsp;(LISTEN TO FULL CONVERSATION WITH KEVIN WILKINS HERE)<div><iframe title="Ogallala City Council Recap - City clears way for historic preservation zoning to help create space for low income housing" 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=4jx7n-186203f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The Ogallala City Council will meet again April 8.&nbsp;

Ogallala City Council clears way for historic preservation zoning to help create space for low income housing (Interview Recap of Council Meeting)

Nebraska Department of Transportation

 (North Platte, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin April 1 on Nebraska Highway 2 (N-2), from reference post 175.00 to reference post 184.26, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. 

Western Engineering Company, Inc., of Harlan, Iowa, is the contractor for this project. Work includes milling, asphalt overlay and fog sealing existing curbed areas. Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is May 2025. 

The purpose of this project is to preserve the transportation asset, improve the reliability of the transportation system and perpetuate the mobility of the traveling public. 

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

Nebraska Department of Transportation (North Platte, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin April 1 on Nebraska Highway 2 (N-2), from reference post 175.00 to reference post 184.26, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Western Engineering Company, Inc., of Harlan, Iowa, is the contractor for this project. Work includes milling, asphalt overlay and fog sealing existing curbed areas. Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is May 2025. The purpose of this project is to preserve the transportation asset, improve the reliability of the transportation system and perpetuate the mobility of the traveling public. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Work will begin on N-2, west of Mullen 

 (North Platte, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will resume March 31 on Nebraska Highway 25 (N-25), from reference post 92.68 to reference post 104.67, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. 

Werner Construction, LLC, of Hastings, is the contractor for this project. Work includes bridge repairs, guardrail remodel, asphalt overlay and earth shoulder construction. Traffic will be maintained with lane restrictions and a pilot car with flaggers or temporary traffic signals. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Nov. 2025. 

Nebraska Department of Transportation (North Platte, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will resume March 31 on Nebraska Highway 25 (N-25), from reference post 92.68 to reference post 104.67, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Werner Construction, LLC, of Hastings, is the contractor for this project. Work includes bridge repairs, guardrail remodel, asphalt overlay and earth shoulder construction. Traffic will be maintained with lane restrictions and a pilot car with flaggers or temporary traffic signals. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Nov. 2025. The purpose of this project is to preserve the transportation asset, improve the reliability of the transportation system and perpetuate the mobility of the traveling public. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Work will resume on N-25, south of Sutherland

(North Platte, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will resume March 31 on U.S. Highway 83 (US-83), from reference post 61.81 to reference post 77.14, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. 

Western Engineering Company, Inc., of Harlan, Iowa, is the contractor for this project. Work remaining includes earth shoulder construction, seeding, rumble strips and permanent pavement markings. Traffic will be maintained with lane restrictions and a pilot car and flaggers. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is June 2025. 

Nebraska Department of Transportation(North Platte, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will resume March 31 on U.S. Highway 83 (US-83), from reference post 61.81 to reference post 77.14, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Western Engineering Company, Inc., of Harlan, Iowa, is the contractor for this project. Work remaining includes earth shoulder construction, seeding, rumble strips and permanent pavement markings. Traffic will be maintained with lane restrictions and a pilot car and flaggers. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is June 2025. The purpose of this project is to preserve the transportation asset, improve the reliability of the transportation system and perpetuate the mobility of the traveling public. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Work will resume on US-83, south of Lake Maloney 

&nbsp;OGALLALA - The Ogallala City Council is hosting their meeting today, March 24. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm. Below is tonight's agenda for the meeting:

Listen to Sandhills Spotlight Wednesday morning at 9am MT on Z93.5 Country for a full recap with City Manager Kevin Wilkins.

Sandhills Post&nbsp;OGALLALA - The Ogallala City Council is hosting their meeting today, March 24. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm. Below is tonight's agenda for the meeting:Listen to Sandhills Spotlight Wednesday morning at 9am MT on Z93.5 Country for a full recap with City Manager Kevin Wilkins.<figure>
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03/25 Ogallala City Council Meeting Agenda

A total of&nbsp;126 senior medical students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska,&nbsp;learned about their residency assignments March 21&nbsp;during an event at the Omaha Design Center.&nbsp;The 2025 Main Residency Match®&nbsp;-- referred to as Match Day --&nbsp;is an annual rite of passage for medical students, a day when students across the country learn where they will train&nbsp;for&nbsp;the next three to seven years, depending on the&nbsp;medical area of their choice. 

Students are matched through a computer program to align their preferences for residency programs to&nbsp;fill the thousands of training positions available at U.S. teaching hospitals.&nbsp;

Forty-six percent of UNMC medical students are staying in Nebraska for their training, with 41% at UNMC. Fifty-three percent matched&nbsp;in primary care, which includes family medicine, internal medicine, internal medicine/pediatrics, medicine-preliminary, medicine-psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics.

Nationally, there were&nbsp;43,237 residency positions.&nbsp;

The UNMC medical students, slated to graduate in May, are listed&nbsp;below by their hometown, name, specialty,&nbsp;and location of residency assignment.&nbsp;Some students have chosen not to have their names and match results released to the public.&nbsp;The hometowns listed are Nebraska communities unless otherwise stated.

Bennet: Grant Albers, Emergency Medicine, Unity Health-Arkansas, Searcy, AR&nbsp;

Blair: Logan Baumberger, Internal Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Chadron: Corbin Johnson, Otolaryngology, University of Texas HSC-San Antonio, TX&nbsp;

Cody: Cade Cody, Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland&nbsp;

Columbus: Caitlin Molczyk, Psychiatry, Creighton University, Omaha&nbsp;

Creighton: Makayla Brockhaus, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Crete: Luke Siedhoff, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

David City: Branden Daro, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Elkhorn: Paige Eicher, Pediatrics, Childrens Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO; Jacob Owens, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Brawly Taylor, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC&nbsp;

Fremont: Samantha Schindler, Surgery-General, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Phoenix, AZ&nbsp;

Fullerton: Katie Hytrek, Family Medicine, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville&nbsp;

Gering: Alex Duncan, Anesthesiology, UNMC&nbsp;

Grand Island: Shane Jacobs, Pediatrics, UNMC; Nam Nguyen, Ophthalmology, UNMC; Alyssa Wells, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Gretna: Patrick Arnold, Anesthesiology, UNMC; Garett Ostdiek-Wille, Urology, University of Oklahoma HSC, Oklahoma City; Michael Stage, Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical, University of Chicago Medical Center-Illinois&nbsp;

Hickman: Max Devine, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;

Homer: Connor Woodard, Surgery-General, Ochsner Clinic Foundation-Louisiana, New Orleans&nbsp;

Kearney: Josiah Adamson, Surgery-Preliminary, Central Iowa Health System, Des Moines; Ty Connely, Otolaryngology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington; Kennedy Johnson, Internal Medicine, University of Texas HSC, San Antonio; Alexandra Pool, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington&nbsp;

Lincoln: Molly Antonson, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC; Anna Barent, Emergency Medicine, Hennepin Co Medical Center-Minneapolis; Peyton Bash, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jake Denesia, Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston; Laura Ebers, Surgery-General, UNMC; Cole Homer, Surgery-Preliminary, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington; Ben Hynes, Surgery-Preliminary, Methodist Health System, Dallas; Kara Netz, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Kim Nguyen, Medicine-Preliminary, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange; Jenny Song, Psychiatry, Charles R Drew University, Los Angeles; Alex Stogdill, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, UNMC; Currey Zalman, Orthopaedic Surgery, UNMC&nbsp;

Malcolm: Mikayla McKee, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;

Martell: Kaili Jorgens, Anesthesiology, UNMC&nbsp;

Norfolk: Luke Blomenberg, Family Medicine, Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, Lincoln, NE; Aurora DePalma, Medicine-Psychiatry, ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville, NC; Baylor Price, Surgery-Preliminary, Creighton University, Omaha

North Platte: Treyvon Bokoskie, Family Medicine, UNMC; Jordyn Childears-Vyzourek, Family Medicine, UNMC; Chase Kimberling, Emergency Medicine, Corewell Health, Royal Oak, MI; Austin Snyder, Internal Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City

Omaha: Bailey Anderson, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit Medical Center/WSU, Detroit; Jack Begley, Ophthalmology, UNMC; Lauren Bexten, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Madison Bierman, Internal Medicine, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; Camden Bilyeu, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Caroline Boyd, Internal Medicine, Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, SC; Jay Byrd, Radiology-Diagnostic, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Scottsdale, AZ; Trevor Daubert, Anesthesiology, UNMC; Joe David, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Pranita Devaraju, Internal Medicine, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, Vancouver, WA; Danielle Dircks, Child Neurology, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix; Sineah Donaldson, Family Medicine, Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, IA; Anna Dorhout, Family Medicine, Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, Lincoln, NE; Sophie Gart, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC; Matthew Gromowsky, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jessica Hack, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jarod Hamsa, Medicine-Preliminary, Billings Clinic, Billings, MT; Madison Han, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington; Marcus Judah, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC; Grace Kelly, Pediatrics, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix; Joseph Kleinsmith, Otolaryngology, SSM Health/St Louis University School of Medicine, MO; Spencer Lau, Neurological Surgery, University Hospitals, Jackson, MS; Andrew Leavitt, Psychiatry, UNMC; Brenden Lofgren, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Sarah Maki, Internal Medicine, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA; Billy McGuire, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Maggie Meyer, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Will Mitchell, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jack Mordeson, Neurological Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine-Peoria OSF, Peoria, IL; Nick Mullen, Transitional Year, Summerville Medical Center, Summerville, SC; Savana Nawojski, Psychiatry, Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA; Ashlyn O'Leary, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas; Morgan Penry, Pediatrics, UNMC; Emma Poulas, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virtua Health, Voorhees, NJ; Morgan Rothanzl, Surgery-General, Creighton University, Omaha; Matthew Schefcik, Internal Medicine, Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA; Rizwan Siddiqui, Internal Medicine, Kettering Health Network, Kettering, OH; Nate Singh, Anesthesiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Rachel Sisley, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Macy Thonen, Obstetrics and Gynecology, UNMC; Danielle Tibbels, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Diego Trejo, Pediatrics, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin; Natalie Von Oldenburg, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Katie Weaver, Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill; Lauren Weis, Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Medical School-Houston; Eva Wetzel, Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals &amp; Clinics, Iowa City; Andrew White, Orthopaedic Surgery, AdventHealth Florida, Orlando; Lauren Ziegenbein, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans&nbsp;

Ord: Benjamin Stevens, Family Medicine, Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Moore, GA&nbsp;

Papillion: Lauryn Caster, Family Medicine, North Colorado Medical Center, Greeley; Haley DeWitt, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, UNMC; Hannah Manoj, Psychiatry, UNMC; Alexander Wu, Surgery-General, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis&nbsp;

Scottsbluff: Llicel Rodriguez Gurrola, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Sidney: Seth Ostdiek, Family Medicine, Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, Lincoln, NE&nbsp;

Sutton: Brandon Chelewski, Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Sydnee Gemar, Family Medicine, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City&nbsp;

Wahoo: Lauren Crockett McGill, Anesthesiology, UNMC

Weeping Water: Sydney Keckler, Emergency Medicine, UNMC

San Diego, CA: Jaime Yrastorza, Otolaryngology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA&nbsp;

Colorado Springs, CO: Alicia Phillips, Emergency Medicine, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ&nbsp;

Miami, FL: Dustin Quinata, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

St. Petersburg, FL: Rose McCoy, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;

Council Bluffs, IA: Max Regester, Transitional Year, MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, IL&nbsp;

Naperville, IL: Nicholas Amendola, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY&nbsp;

Lawrence, KS: Cole Herrin, Emergency Medicine, UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, PA&nbsp;

Leawood, KS: Bria Foley, Surgery-General, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA&nbsp;

Wichita, KS: Matthew Pile, Anesthesiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita

Franklin, MA: Stephen Higgins, Surgery-Preliminary (OMFS), UNMC&nbsp;

Detroit, MI: Austen Washington, Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis&nbsp;

Pine City, MN: Alyssa Bursott, Pediatrics, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA&nbsp;

Arnold, MO: Kaitlyn Thompson, Psychiatry, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO&nbsp;

Charlotte, NC: Sarah Sutter, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;

Bismarck, ND: Roarick Schollmeyer, Emergency Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Sturgis, SD: Joe Levey, Psychiatry, Mountain AHEC, Asheville, NC&nbsp;

Union County, SD: Will Bruening, Ophthalmology, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Caption:&nbsp;Forty-six percent of UNMC medical students are staying in Nebraska for their training.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742928233406.jpeg" alt="Forty-six percent of UNMC medical students are staying in Nebraska for their training." />
 <figcaption>Forty-six percent of UNMC medical students are staying in Nebraska for their training.</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCA total of&nbsp;126 senior medical students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska,&nbsp;learned about their residency assignments March 21&nbsp;during an event at the Omaha Design Center.&nbsp;The 2025 Main Residency Match®&nbsp;-- referred to as Match Day --&nbsp;is an annual rite of passage for medical students, a day when students across the country learn where they will train&nbsp;for&nbsp;the next three to seven years, depending on the&nbsp;medical area of their choice. Students are matched through a computer program to align their preferences for residency programs to&nbsp;fill the thousands of training positions available at U.S. teaching hospitals.&nbsp;Forty-six percent of UNMC medical students are staying in Nebraska for their training, with 41% at UNMC. Fifty-three percent matched&nbsp;in primary care, which includes family medicine, internal medicine, internal medicine/pediatrics, medicine-preliminary, medicine-psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics.Nationally, there were&nbsp;43,237 residency positions.&nbsp;The UNMC medical students, slated to graduate in May, are listed&nbsp;below by their hometown, name, specialty,&nbsp;and location of residency assignment.&nbsp;Some students have chosen not to have their names and match results released to the public.&nbsp;The hometowns listed are Nebraska communities unless otherwise stated.Bennet: Grant Albers, Emergency Medicine, Unity Health-Arkansas, Searcy, AR&nbsp;Blair: Logan Baumberger, Internal Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;Chadron: Corbin Johnson, Otolaryngology, University of Texas HSC-San Antonio, TX&nbsp;Cody: Cade Cody, Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland&nbsp;Columbus: Caitlin Molczyk, Psychiatry, Creighton University, Omaha&nbsp;Creighton: Makayla Brockhaus, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;Crete: Luke Siedhoff, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;David City: Branden Daro, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;Elkhorn: Paige Eicher, Pediatrics, Childrens Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO; Jacob Owens, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Brawly Taylor, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC&nbsp;Fremont: Samantha Schindler, Surgery-General, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Phoenix, AZ&nbsp;Fullerton: Katie Hytrek, Family Medicine, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville&nbsp;Gering: Alex Duncan, Anesthesiology, UNMC&nbsp;Grand Island: Shane Jacobs, Pediatrics, UNMC; Nam Nguyen, Ophthalmology, UNMC; Alyssa Wells, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;Gretna: Patrick Arnold, Anesthesiology, UNMC; Garett Ostdiek-Wille, Urology, University of Oklahoma HSC, Oklahoma City; Michael Stage, Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical, University of Chicago Medical Center-Illinois&nbsp;Hickman: Max Devine, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;Homer: Connor Woodard, Surgery-General, Ochsner Clinic Foundation-Louisiana, New Orleans&nbsp;Kearney: Josiah Adamson, Surgery-Preliminary, Central Iowa Health System, Des Moines; Ty Connely, Otolaryngology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington; Kennedy Johnson, Internal Medicine, University of Texas HSC, San Antonio; Alexandra Pool, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington&nbsp;Lincoln: Molly Antonson, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC; Anna Barent, Emergency Medicine, Hennepin Co Medical Center-Minneapolis; Peyton Bash, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jake Denesia, Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston; Laura Ebers, Surgery-General, UNMC; Cole Homer, Surgery-Preliminary, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington; Ben Hynes, Surgery-Preliminary, Methodist Health System, Dallas; Kara Netz, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Kim Nguyen, Medicine-Preliminary, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange; Jenny Song, Psychiatry, Charles R Drew University, Los Angeles; Alex Stogdill, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, UNMC; Currey Zalman, Orthopaedic Surgery, UNMC&nbsp;Malcolm: Mikayla McKee, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;Martell: Kaili Jorgens, Anesthesiology, UNMC&nbsp;Norfolk: Luke Blomenberg, Family Medicine, Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, Lincoln, NE; Aurora DePalma, Medicine-Psychiatry, ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville, NC; Baylor Price, Surgery-Preliminary, Creighton University, OmahaNorth Platte: Treyvon Bokoskie, Family Medicine, UNMC; Jordyn Childears-Vyzourek, Family Medicine, UNMC; Chase Kimberling, Emergency Medicine, Corewell Health, Royal Oak, MI; Austin Snyder, Internal Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake CityOmaha: Bailey Anderson, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit Medical Center/WSU, Detroit; Jack Begley, Ophthalmology, UNMC; Lauren Bexten, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Madison Bierman, Internal Medicine, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; Camden Bilyeu, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Caroline Boyd, Internal Medicine, Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, SC; Jay Byrd, Radiology-Diagnostic, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Scottsdale, AZ; Trevor Daubert, Anesthesiology, UNMC; Joe David, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Pranita Devaraju, Internal Medicine, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, Vancouver, WA; Danielle Dircks, Child Neurology, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix; Sineah Donaldson, Family Medicine, Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, IA; Anna Dorhout, Family Medicine, Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, Lincoln, NE; Sophie Gart, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC; Matthew Gromowsky, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jessica Hack, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jarod Hamsa, Medicine-Preliminary, Billings Clinic, Billings, MT; Madison Han, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington; Marcus Judah, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC; Grace Kelly, Pediatrics, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix; Joseph Kleinsmith, Otolaryngology, SSM Health/St Louis University School of Medicine, MO; Spencer Lau, Neurological Surgery, University Hospitals, Jackson, MS; Andrew Leavitt, Psychiatry, UNMC; Brenden Lofgren, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Sarah Maki, Internal Medicine, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA; Billy McGuire, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Maggie Meyer, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Will Mitchell, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jack Mordeson, Neurological Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine-Peoria OSF, Peoria, IL; Nick Mullen, Transitional Year, Summerville Medical Center, Summerville, SC; Savana Nawojski, Psychiatry, Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA; Ashlyn O'Leary, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas; Morgan Penry, Pediatrics, UNMC; Emma Poulas, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virtua Health, Voorhees, NJ; Morgan Rothanzl, Surgery-General, Creighton University, Omaha; Matthew Schefcik, Internal Medicine, Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA; Rizwan Siddiqui, Internal Medicine, Kettering Health Network, Kettering, OH; Nate Singh, Anesthesiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Rachel Sisley, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Macy Thonen, Obstetrics and Gynecology, UNMC; Danielle Tibbels, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Diego Trejo, Pediatrics, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin; Natalie Von Oldenburg, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Katie Weaver, Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill; Lauren Weis, Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Medical School-Houston; Eva Wetzel, Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals &amp; Clinics, Iowa City; Andrew White, Orthopaedic Surgery, AdventHealth Florida, Orlando; Lauren Ziegenbein, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans&nbsp;Ord: Benjamin Stevens, Family Medicine, Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Moore, GA&nbsp;Papillion: Lauryn Caster, Family Medicine, North Colorado Medical Center, Greeley; Haley DeWitt, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, UNMC; Hannah Manoj, Psychiatry, UNMC; Alexander Wu, Surgery-General, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis&nbsp;Scottsbluff: Llicel Rodriguez Gurrola, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;Sidney: Seth Ostdiek, Family Medicine, Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, Lincoln, NE&nbsp;Sutton: Brandon Chelewski, Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Sydnee Gemar, Family Medicine, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City&nbsp;Wahoo: Lauren Crockett McGill, Anesthesiology, UNMCWeeping Water: Sydney Keckler, Emergency Medicine, UNMCSan Diego, CA: Jaime Yrastorza, Otolaryngology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA&nbsp;Colorado Springs, CO: Alicia Phillips, Emergency Medicine, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ&nbsp;Miami, FL: Dustin Quinata, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;St. Petersburg, FL: Rose McCoy, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;Council Bluffs, IA: Max Regester, Transitional Year, MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, IL&nbsp;Naperville, IL: Nicholas Amendola, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY&nbsp;Lawrence, KS: Cole Herrin, Emergency Medicine, UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, PA&nbsp;Leawood, KS: Bria Foley, Surgery-General, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA&nbsp;Wichita, KS: Matthew Pile, Anesthesiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine-WichitaFranklin, MA: Stephen Higgins, Surgery-Preliminary (OMFS), UNMC&nbsp;Detroit, MI: Austen Washington, Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis&nbsp;Pine City, MN: Alyssa Bursott, Pediatrics, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA&nbsp;Arnold, MO: Kaitlyn Thompson, Psychiatry, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO&nbsp;Charlotte, NC: Sarah Sutter, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;Bismarck, ND: Roarick Schollmeyer, Emergency Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;Sturgis, SD: Joe Levey, Psychiatry, Mountain AHEC, Asheville, NC&nbsp;Union County, SD: Will Bruening, Ophthalmology, University of Missouri-Kansas CityCaption:&nbsp;Forty-six percent of UNMC medical students are staying in Nebraska for their training.

 126 UNMC medical students learned residency assignments on Match Day

North Platte, Neb. - The growth of North Platte continues to grow as Sustainable Beef welcomed nearly 1000 guests for Monday’s ribbon cutting ceremony. The event featured FFA Chapters from around the area, residents, guests making a trip across Nebraska and even folks from out of the state. &nbsp;

Eleven guest speakers hit the podium to talk about the excitement of the new plant, the growth of the community and so much more. Guest speakers who attended the event were the following:&nbsp;

North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher&nbsp;

Bill Rupp – SB Board Member &amp; COO&nbsp;

Trey Wasserburger – SB Board Member&nbsp;

Taylor Lehr – SB Board Member &amp; Walmart SVP&nbsp;

David Briggs – SB Board Member &amp; CEO&nbsp;

Gary Person – President/CEO of the NP Chamber &amp; Development Corp.&nbsp;

Monday’s ribbon cutting ceremony marked a big day for North Platte and its economic growth.&nbsp;

“It’s a great day for North Platte, it’s our largest economic development opportunity in probably a century and we celebrated the ribbon cutting of Sustainable Beef and it’s like nothing we have ever seen,” said North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher. “Fantastic crowd, people all over the country, a few from all over the world came to North Platte Nebraska to see this monument event.”&nbsp;

When the plant is fully operational, the plant will see nearly 1,500 cattle head and will employee just a little over 800 employees and U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts stated during his three minutes speak to guest that young families are moving towards North Platte for this new opportunity of employment.&nbsp;

The idea of getting this plant to North Platte and what it takes is a team of leaders to get the job done and Gary Person with the North Platte Chamber was a big hand in getting the project to North Platte.&nbsp;

“We did it!” said Gary Person, President/CEO of the NP Chamber &amp; Development. Person went on to discuss how the talks of the project begin in 2019 and exactly 1,678 days, one hour, and 14 minutes after the initial planning meeting heading into Monday’s ribbon cutting to celebrate the big day with everyone in attendance. &nbsp;

After the conclusion of the speakers, guest had the chance to tour the facility and learn about how it will operate. The guided tours took around 40-50 minutes.

The day also marked a big day for Walmart who has been an investor and will work closely with the beef plant. Progress is being made towards the official opening day and will mark a new era in economic growth for the great city of North Platte, Lincoln County and the state of Nebraska. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742920973074.jpeg" alt="Group photo following the speakers speaking (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>Group photo following the speakers speaking (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post&nbsp;North Platte, Neb. - The growth of North Platte continues to grow as Sustainable Beef welcomed nearly 1000 guests for Monday’s ribbon cutting ceremony. The event featured FFA Chapters from around the area, residents, guests making a trip across Nebraska and even folks from out of the state. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742921197880.jpeg" alt="North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure>Eleven guest speakers hit the podium to talk about the excitement of the new plant, the growth of the community and so much more. Guest speakers who attended the event were the following:&nbsp;North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher&nbsp;Senator Pete Ricketts&nbsp;Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp;Bill Rupp – SB Board Member &amp; COO&nbsp;State Senator Mike Jacobson&nbsp;Trey Wasserburger – SB Board Member&nbsp;Congressman Adrian Smith&nbsp;Taylor Lehr – SB Board Member &amp; Walmart SVP&nbsp;David Briggs – SB Board Member &amp; CEO&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen&nbsp;Gary Person – President/CEO of the NP Chamber &amp; Development Corp.&nbsp;Monday’s ribbon cutting ceremony marked a big day for North Platte and its economic growth.&nbsp;“It’s a great day for North Platte, it’s our largest economic development opportunity in probably a century and we celebrated the ribbon cutting of Sustainable Beef and it’s like nothing we have ever seen,” said North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher. “Fantastic crowd, people all over the country, a few from all over the world came to North Platte Nebraska to see this monument event.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742921598162.jpeg" alt="A look at the crowd for the event (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>A look at the crowd for the event (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure>When the plant is fully operational, the plant will see nearly 1,500 cattle head and will employee just a little over 800 employees and U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts stated during his three minutes speak to guest that young families are moving towards North Platte for this new opportunity of employment.&nbsp;The idea of getting this plant to North Platte and what it takes is a team of leaders to get the job done and Gary Person with the North Platte Chamber was a big hand in getting the project to North Platte.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742921654503.jpeg" alt="Gary Person speaking to the crowd (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>Gary Person speaking to the crowd (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We did it!” said Gary Person, President/CEO of the NP Chamber &amp; Development. Person went on to discuss how the talks of the project begin in 2019 and exactly 1,678 days, one hour, and 14 minutes after the initial planning meeting heading into Monday’s ribbon cutting to celebrate the big day with everyone in attendance. &nbsp;After the conclusion of the speakers, guest had the chance to tour the facility and learn about how it will operate. The guided tours took around 40-50 minutes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742921696204.jpeg" alt="Crowd listening to the guest speakers (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>Crowd listening to the guest speakers (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure>The day also marked a big day for Walmart who has been an investor and will work closely with the beef plant. Progress is being made towards the official opening day and will mark a new era in economic growth for the great city of North Platte, Lincoln County and the state of Nebraska. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742921775393.jpeg" alt="U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742921850945.jpeg" alt="Bill Rupp, SB Board Member &amp; COO (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>Bill Rupp, SB Board Member &amp; COO (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742921918819.jpeg" alt="U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742921953268.jpeg" alt="Nebraska State Senator Mike Jacobson (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska State Senator Mike Jacobson (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742922042306.jpeg" alt="SB Board Member Trey Wasserburger along with his family (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>SB Board Member Trey Wasserburger along with his family (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742922072850.jpeg" alt="Congressman Adrian Smith (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Adrian Smith (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742922156388.jpeg" alt="Taylor Lehr, SB Board Member &amp; Walmart SVP (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>Taylor Lehr, SB Board Member &amp; Walmart SVP (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742922193231.jpeg" alt="Drew Briggs, SB Board Member &amp; CEO (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>Drew Briggs, SB Board Member &amp; CEO (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742922260185.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen (Canon Rath/POST)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen (Canon Rath/POST)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Sustainable Beef welcomes nearly thousand guests for ribbon cutting ceremony 

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission&nbsp;

Portions of Red Willow State Recreation Area in Red Willow County are temporarily closed after a fire burned approximately 85 acres in the park.

The fire, which was reported about 12:40 p.m. March 22, was contained to the southwest side of the dam and no structures were affected. However, this area of the park — which includes South Lookout and Red Willow campgrounds — will remain closed to camping and hiking until further notice.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though it is suspected to have originated from an unattended campfire at a campsite.

Nebraska Game and Parks law enforcement is seeking Wildlife Crimestoppers tips about the fire; report anonymously at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Foutdoornebraska.gov%252F%253Futm_medium%3Demail%2526utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%2F1%2F01000195ca11056e-ff69b76d-60be-469d-9006-7e64c4d26105-000000%2F2N-NjfAxT9AuepMKFr5D_yomeGMlfwEG1Jh90_3yqXQ%3D397&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cshawna.richter-ryerson%40nebraska.gov%7Cbc071be5ee5f42a7b7d308dd6b1b311a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638784486708477705%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=zoju%2FA2S534LopiHp0a7gS5vu869ZCnI1zg8ba0FfOA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;by searching for “crimestoppers.”

Eight area fire departments and several neighboring landowners with tractors joined Nebraska Game and Parks wildlife and parks staff to contain the Saturday fire. The fire departments included Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department, McCook Fire Department, Culbertson Rural Fire Department, Beaver City Volunteer Fire Department, Maywood Volunteer Fire Department, Curtis Volunteer Fire Department, Hayes Center Rural Fire Department, and Indianola Fire and Rescue.

Red Willow fire department and Game and Parks staff continue to monitor for hot spots.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission&nbsp;Portions of Red Willow State Recreation Area in Red Willow County are temporarily closed after a fire burned approximately 85 acres in the park.The fire, which was reported about 12:40 p.m. March 22, was contained to the southwest side of the dam and no structures were affected. However, this area of the park — which includes South Lookout and Red Willow campgrounds — will remain closed to camping and hiking until further notice.The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though it is suspected to have originated from an unattended campfire at a campsite.Nebraska Game and Parks law enforcement is seeking Wildlife Crimestoppers tips about the fire; report anonymously at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Foutdoornebraska.gov%252F%253Futm_medium%3Demail%2526utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%2F1%2F01000195ca11056e-ff69b76d-60be-469d-9006-7e64c4d26105-000000%2F2N-NjfAxT9AuepMKFr5D_yomeGMlfwEG1Jh90_3yqXQ%3D397&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cshawna.richter-ryerson%40nebraska.gov%7Cbc071be5ee5f42a7b7d308dd6b1b311a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638784486708477705%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=zoju%2FA2S534LopiHp0a7gS5vu869ZCnI1zg8ba0FfOA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;by searching for “crimestoppers.”Eight area fire departments and several neighboring landowners with tractors joined Nebraska Game and Parks wildlife and parks staff to contain the Saturday fire. The fire departments included Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department, McCook Fire Department, Culbertson Rural Fire Department, Beaver City Volunteer Fire Department, Maywood Volunteer Fire Department, Curtis Volunteer Fire Department, Hayes Center Rural Fire Department, and Indianola Fire and Rescue.Red Willow fire department and Game and Parks staff continue to monitor for hot spots.

Portions of Red Willow SRA temporarily closed after fire

North Platte Community College will host a blood drive April 9. The event is open to the public.

The American Red Cross will be set up from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the concession area of the McDonald-Belton Building on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd.

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to participate and earn a $15 Amazon.com gift card by email.

Save time by making an appointment using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification will be required at check-in.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742915257642.jpeg" alt="Mid-Plains Community College student Jonathan Dekleva donates during a recent blood drive at North Platte Community College. NPCC will host a spring blood drive April 9 on South Campus. (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Mid-Plains Community College student Jonathan Dekleva donates during a recent blood drive at North Platte Community College. NPCC will host a spring blood drive April 9 on South Campus. (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer FullerNPCCNorth Platte Community College will host a blood drive April 9. The event is open to the public.The American Red Cross will be set up from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the concession area of the McDonald-Belton Building on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd.Donors of all blood types are encouraged to participate and earn a $15 Amazon.com gift card by email.Save time by making an appointment using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification will be required at check-in.Walk-ins are welcome.

NPCC to host blood drive

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) is partnering with Tobacco-Free Nebraska to promote the Take Down Tobacco Initiative on April 1, 2025. Sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, this event empowers individuals to take a stand against the tobacco industry. On this day, young advocates and their communities will unite to confront Big Tobacco, unveil the tactics used to entice youth into addiction, and advocate for meaningful change.

Tobacco products like flavored vapes have contributed to the youth e-cigarette epidemic, undermining years of progress made in reducing tobacco use in the U.S. The tobacco industry has a longstanding pattern of targeting young people with flavored products, including e-cigarettes and menthol tobacco.

“We are witnessing a rise in smoking rates among our youth, and it’s becoming increasingly alarming,” says Hunter York, Senior Program Manager at SWNPHD. “Raising awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use is crucial in safeguarding our young people from its dangers.”

On April 1, 2025, during the Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action, SWNPHD invites youth activists, educators, parents, health advocates and concerned citizens to unite in their commitment to:

The SWNPHD and Tobacco Free Nebraska are working to help people quit tobacco, eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, and protect youth by keeping them from using tobacco. Learn more and get involved at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Tobacco-Free-Nebraska.aspx">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Tobacco-Free-Nebraska.aspx</a>. For help quitting, the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/I-Want-to-Quit-Tobacco.aspx">Quitnow.ne.gov</a>, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), and in Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569). Youth cessation services offered by Tobacco Free Nebraska can be accessed by testing “START MY QUIT” to 36072.

“Although we have successfully reduced cigarette sales—a significant step towards addressing health disparities and countering the industry’s predatory marketing toward youth and Black Americans—our fight must persist,” continues York. “Big Tobacco will not relent, and we must remain vigilant.”

Southwest Nebraska Public Health DepartmentSouthwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) is partnering with Tobacco-Free Nebraska to promote the Take Down Tobacco Initiative on April 1, 2025. Sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, this event empowers individuals to take a stand against the tobacco industry. On this day, young advocates and their communities will unite to confront Big Tobacco, unveil the tactics used to entice youth into addiction, and advocate for meaningful change.Tobacco products like flavored vapes have contributed to the youth e-cigarette epidemic, undermining years of progress made in reducing tobacco use in the U.S. The tobacco industry has a longstanding pattern of targeting young people with flavored products, including e-cigarettes and menthol tobacco.“We are witnessing a rise in smoking rates among our youth, and it’s becoming increasingly alarming,” says Hunter York, Senior Program Manager at SWNPHD. “Raising awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use is crucial in safeguarding our young people from its dangers.”On April 1, 2025, during the Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action, SWNPHD invites youth activists, educators, parents, health advocates and concerned citizens to unite in their commitment to:<ul>
 <li>Raise awareness about the issue of tobacco use in their communities.</li><li>Encourage young people to resist the tobacco industry’s misleading marketing and remain tobacco-free.</li><li>Advocate for strong, proven policies to reduce and prevent tobacco use.</li><li>Stand up and speak out against the tobacco industry and its allies.</li>
 </ul>The SWNPHD and Tobacco Free Nebraska are working to help people quit tobacco, eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, and protect youth by keeping them from using tobacco. Learn more and get involved at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Tobacco-Free-Nebraska.aspx">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Tobacco-Free-Nebraska.aspx</a>. For help quitting, the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/I-Want-to-Quit-Tobacco.aspx">Quitnow.ne.gov</a>, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), and in Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569). Youth cessation services offered by Tobacco Free Nebraska can be accessed by testing “START MY QUIT” to 36072.“Although we have successfully reduced cigarette sales—a significant step towards addressing health disparities and countering the industry’s predatory marketing toward youth and Black Americans—our fight must persist,” continues York. “Big Tobacco will not relent, and we must remain vigilant.”

Take Down Tobacco

Spring is in the air and animals are out and about. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) reminds everyone to use caution around wild animals or animals you do not know. Animals can carry several diseases that are infectious to people, and sick animals or mothers protecting babies may be more likely to bite or cause injuries.

“Even animals that may look friendly should be treated with caution if you are unfamiliar with them,” explains Melissa Propp RN, Clinic Manager with SWNPHD. “Teaching your children about animal safety is extremely important to help prevent bites.”

Wild animals have the potential to carry rabies which can be passed on to humans by the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Rabies is a deadly viral infection that affects the nervous system of humans if not treated quickly after exposure. Rabies should be suspected in all animals that show a sudden change in behavior that is different from normal, such as animals normally active at night being seen during the day.

Be alert when around wild animals and do not approach them. Baby animals such as raccoons or opossums may be cute but should never be touched or handled. Bats are important bug eaters in Nebraska but are also a common carrier of rabies. Bats should always be treated with caution, especially if they need to be removed from human spaces. Trap and remove bats using containers and thick gloves to make sure there is no direct contact or contact a professional to remove them.

If you believe you had contact with a bat or other sick animal, contact your healthcare provider or the public health nurses at 308-345-4223 for more information and instructions. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. You can follow SWNPHD on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health DepartmentSpring is in the air and animals are out and about. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) reminds everyone to use caution around wild animals or animals you do not know. Animals can carry several diseases that are infectious to people, and sick animals or mothers protecting babies may be more likely to bite or cause injuries.“Even animals that may look friendly should be treated with caution if you are unfamiliar with them,” explains Melissa Propp RN, Clinic Manager with SWNPHD. “Teaching your children about animal safety is extremely important to help prevent bites.”Wild animals have the potential to carry rabies which can be passed on to humans by the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Rabies is a deadly viral infection that affects the nervous system of humans if not treated quickly after exposure. Rabies should be suspected in all animals that show a sudden change in behavior that is different from normal, such as animals normally active at night being seen during the day.Be alert when around wild animals and do not approach them. Baby animals such as raccoons or opossums may be cute but should never be touched or handled. Bats are important bug eaters in Nebraska but are also a common carrier of rabies. Bats should always be treated with caution, especially if they need to be removed from human spaces. Trap and remove bats using containers and thick gloves to make sure there is no direct contact or contact a professional to remove them.If you believe you had contact with a bat or other sick animal, contact your healthcare provider or the public health nurses at 308-345-4223 for more information and instructions. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. You can follow SWNPHD on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Stay Safe Around Animals

Yordanis Navarro Castro,  35, North Platte &amp; Aidelin Milian Rodriguez, 29, North Platte

Yordanis Navarro Castro, 35, North Platte &amp; Aidelin Milian Rodriguez, 29, North Platte

Marriage Licenses For Lincoln County (Week of March 17th)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdGjLPMx3O-wSu3T3aMWlg&nbsp;

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

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to take agenda items out of order for the conven ience of the parties involved.&nbsp;

Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on March 24, 2025, at the&nbsp; Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:00 A.M.&nbsp;

Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on March 24, 2025, at the Lin coln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:15 A.M.&nbsp;

2. Approve minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting&nbsp; held on March 17, 2025&nbsp;

• Claims &amp; Treasurer’s Receipts&nbsp;

• Receive and order filed the fee report submitted by the County Sheriff • Authorize the Chair to sign a right-of-way permit application for Consolidated Compa nies Inc&nbsp;

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

4. 9:15 A.M. Discuss and consider the following:&nbsp;

• Approve minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting held on March 17, 2025&nbsp;

• Certificates of correction and refund as submitted by the County Assessor • Motor vehicle tax exemption application submitted by the County Treasurer • Exemption applications (Form 451NF) from Arbor-Fin Investment, LLC dba Sutherland&nbsp;&nbsp;

Propco LLC, Arbor-Fin Investment, LLC dba Centennial Propco LLC, and Heritage of&nbsp; North Platte Inc. dba Linden Court as submitted by the County Assessor • Exemption applications (Form 451) from West Central District Health Department, Inc.&nbsp; and North Platte, NE Hospital Corporation dba Great Plains Health (8 locations) as sub mitted by the County Assessor

&nbsp;Board of Commissioners Lincoln County, Nebraska&nbsp;

JOSEPH R. HEWGLEY 301 NORTH JEFFERS KENT C. WEEMS NORTH PLATTE, NE 69101-3997 MICAELA M. WUEHLER 308-534-4350 ext. 4182 CHRISTOPHER D. BRUNS FAX: 308-535-3586&nbsp;

JERRY L. WOODRUFF www.lincolncountyne.gov&nbsp;

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

5. 9:30 A.M. Public hearing on Class C liquor license for Bar 304, LLC located at Har bor Lights, 711 E North Lake Rd, North Platte, NE&nbsp;

Consider recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission&nbsp;

6. 9:45 A.M. Annual report for Visit North Platte by Lisa Burke, Executive Director&nbsp;

7. 10:00 A.M. Discuss and consider action on an application by Orlin and Nancy Faulha ber and Kim Riley for Halley Hills Administrative Subdivision on property located on&nbsp; North Lake Road in a C-1 Commercial District on property described as Lots 14 and 15,&nbsp; Halley Hills Subdivision, Lincoln County, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

8. 10:05 A.M. Discuss and consider outstanding costs for emergency sirens mainte nance and repairs&nbsp;

9. 10:15 A.M. Discuss and consider wind &amp; hail coverage (Tanner Pettera – Hub Interna tional Insurance)&nbsp;

NOTICE OF HEARING AND AGENDA&nbsp;Monday, March 24, 2025&nbsp;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdGjLPMx3O-wSu3T3aMWlg&nbsp;The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to enter closed session at any time as necessary &nbsp;to discuss the agenda item currently before the board.&nbsp;The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to take agenda items out of order for the conven ience of the parties involved.&nbsp;Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on March 24, 2025, at the&nbsp; Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:00 A.M.&nbsp;Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on March 24, 2025, at the Lin coln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:15 A.M.&nbsp;1. Open with prayer&nbsp;2. Approve minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting&nbsp; held on March 17, 2025&nbsp;3. Consider the following:&nbsp;• Claims &amp; Treasurer’s Receipts&nbsp;• Receive and order filed the fee report submitted by the County Sheriff • Authorize the Chair to sign a right-of-way permit application for Consolidated Compa nies Inc&nbsp;Recess as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Lincoln County&nbsp; Board of Equalization.&nbsp;4. 9:15 A.M. Discuss and consider the following:&nbsp;• Approve minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting held on March 17, 2025&nbsp;• Certificates of correction and refund as submitted by the County Assessor • Motor vehicle tax exemption application submitted by the County Treasurer • Exemption applications (Form 451NF) from Arbor-Fin Investment, LLC dba Sutherland&nbsp;&nbsp;Propco LLC, Arbor-Fin Investment, LLC dba Centennial Propco LLC, and Heritage of&nbsp; North Platte Inc. dba Linden Court as submitted by the County Assessor • Exemption applications (Form 451) from West Central District Health Department, Inc.&nbsp; and North Platte, NE Hospital Corporation dba Great Plains Health (8 locations) as sub mitted by the County Assessor<figure>
 <img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdiShq26ubkednXaLlYvWulrFA_QcK8-7_8MZ0hyi9twMi0WV3J-G4BiBmvmem7ogmmPI6NS5LOk6ckfb1vfvx_OcAYtM8dxmeuda2ROlr6-Tml5n8D7BQWOvujKMsluijEHI8ZdQ?key=ocXVZPhYkmOvjXJMdNw9Caug" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Board of Commissioners Lincoln County, Nebraska&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdWPWJJqay9tgL7NxEWBZvoxvauWgSpm-sntBlrC1asxeDqgQb_R-0_cQo5poA0YC5mysF2k0HIRJgspg4zaQZ1mybFqN5x72sMR9POfm09nnGbVfGrNIK86I3MSNFywCBKE2fLrA?key=ocXVZPhYkmOvjXJMdNw9Caug" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOSEPH R. HEWGLEY 301 NORTH JEFFERS KENT C. WEEMS NORTH PLATTE, NE 69101-3997 MICAELA M. WUEHLER 308-534-4350 ext. 4182 CHRISTOPHER D. BRUNS FAX: 308-535-3586&nbsp;JERRY L. WOODRUFF www.lincolncountyne.gov&nbsp;Adjourn or recess to time certain as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization and reconvene&nbsp; as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.&nbsp;5. 9:30 A.M. Public hearing on Class C liquor license for Bar 304, LLC located at Har bor Lights, 711 E North Lake Rd, North Platte, NE&nbsp;Consider recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission&nbsp;6. 9:45 A.M. Annual report for Visit North Platte by Lisa Burke, Executive Director&nbsp;7. 10:00 A.M. Discuss and consider action on an application by Orlin and Nancy Faulha ber and Kim Riley for Halley Hills Administrative Subdivision on property located on&nbsp; North Lake Road in a C-1 Commercial District on property described as Lots 14 and 15,&nbsp; Halley Hills Subdivision, Lincoln County, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;8. 10:05 A.M. Discuss and consider outstanding costs for emergency sirens mainte nance and repairs&nbsp;9. 10:15 A.M. Discuss and consider wind &amp; hail coverage (Tanner Pettera – Hub Interna tional Insurance)&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&nbsp; to prevent needless injury to reputation (if necessary)&nbsp;

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