Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful (KNPLCB) is providing drop off locations to recycle your holiday lights through the season. The recycling program will begin immediately and run through January 9th. Drop off locations include North Platte Catholic Schools, North Platte Police Station, RSVP Office and the MUG in Sutherland. Lights can be working or non working. Extension cords and Insulated wire are also accepted. Items not accepted include boxes, brown paper sacks, ornaments, plastic bags, or artificial trees.

Once collected, the lights will be transported to a recycling facility in Omaha. All strands of lights can be recycled. Most Christmas lights contain plastic, glass and copper. At the facility, recycled lights will be crushed up — making it possible for the individual materials to be reused.

There are valid environmental concerns to consider when it comes to disposing of holiday lights. Beyond likely ending up in a landfill, throwing away light strings that contain compact fluorescent lightbulbs, or CFLs, can release mercury into the environment if the bulbs break.

We encourage you to forgo the trash can and drop your lights off at any of these locations:

*Allsorts and MUG Coffee Shop – Sutherland

Mona AndersonKeep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful (KNPLCB) is providing drop off locations to recycle your holiday lights through the season. The recycling program will begin immediately and run through January 9th. Drop off locations include North Platte Catholic Schools, North Platte Police Station, RSVP Office and the MUG in Sutherland. Lights can be working or non working. Extension cords and Insulated wire are also accepted. Items not accepted include boxes, brown paper sacks, ornaments, plastic bags, or artificial trees.Once collected, the lights will be transported to a recycling facility in Omaha. All strands of lights can be recycled. Most Christmas lights contain plastic, glass and copper. At the facility, recycled lights will be crushed up — making it possible for the individual materials to be reused.There are valid environmental concerns to consider when it comes to disposing of holiday lights. Beyond likely ending up in a landfill, throwing away light strings that contain compact fluorescent lightbulbs, or CFLs, can release mercury into the environment if the bulbs break.We encourage you to forgo the trash can and drop your lights off at any of these locations:*North Platte Police Station #1715 North Jeffers St (lobby)*RSVP Office901 East 10th St (outside front door)*North Platte Catholic School1002 East E Street (lobby)*Allsorts and MUG Coffee Shop – Sutherland820 1st Street (inside shop)

Holiday Light Recycling Offered in Lincoln County

Post news director chatted with Sydney Purdy about Santa's Workshop coming up on Dec. 3rd. To learn more, check out the podcast above. Interview aired on Good Morning North Platte on 11/20/24.

North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;Santa’s Workshop returns to North Platte Community College Dec. 3.

Festivities are planned for 5-7:30 p.m. in the activity center and cafeteria on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd.

Activities will include cookie decorating, coloring, letter writing to Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides around campus, a hot chocolate bar, games for prizes and a visit by a “special guest.”

The event, organized by NPCC’s Student Life Department, is free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

<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="(Audio) NPCC gearing up for Santa's Workshop on Dec. 3rd" 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=gtzdb-174a877-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 chatted with Sydney Purdy about Santa's Workshop coming up on Dec. 3rd. To learn more, check out the podcast above. Interview aired on Good Morning North Platte on 11/20/24.North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;Santa’s Workshop returns to North Platte Community College Dec. 3.Festivities are planned for 5-7:30 p.m. in the activity center and cafeteria on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd.Activities will include cookie decorating, coloring, letter writing to Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides around campus, a hot chocolate bar, games for prizes and a visit by a “special guest.”The event, organized by NPCC’s Student Life Department, is free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(Audio) NPCC gearing up for Santa's Workshop on Dec. 3rd

Ogallala, Neb. - The Ogallala Police Department and Tri County Crimestoppers are seeking public assistance in identifying the vehicle or owner of a white Ford Super Duty truck that was seen pulling away an expensive piece of farm equipment.

According to the Tri-County Crimestoppers, on Nov. 3rd, an unknown individual driving a white Ford Super Duty truck with an aluminum flatbed drove away with a Lemken disc, from Nebraska Harvest Center. The disc is valued at over $100,000

Tri-County Crime stoppers will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000.00 for your anonymous information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this or any other crime.&nbsp;

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

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid027sReRekuoxPiAHhvLFpihY494AZLZjTmmHmvsNyRMNUiJJ9PQGv4V58tzrX8fugAl%26id%3D100067642505534&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="394" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Ogallala, Neb. - The Ogallala Police Department and Tri County Crimestoppers are seeking public assistance in identifying the vehicle or owner of a white Ford Super Duty truck that was seen pulling away an expensive piece of farm equipment.According to the Tri-County Crimestoppers, on Nov. 3rd, an unknown individual driving a white Ford Super Duty truck with an aluminum flatbed drove away with a Lemken disc, from Nebraska Harvest Center. The disc is valued at over $100,000Tri-County Crime stoppers will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000.00 for your anonymous information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this or any other crime.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; If you have any information, contact&nbsp;(308) 284-4600, the Ogallala Police Department or submit a tip online by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=616&amp;CX=172459" target="_blank">clicking here.</a>

Ogallala Police Department/Tri-County Crimestoppers seeking public assistance in locating driver who drove away with farm equipment

North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;

The Criminal Investigation Division is attempting to identify the subjects in this photograph.  The subjects are persons of interest in a shoplifting theft that occurred on November 2, 2024. If you have information that may help identify the persons of interest, please call the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789. 

You may also submit your information with the Lincoln County Crime Stoppers by placing your tip online at <a href="http://lincolncountycrimestoppers.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3wn8E3Jt1ZHIIFLiRLkr0qOWRpyheGpK6mnlubnARXTUtOi60QsVnYKLc_aem_p7zte6v8-iSdB3GhEc3h5g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lincolncountycrimestoppers.com</a> or by calling 1-800-933-TIPS&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732290496996.jpeg" alt="NPPD seeking assistance indentfying subjects (North Platte Police)" />
 <figcaption>NPPD seeking assistance indentfying subjects (North Platte Police)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte PoliceNorth Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;

The Criminal Investigation Division is attempting to identify the subjects in this photograph. The subjects are persons of interest in a shoplifting theft that occurred on November 2, 2024. If you have information that may help identify the persons of interest, please call the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789. You may also submit your information with the Lincoln County Crime Stoppers by placing your tip online at <a href="http://lincolncountycrimestoppers.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3wn8E3Jt1ZHIIFLiRLkr0qOWRpyheGpK6mnlubnARXTUtOi60QsVnYKLc_aem_p7zte6v8-iSdB3GhEc3h5g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lincolncountycrimestoppers.com</a> or by calling 1-800-933-TIPS&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorthplattepolice%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02g8CFsMNGnGantceZhT13DDbn2fsP6x2ap8ZEoUouKmvWyzgHDXoCEGoBPa41fQL5l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="731" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

North Platte Police seeking public assistance in identifying subjects

Patricia Williams has been selected as North Platte Community College’s Business Student of the Month for November.

Williams chose to attend Mid-Plains because she could take classes online while still working full time.

“The faculty has made this experience very memorable. I feel they are all helpful with the classes and questions I have and very responsive when I ask to come in or use zoom to discuss an assignment,” Williams said of her experience.

Williams is studying applied science with a business administration emphasis at NPCC. She’s on track to finish her degree in December and plans to walk with her classmates in May.

“I want to continue to work at my current employer Great Plains Health and move to a supervisory or front-line manager role.&nbsp; If the time is right, I may return to college for a bachelor’s degree,” Williams said.

In her free time, she likes to spend time with her daughters taking them swimming, bowling and traveling. She is a certified Bronze Medal coach and manager for the North Platte Middle School bowling club. Her current bowling average is 200.

“I enjoy traveling and going to tournaments for myself as well as coaching my daughter when she goes to her tournaments.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732287615398.jpeg" alt="Patricia Williams (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Patricia Williams (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer FullerNPCCPatricia Williams has been selected as North Platte Community College’s Business Student of the Month for November.Williams chose to attend Mid-Plains because she could take classes online while still working full time.“The faculty has made this experience very memorable. I feel they are all helpful with the classes and questions I have and very responsive when I ask to come in or use zoom to discuss an assignment,” Williams said of her experience.Williams is studying applied science with a business administration emphasis at NPCC. She’s on track to finish her degree in December and plans to walk with her classmates in May.“I want to continue to work at my current employer Great Plains Health and move to a supervisory or front-line manager role.&nbsp; If the time is right, I may return to college for a bachelor’s degree,” Williams said.Williams is married to Kailin Williams.In her free time, she likes to spend time with her daughters taking them swimming, bowling and traveling. She is a certified Bronze Medal coach and manager for the North Platte Middle School bowling club. Her current bowling average is 200.“I enjoy traveling and going to tournaments for myself as well as coaching my daughter when she goes to her tournaments.”

Williams named NPCC Business Student of the Month

The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors met for its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. (CDT) Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Room 200 of W.W. Wood on the North Platte Community College - North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive, North Platte, Neb.

Board Chair Cynthia Duncan started the meeting with a roll call. In addition to Duncan, those present were MPCC President Ryan Purdy and Board members: Jo Etta Brown, Matthew Broz, Kirk Crawley, Dr. Ben Lashley, Ernie Mehl, Tyler Pribbeno and&nbsp;Tricia Schaffer. Board members Kim Korgan, Ted Klug Jr. and Kent Miller were absent and excused.

NPCC student trustee Jaelyn Dicke and MCC student trustee Kendree Kern were also present.

2. OPEN FORUM (Comments from students, faculty, staff, public and Board)&nbsp;

a. English Instructor Jessie Lovett updated the Board about the distance learning opportunities available to MPCC students.

b. Warren Brookson was introduced as the new Dean of Enrollment Services.

c. Board Member Tyler Pribbeno thanked Dr. Jody Tomanek for her recent participation in representing MPCC around the state.

d. Board Member Ernie Mehl provided an update on the recent NCCA Meeting in Norfolk.

c. Business instructor Cathy Nutt was named the 2024 Mid-Plains Community College faculty member of the year at the recent NCCA annual meeting. She was introduced to the Board.&nbsp;

d. Kayla Thurman, Director of Early Entry and Program Development, was named the 2024 Mid-Plains Community College administrator of the year at the recent NCCA annual meeting. She was introduced to the Board.

3. CONSENT ITEMS.&nbsp;On a single consent motion, the board approved:&nbsp;

a. Minutes from October 23rd Board Work Session &amp; Regular Meeting&nbsp;

a. The Board approved bills for October in the amount of $1,854,098.34. 

b. The Board approved the audit report as presented by Dana F. Cole &amp; Company in the Board's Work Session. &nbsp;

c. The Board approved the 2025 Nebraska Community College dues in the amount of&nbsp;$77,041.44. 

d. The Board approved&nbsp;the bid of $88,730.00 from Yanda’s for McCook's East Campus conference room and vestibule technology.&nbsp; &nbsp;

e. The Board approved&nbsp;the base bid from CDW for televisions and projectors for the McCook East Campus in the amount of&nbsp;$52,733.52.

f. The Board&nbsp;approved&nbsp;the bid from Steele’s Construction in the amount of&nbsp;$65,000 for the demolition and the reconstruction of the existing block and brick structure on the west side of the W.W. Wood building.

g. The Board&nbsp;approved the resolution to continue membership in the Nebraska Community College Insurance Trust (NCCIT) for an additional&nbsp;three-year period commencing&nbsp;on July 1, 2025&nbsp;and continuing through June 30, 2028.

h. The Board&nbsp;approved the proposal for D1 Athletic Scholarship Waivers as presented&nbsp;for inclusion into Board Policy #5210 for consideration next month.

i.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Board approved the low bid for the NPCC North Campus fuel tank removal and replacement from Midwest Petroleum in the amount of&nbsp;$333,529.96.

j. The Board approved&nbsp;moving&nbsp;the January 15, 2025&nbsp;Board meeting to the McCook East Campus.&nbsp;

k. The Board approved&nbsp;the sole source bid from Gaumard&nbsp;for an advanced interdisciplinary patient simulator at a cost of $158,149.72 utilizing Perkins funds and the 3-year equipment plan money. 

l. The Board&nbsp;approved an increase of 3.3% in tuition and fees for 2025-26.

m. The Board&nbsp;approved&nbsp;the overall housing and meal rates as presented which include increases between 3.7 to 4.0% per semester dependent on location and meal plan selected. 

a. Cabinet Reports: The Board heard reports from MPCC President Ryan Purdy, Vice President of Academic Affairs and NPCC Dr. Jody Tomanek, Vice President of Student Affairs and MCC Kelly Rippen, Vice President of Administrative Services Mike Steele, Director of Human Resources Rebecca Wrage and Director of Marketing &amp; Public Information Daniel Stinman.

a. The Board went into closed session at 8:08 p.m. to discuss negotiations. The Board reconvened in open session at 9:28 p.m. No action was taken.&nbsp;

Upon hearing no further business, the Board moved to adjourn at 9:29 p.m. The next Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in North Platte.

MPCC1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALLThe Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors met for its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. (CDT) Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Room 200 of W.W. Wood on the North Platte Community College - North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive, North Platte, Neb.Board Chair Cynthia Duncan started the meeting with a roll call. In addition to Duncan, those present were MPCC President Ryan Purdy and Board members: Jo Etta Brown, Matthew Broz, Kirk Crawley, Dr. Ben Lashley, Ernie Mehl, Tyler Pribbeno and&nbsp;Tricia Schaffer. Board members Kim Korgan, Ted Klug Jr. and Kent Miller were absent and excused.NPCC student trustee Jaelyn Dicke and MCC student trustee Kendree Kern were also present.2. OPEN FORUM (Comments from students, faculty, staff, public and Board)&nbsp;a. English Instructor Jessie Lovett updated the Board about the distance learning opportunities available to MPCC students.b. Warren Brookson was introduced as the new Dean of Enrollment Services.c. Board Member Tyler Pribbeno thanked Dr. Jody Tomanek for her recent participation in representing MPCC around the state.d. Board Member Ernie Mehl provided an update on the recent NCCA Meeting in Norfolk.c. Business instructor Cathy Nutt was named the 2024 Mid-Plains Community College faculty member of the year at the recent NCCA annual meeting. She was introduced to the Board.&nbsp;d. Kayla Thurman, Director of Early Entry and Program Development, was named the 2024 Mid-Plains Community College administrator of the year at the recent NCCA annual meeting. She was introduced to the Board.3. CONSENT ITEMS.&nbsp;On a single consent motion, the board approved:&nbsp;a. Minutes from October 23rd Board Work Session &amp; Regular Meeting&nbsp;b. Financial Report for October&nbsp;4. ACTIONS REQUIRED BY LAWa. The Board approved bills for October in the amount of $1,854,098.34. b. The Board approved the audit report as presented by Dana F. Cole &amp; Company in the Board's Work Session. &nbsp;c. The Board approved the 2025 Nebraska Community College dues in the amount of&nbsp;$77,041.44. d. The Board approved&nbsp;the bid of $88,730.00 from Yanda’s for McCook's East Campus conference room and vestibule technology.&nbsp; &nbsp;e. The Board approved&nbsp;the base bid from CDW for televisions and projectors for the McCook East Campus in the amount of&nbsp;$52,733.52.f. The Board&nbsp;approved&nbsp;the bid from Steele’s Construction in the amount of&nbsp;$65,000 for the demolition and the reconstruction of the existing block and brick structure on the west side of the W.W. Wood building.g. The Board&nbsp;approved the resolution to continue membership in the Nebraska Community College Insurance Trust (NCCIT) for an additional&nbsp;three-year period commencing&nbsp;on July 1, 2025&nbsp;and continuing through June 30, 2028. h. The Board&nbsp;approved the proposal for D1 Athletic Scholarship Waivers as presented&nbsp;for inclusion into Board Policy #5210 for consideration next month.i.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Board approved the low bid for the NPCC North Campus fuel tank removal and replacement from Midwest Petroleum in the amount of&nbsp;$333,529.96. j. The Board approved&nbsp;moving&nbsp;the January 15, 2025&nbsp;Board meeting to the McCook East Campus.&nbsp;k. The Board approved&nbsp;the sole source bid from Gaumard&nbsp;for an advanced interdisciplinary patient simulator at a cost of $158,149.72 utilizing Perkins funds and the 3-year equipment plan money. l. The Board&nbsp;approved an increase of 3.3% in tuition and fees for 2025-26.m. The Board&nbsp;approved&nbsp;the overall housing and meal rates as presented which include increases between 3.7 to 4.0% per semester dependent on location and meal plan selected. 5. REPORTSa. Cabinet Reports: The Board heard reports from MPCC President Ryan Purdy, Vice President of Academic Affairs and NPCC Dr. Jody Tomanek, Vice President of Student Affairs and MCC Kelly Rippen, Vice President of Administrative Services Mike Steele, Director of Human Resources Rebecca Wrage and Director of Marketing &amp; Public Information Daniel Stinman.6. CLOSED SESSIONa. The Board went into closed session at 8:08 p.m. to discuss negotiations. The Board reconvened in open session at 9:28 p.m. No action was taken.&nbsp;7. ADJOURNMENT&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon hearing no further business, the Board moved to adjourn at 9:29 p.m. The next Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in North Platte.FUTURE REPORTS<ul>
 <li>February – Retention and Enrollment</li><li>March – Program Scorecard</li><li>March – Accreditation Report</li><li>April – Three-year Instructional Equipment Plan</li><li>April – Quarterly Facilities Master Plan</li><li>April – Quarterly Financial Report</li><li>April – Three-year Capital Improvement Plan</li><li>May – CCPE Program Reviews</li><li>July – Quarterly Facilities Master Plan</li><li>July – Quarterly Financial Report</li><li>July – Institutional Advancement and Grants</li><li>October - Quarterly FMP Report</li>
 </ul>UPCOMING MEETINGS<ul>
 <li>December 18 - Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Room 200, W.W. Wood Building, North Platte Community College North Campus</li><li>January 15 - Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.,&nbsp;McCook Community College East Campus</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>February 19 - Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Room 200, W.W. Wood Building, North Platte Community College North Campus</li><li>March 19 - Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Room 200, W.W. Wood Building, North Platte Community College North Campus</li>
 </ul>

MPCC Board of Governors meeting wrap up report

The final run of North Platte Community College Theater Department/North Platte Community Playhouse’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” is this weekend, Nov. 22-24.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. All performances will be in the historic Fox Theater in downtown North Platte.

"Little Shop of Horrors is a fantastic theatre production featuring a great cast of talented individuals. &nbsp;The show is captivating in its dark but humorous look at the human condition,” said Ritch Galvan, NPCC theater instructor. “I am impressed by the talent level on display with NPCC students and community members. &nbsp;It's a must-see.”

Tickets can be purchased online at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://northplattecommunityplayhouse.com/">northplattecommunityplayhouse.com</a>or at the playhouse box office weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. They will also be available at the door an hour before every performance.

Adult tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door for general admission. Tickets for high school students with IDs and for children younger than 16 are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. MPCC students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with ID.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732201726357.jpeg" alt="NPCC Little Shop Cast (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>NPCC Little Shop Cast (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer FullerNPCCThe final run of North Platte Community College Theater Department/North Platte Community Playhouse’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” is this weekend, Nov. 22-24.Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. All performances will be in the historic Fox Theater in downtown North Platte."Little Shop of Horrors is a fantastic theatre production featuring a great cast of talented individuals. &nbsp;The show is captivating in its dark but humorous look at the human condition,” said Ritch Galvan, NPCC theater instructor. “I am impressed by the talent level on display with NPCC students and community members. &nbsp;It's a must-see.”Tickets can be purchased online at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://northplattecommunityplayhouse.com/">northplattecommunityplayhouse.com</a>or at the playhouse box office weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. They will also be available at the door an hour before every performance.Adult tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door for general admission. Tickets for high school students with IDs and for children younger than 16 are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. MPCC students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with ID.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Final weekend of “Little Shop of Horrors”

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/nebraska-sues-four-major-semitruck-manufacturers-nationwide-for-antitrust-violations/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska is seeking to “tear up” a national legal contract among four major manufacturers of semitrucks that seeks to increase electric vehicles and comply with California emissions rules.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=59-801" target="_blank">state-level</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=59-1603" target="_blank">antitrust</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/semitruck-manufacturers-CTP-antitrust-lawsuit.pdf">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;Tuesday against Daimler Truck North America, International Motors Inc. (formerly Navistar Inc.), PACCAR Inc., and Volvo Group North America, as well as the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association. The lawsuit was filed in Lincoln County District Court, in North Platte, which Hilgers described as “the epicenter for transportation” in Nebraska.

The Energy Markets of America and Renewable Fuels Nebraska joined Hilgers in the challenge.

“This isn’t about cars,” Kent Grisham, president and CEO of the Nebraska Trucking Association, said Tuesday. “This is about a political agenda. This is about a movement that has developed a following and has backed companies into a corner that we simply cannot allow to be sustained.”

Ford Motor Company and Cummins Inc. also joined the July 2023 “<a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2024-10/Final%20Clean%20Truck%20Partnership%20Agreement_CARB%2C%20EMA%2C%20and%20Ford%202023_07_05.pdf" target="_blank">Clean Truck Partnership</a>,” which Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board, described as an “unprecedented collaboration” that “marks a new era in our zero-emission future.”

“This agreement makes it clear that we have shared goals to tackle pollution and climate change and to ensure the success of the truck owners and operators who provide critical services to California’s economy,” Randolph said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/carb-and-truck-and-engine-manufacturers-announce-unprecedented-partnership-meet-clean-air" target="_blank">July 6, 2023, statement</a>.

Jed Mandel, president of the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, said at the time that the partnership reaffirmed a longstanding commitment to reduce emissions and move to a “<a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/california-standards#/tab-zev" target="_blank">zero-emissions commercial vehicle future</a>,” with necessary lead time for manufacturers.

The challenged manufacturers are all organized in Delaware, with their principal places of business in Portland, Oregon; Lisle, Illinois; Bellevue, Washington; and Greensboro, North Carolina. The trade association, which negotiated the agreement, is based in Chicago.

Hilgers argued the partnership is unlawful because the four semitruck manufacturers have an “oligopoly” on manufacturing Class 8 trucks (defined as trucks over 33,001 pounds), including:

Together, the four manufacturers produce 99.9% of the market share for Class 8 trucks, so a move to electric vehicles could increase the cost of internal combustion engine vehicles, the lawsuit argues.

The partnership spurred from regulations under the California Air Resources Board, which Hilgers also&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/13/multistate-nebraska-led-lawsuits-target-california-and-epa-emission-regulations/">sued in federal court</a>&nbsp;in May. At that time, Hilgers also sued the Environmental Protection Agency under President Joe Biden for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-other-attorneys-general-challenge-california-regulation-on-big-trucks/">electric vehicle mandates and regulations</a>.

“Unfortunately, it’s not just states and it’s not just the Biden administration,” Hilgers said Tuesday. “It is also companies, like these four defendants, who are working together to try to dictate national policies for Nebraskans and Americans.”

The newest lawsuit alleges that the manufacturing partnership would be harmful to Nebraska, as&nbsp;<a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/california-standards#/tab-act" target="_blank">10 states other than California</a>&nbsp;have adopted an “Advanced Clean Trucks” rule to reduce emissions and increase electric vehicles. The manufacturers agreed to comply with the standards in those states and any that will adopt the standards, regardless of legal challenges.

As part of the California standards, the manufacturers agreed in summer 2023 to reduce heavy-duty vehicle emissions and sell as many zero-emission trucks “as reasonably possible,” annually increasing sales as a percentage of overall medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

“The foregoing requirements make it likely that Defendants will treat Nebraska as a state that ‘will adopt’ or ‘may choose to’ adopt the [Advanced Clean Trucks] rule,” Hilgers’ office wrote.

The lawsuit points to two examples important to Nebraska: the livestock and grain industries.

As Nebraska is the nation’s top beef exporter, and second in the nation for number of cattle, at 6.25 million head, it would be dangerous to utilize electric trucks, according to the lawsuit. That’s in part because the state doesn’t have a charging infrastructure, and charging takes more time than refueling.

Many cattle are transported from the Nebraska Sandhills or South Dakota to feedlots in southeast Nebraska, well over 500 miles.

“Cattle feeders could never utilize Class 8 ZEV [zero-emission vehicle] trucks to transport these animals, as the livestock would be stranded at a station in excessive heat or freezing temperatures waiting for the truck to charge its batteries, leading to untold death and injury,” the lawsuit states.

Grain producers also already work 12-16 hours per day using Class 8 internal combustion engine vehicles to haul products to market. Should they need to charge their trucks, twice per day at 3-5 hours each, that would be impractical or lead to increased costs for current trucks.

Grisham said that charging a single Class 8 truck requires the same amount of electricity as what the Empire State Building uses in an entire day. Hilgers added that could be more than a small Nebraska community.

Grisham said the “tsunami effect” will mean Nebraska truckers have “no choice” but to accept the status quo if the brakes aren’t put on the mandates.

No charging stations for Class 8 trucks currently exist in Nebraska, Grisham said, and he’s unaware of any electric Class 8 truck moving through Nebraska, particularly as there are no charging stations along Interstate 80 or other major corridors.&nbsp;

“We’re still at ground zero,” Grisham said.

Grisham estimated it would cost $624 billion to install charging stations nationwide and about $370 billion to improve the national distribution of electrical power. It would cost about $9 billion to improve Nebraska’s distribution network.

Those figures don’t include billions more in operational costs, the costs of the trucks or changes to labor, such as more frequent stops for recharging, Grisham said, and there remain major concerns over whether the nation can produce enough power for the new demand.

He added that the Nebraska Trucking Association isn’t against battery-powered vehicles, which can help reduce emissions, Grisham said, but so can technological advancements leading to fewer emissions for new fleets.

“We want an ‘everything’s on the table’ approach so that we can continue to make the great progress that we have in controlling emissions,” Grisham said.

Hilgers’ office is seeking the following action:

“At the end of the day, what we’re trying to do is tear up this agreement and allow the free market and the nation’s elected representatives to determine the pace and scope of any change in our national logistics policy,” Hilgers said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732134965846.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, center, announces a new antitrust lawsuit Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, against four major semitruck manufacturers and a national trade association. To Hilgers’ left is Lincoln County Commissioner Chris Bruns and Kent Grisham, president and CEO of the Nebraska Trucking Association, to Hilgers’ right. Also joining the news conference was Lincoln County Commissioner Joe Hewgley, board chair, behind Hilgers. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, center, announces a new antitrust lawsuit Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, against four major semitruck manufacturers and a national trade association. To Hilgers’ left is Lincoln County Commissioner Chris Bruns and Kent Grisham, president and CEO of the Nebraska Trucking Association, to Hilgers’ right. Also joining the news conference was Lincoln County Commissioner Joe Hewgley, board chair, behind Hilgers. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/nebraska-sues-four-major-semitruck-manufacturers-nationwide-for-antitrust-violations/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska is seeking to “tear up” a national legal contract among four major manufacturers of semitrucks that seeks to increase electric vehicles and comply with California emissions rules.Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=59-801" target="_blank">state-level</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=59-1603" target="_blank">antitrust</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/semitruck-manufacturers-CTP-antitrust-lawsuit.pdf">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;Tuesday against Daimler Truck North America, International Motors Inc. (formerly Navistar Inc.), PACCAR Inc., and Volvo Group North America, as well as the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association. The lawsuit was filed in Lincoln County District Court, in North Platte, which Hilgers described as “the epicenter for transportation” in Nebraska.The Energy Markets of America and Renewable Fuels Nebraska joined Hilgers in the challenge.“This isn’t about cars,” Kent Grisham, president and CEO of the Nebraska Trucking Association, said Tuesday. “This is about a political agenda. This is about a movement that has developed a following and has backed companies into a corner that we simply cannot allow to be sustained.”Ford Motor Company and Cummins Inc. also joined the July 2023 “<a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2024-10/Final%20Clean%20Truck%20Partnership%20Agreement_CARB%2C%20EMA%2C%20and%20Ford%202023_07_05.pdf" target="_blank">Clean Truck Partnership</a>,” which Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board, described as an “unprecedented collaboration” that “marks a new era in our zero-emission future.”“This agreement makes it clear that we have shared goals to tackle pollution and climate change and to ensure the success of the truck owners and operators who provide critical services to California’s economy,” Randolph said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/carb-and-truck-and-engine-manufacturers-announce-unprecedented-partnership-meet-clean-air" target="_blank">July 6, 2023, statement</a>.Jed Mandel, president of the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, said at the time that the partnership reaffirmed a longstanding commitment to reduce emissions and move to a “<a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/california-standards#/tab-zev" target="_blank">zero-emissions commercial vehicle future</a>,” with necessary lead time for manufacturers.The challenged manufacturers are all organized in Delaware, with their principal places of business in Portland, Oregon; Lisle, Illinois; Bellevue, Washington; and Greensboro, North Carolina. The trade association, which negotiated the agreement, is based in Chicago.<h2>‘This isn’t about cars’</h2>Hilgers argued the partnership is unlawful because the four semitruck manufacturers have an “oligopoly” on manufacturing Class 8 trucks (defined as trucks over 33,001 pounds), including:<ul>
 <li>Cement mixers.</li><li>Dump trucks.</li><li>Fire trucks.</li><li>Fuel trucks.</li><li>Heavy semi-tractors.</li><li>Refrigerated vans.</li><li>Semi sleepers.</li><li>Tour buses.</li>
 </ul>Together, the four manufacturers produce 99.9% of the market share for Class 8 trucks, so a move to electric vehicles could increase the cost of internal combustion engine vehicles, the lawsuit argues.The partnership spurred from regulations under the California Air Resources Board, which Hilgers also&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/13/multistate-nebraska-led-lawsuits-target-california-and-epa-emission-regulations/">sued in federal court</a>&nbsp;in May. At that time, Hilgers also sued the Environmental Protection Agency under President Joe Biden for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-other-attorneys-general-challenge-california-regulation-on-big-trucks/">electric vehicle mandates and regulations</a>.Both of those cases are pending.“Unfortunately, it’s not just states and it’s not just the Biden administration,” Hilgers said Tuesday. “It is also companies, like these four defendants, who are working together to try to dictate national policies for Nebraskans and Americans.”<h2>Livestock and grain industries</h2>The newest lawsuit alleges that the manufacturing partnership would be harmful to Nebraska, as&nbsp;<a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/california-standards#/tab-act" target="_blank">10 states other than California</a>&nbsp;have adopted an “Advanced Clean Trucks” rule to reduce emissions and increase electric vehicles. The manufacturers agreed to comply with the standards in those states and any that will adopt the standards, regardless of legal challenges.As part of the California standards, the manufacturers agreed in summer 2023 to reduce heavy-duty vehicle emissions and sell as many zero-emission trucks “as reasonably possible,” annually increasing sales as a percentage of overall medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.“The foregoing requirements make it likely that Defendants will treat Nebraska as a state that ‘will adopt’ or ‘may choose to’ adopt the [Advanced Clean Trucks] rule,” Hilgers’ office wrote.The lawsuit points to two examples important to Nebraska: the livestock and grain industries.As Nebraska is the nation’s top beef exporter, and second in the nation for number of cattle, at 6.25 million head, it would be dangerous to utilize electric trucks, according to the lawsuit. That’s in part because the state doesn’t have a charging infrastructure, and charging takes more time than refueling.Many cattle are transported from the Nebraska Sandhills or South Dakota to feedlots in southeast Nebraska, well over 500 miles.“Cattle feeders could never utilize Class 8 ZEV [zero-emission vehicle] trucks to transport these animals, as the livestock would be stranded at a station in excessive heat or freezing temperatures waiting for the truck to charge its batteries, leading to untold death and injury,” the lawsuit states.Grain producers also already work 12-16 hours per day using Class 8 internal combustion engine vehicles to haul products to market. Should they need to charge their trucks, twice per day at 3-5 hours each, that would be impractical or lead to increased costs for current trucks.Grisham said that charging a single Class 8 truck requires the same amount of electricity as what the Empire State Building uses in an entire day. Hilgers added that could be more than a small Nebraska community.<h2>‘Ground zero’ of EV infrastructure</h2>Grisham said the “tsunami effect” will mean Nebraska truckers have “no choice” but to accept the status quo if the brakes aren’t put on the mandates.No charging stations for Class 8 trucks currently exist in Nebraska, Grisham said, and he’s unaware of any electric Class 8 truck moving through Nebraska, particularly as there are no charging stations along Interstate 80 or other major corridors.&nbsp;“We’re still at ground zero,” Grisham said.Grisham estimated it would cost $624 billion to install charging stations nationwide and about $370 billion to improve the national distribution of electrical power. It would cost about $9 billion to improve Nebraska’s distribution network.Those figures don’t include billions more in operational costs, the costs of the trucks or changes to labor, such as more frequent stops for recharging, Grisham said, and there remain major concerns over whether the nation can produce enough power for the new demand.He added that the Nebraska Trucking Association isn’t against battery-powered vehicles, which can help reduce emissions, Grisham said, but so can technological advancements leading to fewer emissions for new fleets.“We want an ‘everything’s on the table’ approach so that we can continue to make the great progress that we have in controlling emissions,” Grisham said.<h2>‘Tear up this agreement’</h2>Hilgers’ office is seeking the following action:<ul>
 <li>Make the partnership null and void in Nebraska.</li><li>Permanently enjoin the manufacturers and trade association from:Reducing the output of Class 8 internal combustion engine vehicles in Nebraska, pursuant to the partnership.Raising prices for Class 8 internal combustion engine vehicles in Nebraska as a result of the partnership.Coordinating activity or taking any action under the partnership in any way in Nebraska.</li><li>Reducing the output of Class 8 internal combustion engine vehicles in Nebraska, pursuant to the partnership.</li><li>Raising prices for Class 8 internal combustion engine vehicles in Nebraska as a result of the partnership.</li><li>Coordinating activity or taking any action under the partnership in any way in Nebraska.</li><li>Declare the partnership null and void nationwide.</li>
 </ul>“At the end of the day, what we’re trying to do is tear up this agreement and allow the free market and the nation’s elected representatives to determine the pace and scope of any change in our national logistics policy,” Hilgers said.

Nebraska sues four major semitruck manufacturers nationwide for antitrust violations

Ogallala, Neb. - The Ogallala Police and Tri County Crimestoppers are seeking public assistance in a car vs pedestrian incident that occurred Sunday.&nbsp;

The Tri County Crimestoppers posted on face that on November 17th, around 5:00pm, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. The incident occurred at East A and 5th.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The vehicle left the scene&nbsp;travelling West on West 5th to approximately G or H St. when the vehicle turned North. The vehicle is identified as a possibly dark colored SUV.&nbsp;

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid02YtHEgPVXgXREZHBepwm9ZsDHowPR3HhWz8Tm8SgrmKwG7KF5DBnZzZAnno1BdeMQl%26id%3D100067642505534&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="122" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Ogallala, Neb. - The Ogallala Police and Tri County Crimestoppers are seeking public assistance in a car vs pedestrian incident that occurred Sunday.&nbsp;The Tri County Crimestoppers posted on face that on November 17th, around 5:00pm, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. The incident occurred at East A and 5th.&nbsp;&nbsp;The vehicle left the scene&nbsp;travelling West on West 5th to approximately G or H St. when the vehicle turned North. The vehicle is identified as a possibly dark colored SUV.&nbsp;Tri-County Crime stoppers will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000.00 for your anonymous information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this or any other crime.&nbsp;

Ogallala Police/Tri County Crimestoppers seeking public assistance in a car vs pedestrian incident

NORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– Nebraska Extension Beef Educator, T.L. Meyer is celebrating 25&nbsp; years at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Through her 25 years at the university, Meyer has served in a variety of roles that each played a&nbsp; unique part in her career.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beginning at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, Meyer started her&nbsp; career at UNL as a communications associate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I was originally drawn to the role at West Central because I wanted to return to the Sandhills of&nbsp; Nebraska that I was familiar with growing up,” Meyer said.&nbsp;

She served in the communications role for four years before becoming a research technologist at&nbsp; the center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Transitioning to the research role brought Meyer many opportunities. She was able to return to&nbsp; the hands-on work with cattle that she enjoyed and finish working on her master’s degree in&nbsp; animal science from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Pursuing a master’s degree was one of the greatest perks that I could work on while being an&nbsp; employee at the university,” Meyer said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Continuously learning new things is one aspect of her career that Meyer enjoys the most. Yet,&nbsp; Meyer has still found unique ways to utilize her academic degrees in different ways.

Page 2: Nebraska Extension’s Sandhills Beef Educator has dream position in Nebraska&nbsp; Sandhills&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the start of her career, Meyer took advantage of her animal science and ag journalism degrees&nbsp; from Kansas State University while serving in the communications and research technician roles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In her role as a beef educator for Nebraska Extension in the Central Sandhills area, Meyer&nbsp; continues to utilize her knowledge of animal science and ag journalism to serve and act as a&nbsp; resource to ranchers in the Nebraska Sandhills.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While her two degrees in animal science help serve ranchers in Nebraska, her degree in ag&nbsp; journalism helps reach them through her unique approach to social media.&nbsp;

Meyer uses Facebook, Instagram, and X to reach her audience and continuously update them on&nbsp; changes in the industry and opportunities that could help them strengthen their operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While only serving in her most recent role for five years, Meyer hopes to continue impacting&nbsp; ranchers in the Nebraska Sandhills and beyond by providing them with valuable sources of&nbsp; information.&nbsp;

Accepting a communications role to return to the Nebraska Sandhills has now led Meyer to serve&nbsp; an industry she is passionate about in a place that feels like home.&nbsp;

“The Beef State is the best place you can be a beef educator,” Meyer said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To find T.L. Meyer on social media, search Central Sandhills Beef Educator on Facebook,&nbsp; Instagram, or X.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732125223735.jpeg" alt="T.L. Meyer (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>T.L. Meyer (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNL ExtensionNORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– Nebraska Extension Beef Educator, T.L. Meyer is celebrating 25&nbsp; years at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through her 25 years at the university, Meyer has served in a variety of roles that each played a&nbsp; unique part in her career.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beginning at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, Meyer started her&nbsp; career at UNL as a communications associate.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I was originally drawn to the role at West Central because I wanted to return to the Sandhills of&nbsp; Nebraska that I was familiar with growing up,” Meyer said.&nbsp;She served in the communications role for four years before becoming a research technologist at&nbsp; the center.&nbsp;&nbsp;Transitioning to the research role brought Meyer many opportunities. She was able to return to&nbsp; the hands-on work with cattle that she enjoyed and finish working on her master’s degree in&nbsp; animal science from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Pursuing a master’s degree was one of the greatest perks that I could work on while being an&nbsp; employee at the university,” Meyer said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Continuously learning new things is one aspect of her career that Meyer enjoys the most. Yet,&nbsp; Meyer has still found unique ways to utilize her academic degrees in different ways.Page 2: Nebraska Extension’s Sandhills Beef Educator has dream position in Nebraska&nbsp; Sandhills&nbsp;&nbsp;At the start of her career, Meyer took advantage of her animal science and ag journalism degrees&nbsp; from Kansas State University while serving in the communications and research technician roles.&nbsp;&nbsp;In her role as a beef educator for Nebraska Extension in the Central Sandhills area, Meyer&nbsp; continues to utilize her knowledge of animal science and ag journalism to serve and act as a&nbsp; resource to ranchers in the Nebraska Sandhills.&nbsp;&nbsp;While her two degrees in animal science help serve ranchers in Nebraska, her degree in ag&nbsp; journalism helps reach them through her unique approach to social media.&nbsp;Meyer uses Facebook, Instagram, and X to reach her audience and continuously update them on&nbsp; changes in the industry and opportunities that could help them strengthen their operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;While only serving in her most recent role for five years, Meyer hopes to continue impacting&nbsp; ranchers in the Nebraska Sandhills and beyond by providing them with valuable sources of&nbsp; information.&nbsp;Accepting a communications role to return to the Nebraska Sandhills has now led Meyer to serve&nbsp; an industry she is passionate about in a place that feels like home.&nbsp;“The Beef State is the best place you can be a beef educator,” Meyer said.&nbsp;&nbsp;To find T.L. Meyer on social media, search Central Sandhills Beef Educator on Facebook,&nbsp; Instagram, or X.&nbsp;

Nebraska Extension’s Sandhills Beef Educator has dream position in Nebraska Sandhills  

NORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– A free four-part virtual program to help adults over 40 organize their&nbsp; legal and financial documents will be held in 2025.&nbsp;

“Organize this: Legal and Financial Must-Haves” aims to help participants organize important&nbsp; documents and prepare them to ask another person to serve as their power of attorney or personal&nbsp; agent. There will be four virtual sessions via Zoom from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Central time on Jan. 14,&nbsp; April 8, July 8 and Oct. 14, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Registration is required by Dec. 31, 2024, to receive the Zoom link. Registration is available&nbsp; here, via South Dakota State University.&nbsp;

“We know that navigating this topic can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to understand,”&nbsp; said Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist. “That’s why we’re&nbsp; committed to creating a supportive learning environment where you can turn your plans into&nbsp; action.”&nbsp;

Over a 10-month period, participants will learn about legal situations and outcomes related to&nbsp; family caregiving and probate (e.g., incapacitation, dying without a will), duties and&nbsp; responsibilities of a personal agent and power of attorney, relevant documents and information,&nbsp; organization strategies, security issues and options for professional support.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our program is designed to give you the space and time you need to tackle your personal&nbsp; organization tasks at your own pace,” Brown said. “Whether you need to replace important&nbsp; documents like divorce decrees or Social Security cards, or maybe you want to review your&nbsp; credit report, we’re here to help you focus on what matters most to you.”&nbsp;

Participants will also have homework between each meeting to help them work through&nbsp; organizational tasks like replacing important documents. Through hands-on education,&nbsp; participants will be able to decide which organizational tasks are right for their specific situation.&nbsp;

Page 2: Virtual Series Planned on Organizing Legal and Financial Documents&nbsp;

“In our group sessions, you’ll have the chance to connect with others who are on similar&nbsp; journeys, all while benefiting from the expertise of our guest speakers,” Brown said. “Together,&nbsp; we’ll navigate your questions and challenges, ensuring you leave each session feeling more&nbsp; empowered and organized. Let’s take this journey together—you’re not alone in this.”&nbsp;

The program is a collaboration between South Dakota State University Extension, Nebraska&nbsp; Extension, and North Dakota State University Extension to offer the program, which is being&nbsp; developed with support of a grant provided by the American Association of Family and&nbsp; Consumer Sciences.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information, contact Shannon Sand, agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension,&nbsp; at ssand2@unl.edu.&nbsp;

UNL ExtensionNORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– A free four-part virtual program to help adults over 40 organize their&nbsp; legal and financial documents will be held in 2025.&nbsp;“Organize this: Legal and Financial Must-Haves” aims to help participants organize important&nbsp; documents and prepare them to ask another person to serve as their power of attorney or personal&nbsp; agent. There will be four virtual sessions via Zoom from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Central time on Jan. 14,&nbsp; April 8, July 8 and Oct. 14, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;Registration is required by Dec. 31, 2024, to receive the Zoom link. Registration is available&nbsp; here, via South Dakota State University.&nbsp;“We know that navigating this topic can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to understand,”&nbsp; said Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist. “That’s why we’re&nbsp; committed to creating a supportive learning environment where you can turn your plans into&nbsp; action.”&nbsp;Over a 10-month period, participants will learn about legal situations and outcomes related to&nbsp; family caregiving and probate (e.g., incapacitation, dying without a will), duties and&nbsp; responsibilities of a personal agent and power of attorney, relevant documents and information,&nbsp; organization strategies, security issues and options for professional support.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our program is designed to give you the space and time you need to tackle your personal&nbsp; organization tasks at your own pace,” Brown said. “Whether you need to replace important&nbsp; documents like divorce decrees or Social Security cards, or maybe you want to review your&nbsp; credit report, we’re here to help you focus on what matters most to you.”&nbsp;Participants will also have homework between each meeting to help them work through&nbsp; organizational tasks like replacing important documents. Through hands-on education,&nbsp; participants will be able to decide which organizational tasks are right for their specific situation.&nbsp;Page 2: Virtual Series Planned on Organizing Legal and Financial Documents&nbsp;“In our group sessions, you’ll have the chance to connect with others who are on similar&nbsp; journeys, all while benefiting from the expertise of our guest speakers,” Brown said. “Together,&nbsp; we’ll navigate your questions and challenges, ensuring you leave each session feeling more&nbsp; empowered and organized. Let’s take this journey together—you’re not alone in this.”&nbsp;The program is a collaboration between South Dakota State University Extension, Nebraska&nbsp; Extension, and North Dakota State University Extension to offer the program, which is being&nbsp; developed with support of a grant provided by the American Association of Family and&nbsp; Consumer Sciences.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, contact Shannon Sand, agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension,&nbsp; at ssand2@unl.edu.&nbsp;

Virtual Series Planned on Organizing Legal and Financial Documents 

November 19, 2024 (North Platte, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— During the evening hours of Friday, November 15, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol conducted alcohol compliance checks in Lincoln and Logan counties.

In total, 12 businesses were checked. One of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor for a non-compliance rate of 8%. All of the businesses checked the minor’s ID. The business that sold alcohol to a minor was:

Hub Bar – North Platte (sold to minor, checked ID)

The businesses included convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.

Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.

This project is funded 100% by the Region II Human Services SUPTBG ($427,899.00, 6B08TIO85820-01M002) through SAMHSA, contracted through the NDHHS, Division of Behavioral Health.&nbsp;

Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolNovember 19, 2024 (North Platte, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— During the evening hours of Friday, November 15, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol conducted alcohol compliance checks in Lincoln and Logan counties.In total, 12 businesses were checked. One of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor for a non-compliance rate of 8%. All of the businesses checked the minor’s ID. The business that sold alcohol to a minor was:Hub Bar – North Platte (sold to minor, checked ID)The businesses included convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.This project is funded 100% by the Region II Human Services SUPTBG ($427,899.00, 6B08TIO85820-01M002) through SAMHSA, contracted through the NDHHS, Division of Behavioral Health.&nbsp;

Alcohol Compliance Checks Held in Lincoln, Logan Counties

&nbsp;North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp; The North Platte Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a stolen vehicle that was taken from North Platte sometime between November 11th and November 12th.  The vehicle is a Maroon 1997 GMC Sierra K1500, which had Nebraska license plate, 15-835J, attached at the time of the theft.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of this vehicle, please contact the North Platte Police Department by calling 308-535-6789 or your local law enforcement agency. You may also submit your information with the Lincoln County Crime Stoppers by placing your tip online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FLincolncountycrimestoppers.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3e4WT4cvldfuOcYhO4aPzPMW-woiDM7-OtGzRXnKcrfrq0ZC1eaU6CzfI_aem_v6EhPdvWcUivZpF9k_L5rg&amp;h=AT10PPA0aOWMMbJA5fKJv-PEII4hHsxysdk_3WUyC6WQXaPL1i7HNQAHxmwwwZGRD-7F-5ekAtp9_NjbRnjFMkxopB-8yLLI-GDamAZTFCTtjJDaaESqKGe16CtMScBYOMQ0&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0Od-zjx2Qs20eBiWJEvga_cLIbVnVVzZpYwXxPg47-oMF7vc9GNEBFNhultJj0C5k3kx1zXzM06HLOyyPtB4THHypRO2Fo-_WZ-_WJ6DguXFnkdqBfXJ0eW4kPFf49UoiSNsSTuolCuQDjkhYy6_95GL_V36_rd9z2-LuQuinKC0iw2K1REKwyjuBvFhdQi8J4y6Qksc6t4g_9O92BXoGXhw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lincolncountycrimestoppers.com</a> or by calling 1-800-933-TIPS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732034628846.jpeg" alt="19997 GMC Sieraa K1500, License Plate NE 15-835J (North Platte Police)" />
 <figcaption>19997 GMC Sieraa K1500, License Plate NE 15-835J (North Platte Police)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Police Department&nbsp;North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp; The North Platte Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a stolen vehicle that was taken from North Platte sometime between November 11th and November 12th. The vehicle is a Maroon 1997 GMC Sierra K1500, which had Nebraska license plate, 15-835J, attached at the time of the theft. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of this vehicle, please contact the North Platte Police Department by calling 308-535-6789 or your local law enforcement agency. You may also submit your information with the Lincoln County Crime Stoppers by placing your tip online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FLincolncountycrimestoppers.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3e4WT4cvldfuOcYhO4aPzPMW-woiDM7-OtGzRXnKcrfrq0ZC1eaU6CzfI_aem_v6EhPdvWcUivZpF9k_L5rg&amp;h=AT10PPA0aOWMMbJA5fKJv-PEII4hHsxysdk_3WUyC6WQXaPL1i7HNQAHxmwwwZGRD-7F-5ekAtp9_NjbRnjFMkxopB-8yLLI-GDamAZTFCTtjJDaaESqKGe16CtMScBYOMQ0&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0Od-zjx2Qs20eBiWJEvga_cLIbVnVVzZpYwXxPg47-oMF7vc9GNEBFNhultJj0C5k3kx1zXzM06HLOyyPtB4THHypRO2Fo-_WZ-_WJ6DguXFnkdqBfXJ0eW4kPFf49UoiSNsSTuolCuQDjkhYy6_95GL_V36_rd9z2-LuQuinKC0iw2K1REKwyjuBvFhdQi8J4y6Qksc6t4g_9O92BXoGXhw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lincolncountycrimestoppers.com</a> or by calling 1-800-933-TIPS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte Police looking for stolen truck

Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game information during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public meetings this winter.

These 2½-hour meetings are scheduled in each Game and Parks district. All in-person meetings, begin at 6:30 p.m. local time.

The first 30 minutes will be an open house with time to talk with wildlife biologists, conservation officers and staff. Biologists will make a presentation at 7 p.m. and discuss big game harvest results and season structure. Then they will take questions on topics such as big game management, depredation, permits, antlerless harvest, trophy management and diseases.

Dec. 9 – Valentine, Niobrara Lodge, 803 E. Hwy. 20

Dec. 11 – O’Neill, Community Center, 501 S. 4th&nbsp;St.

Dec. 16 – Columbus, Central Community College, Science and Technology Building, Room 330, 4500 63rd&nbsp;St.

Dec. 18 – North Platte, North Platte Community College, North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive

Jan. 2 – Geneva, Public Library, 1043 G St.

Jan. 6 – Arapahoe, Ella Missing Center, 411 6th&nbsp;St.

Jan. 7 – Kimball, Fairgrounds 4-H Building, 415 S. High School St.

Jan. 8 – Kearney, Kearney Outdoor Education Complex, 10945 Poole Ave.

Jan. 13 – Superior, Country Club, 3628 Road E

Jan. 15 – Ashland, Public Library, 1324 Silver St.

People who cannot attend a meeting can watch an online big game informational session via Zoom. Two Zoom meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time Jan. 12 and Jan. 14. See the calendar event entries at&nbsp;<a href="https://calendar.outdoornebraska.gov/events/month/2025-01/">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for the registration links for each meeting.

Jerry KaneNebraska Game and ParksHunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game information during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public meetings this winter.These 2½-hour meetings are scheduled in each Game and Parks district. All in-person meetings, begin at 6:30 p.m. local time.The first 30 minutes will be an open house with time to talk with wildlife biologists, conservation officers and staff. Biologists will make a presentation at 7 p.m. and discuss big game harvest results and season structure. Then they will take questions on topics such as big game management, depredation, permits, antlerless harvest, trophy management and diseases.The schedule is:Dec. 9 – Valentine, Niobrara Lodge, 803 E. Hwy. 20Dec. 11 – O’Neill, Community Center, 501 S. 4th&nbsp;St.Dec. 16 – Columbus, Central Community College, Science and Technology Building, Room 330, 4500 63rd&nbsp;St.Dec. 18 – North Platte, North Platte Community College, North Campus, 1101 Halligan DriveJan. 2 – Geneva, Public Library, 1043 G St.Jan. 6 – Arapahoe, Ella Missing Center, 411 6th&nbsp;St.Jan. 7 – Kimball, Fairgrounds 4-H Building, 415 S. High School St.Jan. 8 – Kearney, Kearney Outdoor Education Complex, 10945 Poole Ave.Jan. 13 – Superior, Country Club, 3628 Road EJan. 15 – Ashland, Public Library, 1324 Silver St.People who cannot attend a meeting can watch an online big game informational session via Zoom. Two Zoom meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time Jan. 12 and Jan. 14. See the calendar event entries at&nbsp;<a href="https://calendar.outdoornebraska.gov/events/month/2025-01/">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for the registration links for each meeting.

Big game meetings scheduled across Nebraska

***Post news director Canon Rath chatted with&nbsp;Nebraska's Rib &amp; Chop House General Manager Levi Ben-Israel during the grand opening on Monday. Check out their conversation below:

North Platte, Neb. - North Platte welcomes Nebraska's Rib &amp; Chop House as the newest addition to District 177. Community members braved the cold and made the trip over to the chop house Monday morning for the official ribbon cutting ceremony.&nbsp;

"It's just wonderful, all of North Platte is such a warm and welcoming community," said Levi Ben-Israel, General Manager of Nebraska's Rib &amp; Chop House. "The people who came out for the ribbon cutting, were all very excited and I can't be thankful enough for the North Platte community."&nbsp;

The Rib &amp; Chop House was founded in 2001 in Bozeman, Montana by Burke and Melissa Moran and currently operates 14 locations in the United States. North Platte marks the company's first location in Nebraska. Other states to have a Rib &amp; Chop House include Montana (5 locations), Wyoming (5 locations), Colorado (1 location), Utah (1 location) and Idaho (1 location). Livingston, Montana is where the first location opened around 20 years ago.&nbsp;

The chop house offers a delicious brunch, lunch, dinner and specials for everyone to enjoy. From a variety of different cuts of steaks, to delicious burgers and so much more. If you would like to check out their full menu, <a href="https://ribandchophouse.com/menus/" target="_blank">click here.</a>&nbsp;

The tale of how North Platte even got a location was thanks to a few community members visiting the Cheyenne location and a t-shirt caught the eye of a district operator.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"One of our locations in Cheyenne, there were a couple of community members from North Platte, the owner of the Western Nebraska Bank was with some of their friends and one of our district operators saw a t-shirt that they commented on, and the group said we should bring one of these restaurants to North Platte," said Ben-Israel. "That's when we started to research the area and decided to bring it here."&nbsp;

The chop house is open 7 days a week from 11:00am - 10:00pm and is located at 1017 S. Dewey St., Suite 103.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Thank you to the entire North Platte community for such a warm welcome and we can't wait to see your smiling face in here," said Ben-Israel.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731953760729.jpeg" alt="Nebraska's Rib &amp; Chop House General Manager Levi Ben-Israel and staff ready to cut the ribbon (POST/Canon Rath)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska's Rib &amp; Chop House General Manager Levi Ben-Israel and staff ready to cut the ribbon (POST/Canon Rath)</figcaption>
 </figure>***Post news director Canon Rath chatted with&nbsp;Nebraska's Rib &amp; Chop House General Manager Levi Ben-Israel during the grand opening on Monday. Check out their conversation below:<div><iframe title="(Audio) Interview with Levi Ben-Israel, GM of Nebraska's Rib & Chop House" 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=cib6r-17431a5-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>North Platte PostNorth Platte, Neb. - North Platte welcomes Nebraska's Rib &amp; Chop House as the newest addition to District 177. Community members braved the cold and made the trip over to the chop house Monday morning for the official ribbon cutting ceremony.&nbsp;"It's just wonderful, all of North Platte is such a warm and welcoming community," said Levi Ben-Israel, General Manager of Nebraska's Rib &amp; Chop House. "The people who came out for the ribbon cutting, were all very excited and I can't be thankful enough for the North Platte community."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731963634344.jpeg" alt="North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher shaking hands with Levi Ben-Israel at the ribbon cutting on Monday (POST/Canon Rath)" />
 <figcaption>North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher shaking hands with Levi Ben-Israel at the ribbon cutting on Monday (POST/Canon Rath)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Rib &amp; Chop House was founded in 2001 in Bozeman, Montana by Burke and Melissa Moran and currently operates 14 locations in the United States. North Platte marks the company's first location in Nebraska. Other states to have a Rib &amp; Chop House include Montana (5 locations), Wyoming (5 locations), Colorado (1 location), Utah (1 location) and Idaho (1 location). Livingston, Montana is where the first location opened around 20 years ago.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731963687124.jpeg" alt="Nebraska's Rib &amp; Chop House sign (POST/Lewys Carlini)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska's Rib &amp; Chop House sign (POST/Lewys Carlini)</figcaption>
 </figure>The chop house offers a delicious brunch, lunch, dinner and specials for everyone to enjoy. From a variety of different cuts of steaks, to delicious burgers and so much more. If you would like to check out their full menu, <a href="https://ribandchophouse.com/menus/" target="_blank">click here.</a>&nbsp;The tale of how North Platte even got a location was thanks to a few community members visiting the Cheyenne location and a t-shirt caught the eye of a district operator.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731963721773.jpeg" alt="The bar located inside the chop house (POST/Canon Rath)" />
 <figcaption>The bar located inside the chop house (POST/Canon Rath)</figcaption>
 </figure>"One of our locations in Cheyenne, there were a couple of community members from North Platte, the owner of the Western Nebraska Bank was with some of their friends and one of our district operators saw a t-shirt that they commented on, and the group said we should bring one of these restaurants to North Platte," said Ben-Israel. "That's when we started to research the area and decided to bring it here."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731963771505.jpeg" alt="Seating area inside the chop house (POST/Canon Rath)" />
 <figcaption>Seating area inside the chop house (POST/Canon Rath)</figcaption>
 </figure>The chop house is open 7 days a week from 11:00am - 10:00pm and is located at 1017 S. Dewey St., Suite 103.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thank you to the entire North Platte community for such a warm welcome and we can't wait to see your smiling face in here," said Ben-Israel.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731963789432.jpeg" alt="Terri Burchell presents Levi Ben-Israel and staff the locations first dollar (POST/Canon Rathj)" />
 <figcaption>Terri Burchell presents Levi Ben-Israel and staff the locations first dollar (POST/Canon Rathj)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731963861127.jpeg" alt="North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher speaking at the ribbon cutting (POST/Canon Rath)" />
 <figcaption>North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher speaking at the ribbon cutting (POST/Canon Rath)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731963897286.jpeg" alt="Seating area inside the chop house (POST/Canon Rath)" />
 <figcaption>Seating area inside the chop house (POST/Canon Rath)</figcaption>
 </figure>

District 177 expands with the addition of Nebraska's Rib & Chop House

North Platte Community College will join the American Red Cross in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the television show, “Friends” by hosting a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 on Monday, Nov 25.

The drive will take place in the concessions area of the McDonald-Belton Building on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd. The event is open to the public.

Everyone who donates blood will receive two pairs of “Friends” and Red Cross socks, one to keep and one to gift, while supplies last.

Donors are urged to make an appointment ahead of time using the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org by 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.

Jennifer FullerNPCCNorth Platte Community College will join the American Red Cross in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the television show, “Friends” by hosting a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 on Monday, Nov 25.The drive will take place in the concessions area of the McDonald-Belton Building on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd. The event is open to the public.Everyone who donates blood will receive two pairs of “Friends” and Red Cross socks, one to keep and one to gift, while supplies last.Donors are urged to make an appointment ahead of time using the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org by 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.

NPCC blood drive will have “Friends” theme

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/feathered-friends-of-4-h-and-ffa-students-featured-in-2025-ne-ag-department-calendar/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Budding farmers and 4-H students who captured pet and other poultry in winning photographic images will see their work featured in a special Nebraska Department of Agriculture 2025 calendar.

The calendar also includes important biosecurity information that poultry owners can use to protect their flocks. It can be&nbsp;<a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/contest/2025PoultryCalendar.pdf" target="_blank">viewed and downloaded&nbsp;</a>from the state agency’s website.&nbsp;

NDA Director Sherry Vinton said the poultry photo contest shows how 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members “go the extra mile to make sure their birds are well cared for and healthy.”

Vinton said the agency received many great photos and was proud to recognize the students’ work. Winning entries were announced and also displayed at this year’s Nebraska State Fair.

Those who submitted winning photos: Jacelyn Brown of Gering; Joel Brown of Gering; Kelsey Bunn of North Bend; Reagan Dinger of Roca; Sofie Farr of Farnam; Aaron Fuchs of Arlington; Alandra Huntley of Lincoln; Emily Johnston of Hemingford; Kara Oberg of Farnam; Piper Pillard of Firth; Reese Pillard of Firth; Molly Preston of Scottsbluff; and Brenna Steager of David City.

NDA said it also will use the winning photos throughout next year in promotional materials and on social media. The contest provides the agency an opportunity to share biosecurity information that helps prevent diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza and Virulent/Exotic Newcastle Disease.

For more information about protecting flocks, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian</a>.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/feathered-friends-of-4-h-and-ffa-students-featured-in-2025-ne-ag-department-calendar/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Budding farmers and 4-H students who captured pet and other poultry in winning photographic images will see their work featured in a special Nebraska Department of Agriculture 2025 calendar.The calendar also includes important biosecurity information that poultry owners can use to protect their flocks. It can be&nbsp;<a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/contest/2025PoultryCalendar.pdf" target="_blank">viewed and downloaded&nbsp;</a>from the state agency’s website.&nbsp;NDA Director Sherry Vinton said the poultry photo contest shows how 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members “go the extra mile to make sure their birds are well cared for and healthy.”Vinton said the agency received many great photos and was proud to recognize the students’ work. Winning entries were announced and also displayed at this year’s Nebraska State Fair.Those who submitted winning photos: Jacelyn Brown of Gering; Joel Brown of Gering; Kelsey Bunn of North Bend; Reagan Dinger of Roca; Sofie Farr of Farnam; Aaron Fuchs of Arlington; Alandra Huntley of Lincoln; Emily Johnston of Hemingford; Kara Oberg of Farnam; Piper Pillard of Firth; Reese Pillard of Firth; Molly Preston of Scottsbluff; and Brenna Steager of David City.NDA said it also will use the winning photos throughout next year in promotional materials and on social media. The contest provides the agency an opportunity to share biosecurity information that helps prevent diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza and Virulent/Exotic Newcastle Disease.For more information about protecting flocks, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian</a>.

Feathered friends of 4-H and FFA students featured in 2025 NE Ag Department calendar

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with the Head Coach of North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team Jacob Brandl to discuss the teams first three game losing streak of the season and, get you prepared for another home game on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">POST PODCASTS SPONSORED BY NORTH PLATTE KUBOTA</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">POST PODCASTS SPONSORED BY NORTH PLATTE KUBOTA</a></figcaption>
 </figure>On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with the Head Coach of North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team Jacob Brandl to discuss the teams first three game losing streak of the season and, get you prepared for another home game on Friday.<div><iframe title="Knight's Weekly #2 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl" 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=9n7hg-17429b5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #2 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department

The Great American Smokeout is November 21, 2024. This is also an exciting year, as Governor Pillen is signing a proclamation that declares November 17-23, 2024, Tobacco Cessation Awareness Week. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) supports the American Cancer Society’s annual Great American Smokeout event and encourages community members to take the next steps toward decreasing tobacco use and helping create healthier communities throughout Nebraska.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health DepartmentThe Great American Smokeout is November 21, 2024. This is also an exciting year, as Governor Pillen is signing a proclamation that declares November 17-23, 2024, Tobacco Cessation Awareness Week. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) supports the American Cancer Society’s annual Great American Smokeout event and encourages community members to take the next steps toward decreasing tobacco use and helping create healthier communities throughout Nebraska.The tobacco epidemic is a large public health threat that is faced all over the world. It is estimated that over 22% of the world’s population uses tobacco in some form. Tobacco kills more than 8 million people every year. More than 1.3 million of the people who die are non-smokers that have experienced second-hand smoke exposure.“Quitting tobacco is hard but even one step in the right direction can make a difference to not only your health, but also the health of the people around you,” explains Hunter York, Program Manager at SWNPHD. “There are many benefits when you quit smoking, including improved health, increased stamina, and a reduced chance of getting lung cancer. During this annual event, join thousands of others across the country and start living your smoke-free life!”It is important to understand what resources and tools are available to help you succeed and start living a smoke-free life. With free resources like the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline, the process can be much easier.The Nebraska Quitline offers coaching and counseling services and resources to those who are ready to take the next step in their quitting journey. You can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or visit QuitNow.ne.gov for additional resources and to learn more about free quit medication. Spanish-speaking participants can call 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (3535-3569). The Quitline provides translation services in over 200 languages.There are also other resources that can help you quit tobacco use for good. Talk with your doctor to find out what resource would work best for you. These resources include:· Healthcare providers - Speak with your healthcare provider about ways to quit.· Counseling - There are many different counseling options including group counseling, individual counseling, and telehealth counseling options.· Medications - There are a few different options for both over the counter and prescription non-nicotine medications.For additional information, call SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. Follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for further details and recent updates. You can also check out our website at www.swhealth.ne.gov which contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health.

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