Omaha, Neb. - Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2024 third quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.75 per diluted share. This compares to 2023 third quarter net income of $1.5 billion, or $2.51 per diluted share.

“Our third quarter results demonstrate the success of our strategy,” said Union Pacific Chief Executive Officer Jim Vena. “Improved safety and service performance supported solid revenue growth that we converted into double-digit improvement in third quarter operating income and earnings per share. The entire Union Pacific team is focused on delivering for our customers and shareholders; and is energized to build on these accomplishments to drive sustainable long-term success.”

Financial Results: Strong Operating Income Growth Driven by Increased Revenue, Volume, Core Pricing Gains, and Operating Efficiency

Operating Performance: Solid Service and Operational Efficiency Gains While Handling Volume Growth; Quarterly Record for Workforce Productivity

Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call

Union Pacific will provide a webcast for its third quarter 2024 earnings release presentation live at&nbsp;<a href="https://investor.unionpacific.com/">https://investor.unionpacific.com</a>&nbsp;and via teleconference on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time. Participants may join the conference call by dialing 877-407-8293 (or for international participants, 201-689-8349).

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 Investor contact: Brad Stock at 402-544-4227 or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/messages?address=bkstock">bkstock@up.com</a>

Union PacificOmaha, Neb. - Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2024 third quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.75 per diluted share. This compares to 2023 third quarter net income of $1.5 billion, or $2.51 per diluted share.“Our third quarter results demonstrate the success of our strategy,” said Union Pacific Chief Executive Officer Jim Vena. “Improved safety and service performance supported solid revenue growth that we converted into double-digit improvement in third quarter operating income and earnings per share. The entire Union Pacific team is focused on delivering for our customers and shareholders; and is energized to build on these accomplishments to drive sustainable long-term success.”<h2>Third Quarter Summary: 2024 vs. 2023</h2><h2>Financial Results: Strong Operating Income Growth Driven by Increased Revenue, Volume, Core Pricing Gains, and Operating Efficiency</h2><ul>
 <li>Operating revenue of $6.1 billion grew 3% driven by increased volume and core pricing gains, partially offset by business mix and reduced fuel surcharge revenue.</li><li>Freight revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue grew 5% as revenue carloads grew 6%.</li><li>Operating ratio was 60.3%, an improvement of 310 basis points. Lower quarterly fuel prices positively impacted the operating ratio 120 basis points.</li><li>Operating income of $2.4 billion increased 11%.</li>
 </ul><h2>Operating Performance: Solid Service and Operational Efficiency Gains While Handling Volume Growth; Quarterly Record for Workforce Productivity</h2><ul>
 <li>Union Pacific’s year-to-date reportable personal injury and reportable derailment rates both improved.</li><li>Quarterly freight car velocity improved 5% to 210 daily miles per car.</li><li>Quarterly locomotive productivity improved 5% to 135 gross ton-miles (GTMs) per horsepower day.</li><li>Quarterly workforce productivity improved 12% to 1,102 car miles per employee.</li><li>Fuel consumption rate increased 1% to 1.058, measured in gallons of fuel per thousand GTMs.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><h2>2024 Outlook</h2><h2>Updated</h2><ul>
 <li>Fourth quarter results expected to be consistent sequentially from third quarter while improving year-over-year versus the fourth quarter 2023.</li>
 </ul><h2>Affirmed</h2><ul>
 <li>Profitability outlook continues positive momentum with strong service product, improving network efficiency, and solid pricing</li><li>Share repurchases of ~$1.5 billion in 2024</li><li>Pricing dollars in excess of inflation dollars</li><li>No change to long-term capital allocation strategyCapital plan of $3.4 billion</li><li>Capital plan of $3.4 billion</li>
 </ul><h2>Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call</h2>Union Pacific will provide a webcast for its third quarter 2024 earnings release presentation live at&nbsp;<a href="https://investor.unionpacific.com/">https://investor.unionpacific.com</a>&nbsp;and via teleconference on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time. Participants may join the conference call by dialing 877-407-8293 (or for international participants, 201-689-8349).<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 Investor contact: Brad Stock at 402-544-4227 or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/messages?address=bkstock">bkstock@up.com</a><ul>
 <li><a href="https://investor.unionpacific.com/events/event-details/q3-2024-earnings-release">Supplemental financial information is attached</a></li>
 </ul>

Union Pacific Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Nebraska Bankers Association announces Amanda A. Hoover, chief financial officer at Adams Bank &amp; Trust in Ogallala, Neb., as the recipient of the inaugural Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award for Women in Banking. The award was presented at the NBA's 2024 Women in Banking Conference.

Named in honor of Alice Dittman—a pioneering figure in Nebraska's banking and business sectors—the award recognizes a young, female banker. Nominees are evaluated based on their contributions to and impact on their bank, leadership and service to their community and their commitment to the banking industry and the NBA.

Hoover serves as the chief financial officer of both Adams Bank &amp; Trust and its holding company, Adbanc, Inc. In her role, she has led the development of standardized processes and procedures that have improved the bank’s efficiency. Her leadership extends beyond her title, as she actively mentors junior staff members, shaping the next generation of banking professionals.

In nominating Hoover for the award, Executive Vice President Jessop Adams highlighted several examples of her leadership in streamlining processes to improve the bank's efficiency. "From the time she was first elevated to the CFO role, she has demonstrated a willingness to tackle issues hands-on," Adams said. "Her ability to dive into the details and her innovative approach to problem-solving have been key to driving the bank’s continued growth and success."

Hoover's involvement with the NBA includes serving two terms on the NBA Government Relations Committee, including a term as its chair. She is also a member of the NBA Leadership Class of 2014 and a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado.&nbsp;

Hoover has also made significant contributions to her community. As a founding committee member and treasurer, she was instrumental in the creation and growth of the Keith County Big Give, which has become the largest non-profit fundraising event in Keith County. Hoover is a Keith County Area Leadership Development graduate, and her community service includes active involvement in the Ogallala Rotary Club, the Ogallala Hospital Advisory Board, Keith County Foundation Fund Advisory Committee, Nebraska Community Foundation Audit Committee and P.E.O Chapter CL.

As part of the award, recipients receive $1,000 to be donated to a charity of their choice. Hoover has chosen to direct her donation to the Keith County Big Give.

"Amanda Hoover exemplifies the qualities the Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award was created to honor," said Richard Baier, president and CEO of the NBA. “Her accomplishments, both within the banking industry and in her community, set a powerful example for women in banking, and we are proud to recognize her many contributions and ongoing impact."

Alice Dittman was a true trailblazer in Nebraska's banking and business arenas. She began her career at Cornhusker Bank in Lincoln in 1948, where she held various roles, eventually serving as president, CEO and chair of the board. Dittman was the first woman to chair the Nebraska Bankers Association and also led both the Lincoln and Nebraska Chambers of Commerce Boards of Directors. Renowned for her generosity and dedication to mentoring, she inspired many young women to pursue careers in banking, finance, and business.

For more information about the Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nebankers.org/dittman-award.html">nebankers.org/dittman</a>

About the Nebraska Bankers Association

The Nebraska Bankers Association was founded in 1890 and is the voice of Nebraska’s banking industry, which is composed of small, regional and large banks that together employ more than 17,000 people, and safeguard nearly $87 billion in deposits, all within the state of Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730121780958.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Bankers Association - Dittman Award - Mandy Hoover (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Bankers Association - Dittman Award - Mandy Hoover (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Bankers AssociationOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Nebraska Bankers Association announces Amanda A. Hoover, chief financial officer at Adams Bank &amp; Trust in Ogallala, Neb., as the recipient of the inaugural Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award for Women in Banking. The award was presented at the NBA's 2024 Women in Banking Conference.Named in honor of Alice Dittman—a pioneering figure in Nebraska's banking and business sectors—the award recognizes a young, female banker. Nominees are evaluated based on their contributions to and impact on their bank, leadership and service to their community and their commitment to the banking industry and the NBA.Hoover serves as the chief financial officer of both Adams Bank &amp; Trust and its holding company, Adbanc, Inc. In her role, she has led the development of standardized processes and procedures that have improved the bank’s efficiency. Her leadership extends beyond her title, as she actively mentors junior staff members, shaping the next generation of banking professionals.In nominating Hoover for the award, Executive Vice President Jessop Adams highlighted several examples of her leadership in streamlining processes to improve the bank's efficiency. "From the time she was first elevated to the CFO role, she has demonstrated a willingness to tackle issues hands-on," Adams said. "Her ability to dive into the details and her innovative approach to problem-solving have been key to driving the bank’s continued growth and success."Hoover's involvement with the NBA includes serving two terms on the NBA Government Relations Committee, including a term as its chair. She is also a member of the NBA Leadership Class of 2014 and a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado.&nbsp;Hoover has also made significant contributions to her community. As a founding committee member and treasurer, she was instrumental in the creation and growth of the Keith County Big Give, which has become the largest non-profit fundraising event in Keith County. Hoover is a Keith County Area Leadership Development graduate, and her community service includes active involvement in the Ogallala Rotary Club, the Ogallala Hospital Advisory Board, Keith County Foundation Fund Advisory Committee, Nebraska Community Foundation Audit Committee and P.E.O Chapter CL.As part of the award, recipients receive $1,000 to be donated to a charity of their choice. Hoover has chosen to direct her donation to the Keith County Big Give."Amanda Hoover exemplifies the qualities the Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award was created to honor," said Richard Baier, president and CEO of the NBA. “Her accomplishments, both within the banking industry and in her community, set a powerful example for women in banking, and we are proud to recognize her many contributions and ongoing impact."About Alice DittmanAlice Dittman was a true trailblazer in Nebraska's banking and business arenas. She began her career at Cornhusker Bank in Lincoln in 1948, where she held various roles, eventually serving as president, CEO and chair of the board. Dittman was the first woman to chair the Nebraska Bankers Association and also led both the Lincoln and Nebraska Chambers of Commerce Boards of Directors. Renowned for her generosity and dedication to mentoring, she inspired many young women to pursue careers in banking, finance, and business.For more information about the Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nebankers.org/dittman-award.html">nebankers.org/dittman</a>About the Nebraska Bankers AssociationThe Nebraska Bankers Association was founded in 1890 and is the voice of Nebraska’s banking industry, which is composed of small, regional and large banks that together employ more than 17,000 people, and safeguard nearly $87 billion in deposits, all within the state of Nebraska.

Nebraska Bankers Association Awards Inaugural Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award for Women in Banking to Ogallala resident Amanda Hoover

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655805794423.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730035592833.jpeg" alt="Felix Arroyo - Immigration Hold, DEL/DSP/DST/MAN/Poss Except Haz Drug, Poss Of Controlled Sub (Meth) 140+ grams, No Drug Tax Stamp, Commit Child Abuse Intentional/No Injury" />
 <figcaption>Felix Arroyo - Immigration Hold, DEL/DSP/DST/MAN/Poss Except Haz Drug, Poss Of Controlled Sub (Meth) 140+ grams, No Drug Tax Stamp, Commit Child Abuse Intentional/No Injury</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730035624171.jpeg" alt="Brianna Castor - Unauthorized Use of a Financial Device" />
 <figcaption>Brianna Castor - Unauthorized Use of a Financial Device</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730035640923.jpeg" alt="Stormie Kreifels - Assault-Domestic 3rd Degree" />
 <figcaption>Stormie Kreifels - Assault-Domestic 3rd Degree</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730035656023.jpeg" alt="Daniela Torress-Hernandez - Commit Child Abuse Intentional/No Injury, Amphetamine-Possession 140+ Grams, No Drug Tax Stamp, DEL/DSP/DST/MAN/Poss Exceptionally Hazardous Drug" />
 <figcaption>Daniela Torress-Hernandez - Commit Child Abuse Intentional/No Injury, Amphetamine-Possession 140+ Grams, No Drug Tax Stamp, DEL/DSP/DST/MAN/Poss Exceptionally Hazardous Drug</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730035686664.jpeg" alt="Andres Florentino-Fortunato - Commit Child Abuse Intentional/No Injury, DEL/DSP/DST/MAN/Pos Except Haz Drug, Poss Of Controlled Sub (Meth) 140+ Grams, No Drug Tax Stamp" />
 <figcaption>Andres Florentino-Fortunato - Commit Child Abuse Intentional/No Injury, DEL/DSP/DST/MAN/Pos Except Haz Drug, Poss Of Controlled Sub (Meth) 140+ Grams, No Drug Tax Stamp</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730035714580.jpeg" alt="Alejandro Martinez - Safekeep Red Willow Co" />
 <figcaption>Alejandro Martinez - Safekeep Red Willow Co</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County JailNo New Arrests***Buffalo County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730035767868.jpeg" alt="Scott Arndt - Operate Motor Vehicle Avoid Arrest-Felony, DUI-Alcohol-1st Offense, Refuse To Submit To Pretest, Refuse To Submit To Test-1st Offense, Minor In Poss - Under 19/1st Offense, Willful Reckless Driving-1st Offense, Leave Accident-Fail To Furnish IO-1ST|" />
 <figcaption>Scott Arndt - Operate Motor Vehicle Avoid Arrest-Felony, DUI-Alcohol-1st Offense, Refuse To Submit To Pretest, Refuse To Submit To Test-1st Offense, Minor In Poss - Under 19/1st Offense, Willful Reckless Driving-1st Offense, Leave Accident-Fail To Furnish IO-1ST|</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730035781605.jpeg" alt="Joselyn Trejo-Gonzalez - DUI-.08 Blood-1st Offense" />
 <figcaption>Joselyn Trejo-Gonzalez - DUI-.08 Blood-1st Offense</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730121566912.jpeg" alt="Albert Helzer - DUI-.15+ Or Refusal (1 Prior Conviction)" />
 <figcaption>Albert Helzer - DUI-.15+ Or Refusal (1 Prior Conviction)</figcaption>
 </figure>***<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>

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

The Hot Sheets: October 27th, 2024

UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Lincoln, Neb. —Nebraska net farm income is projected to decline in 2024, according to a new report from the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center.

The center, working with agricultural economists from the&nbsp;<a href="https://cap.unl.edu/">Center for Agricultural Profitability</a>&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unl.edu/">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a>, said in its “Fall 2024 Nebraska Farm Income Outlook” that Nebraska’s 2024 net farm income is estimated at $7.69 billion.

After record-setting farm income levels in 2023, Nebraska farm income declines in 2024. “In 2024, total farm receipts are projected to decline by $1.40 billion (-4%), as the $1.16 billion (6%) increase in livestock receipts would only partially offset the $1.64 billion (-12%) fall in crop receipts and the $0.90 billion (-52%) reduction in crop insurance indemnities,” said the report.&nbsp;

Despite declining 17% in 2024, Nebraska net farm income is still expected to become the third highest on record, following 2023 and 2021. The report also compares the projected 17% reduction in state net farm income to the projected 6.2% decline in the U.S. net farm income projected by Mizzou’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI-MU).

Other key findings from the report include:

“As producers are adapting to current market realities of falling commodity prices and rising production expenses, but the coming year presents challenges but also opportunities for long-term profitability,” said Brad Lubben, an agricultural policy specialist with Nebraska Extension and a co-author of the report. "While Nebraska farm income is expected to decline further in 2025, the state's diversified agricultural base, notably continued strength in its livestock sector, will continue to play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of lower crop prices and production challenges."

The Fall 2024 Farm Income Outlook is co-published by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and RaFF at the University of Missouri, which provides objective policy analysis and informs decision makers on issues affecting farm and rural finances. The center collaborates with a number of states to develop farm income projections with local expertise.

“RaFF’s Farm Income Outlook for calendar years 2024 and 2025 is intended to inform policymakers, industry analysts, and agricultural practitioners about the expected profitability of the local agricultural sector and its main drivers. RaFF’s state-level projections complement and add granularity to national projections by the USDA and FAPRI-MU, providing valuable insights on local agricultural trends” said RaFF Director Alejandro Plastina.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The full report and data tables can be found at<a href="https://ruralandfarmfinance.com/publications/#farm-income-estimates">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://cap.unl.edu/farm-income">https://cap.unl.edu/farm-income</a>.

Lubben and Plastina will present a webinar covering 2024 Nebraska and U.S. farm income and outlook at noon Central time on Oct. 31. Registration is free at&nbsp;<a href="https://cap.unl.edu/farm-income">https://cap.unl.edu/farm-income</a>.

UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesLincoln, Neb. —Nebraska net farm income is projected to decline in 2024, according to a new report from the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center.The center, working with agricultural economists from the&nbsp;<a href="https://cap.unl.edu/">Center for Agricultural Profitability</a>&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unl.edu/">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a>, said in its “Fall 2024 Nebraska Farm Income Outlook” that Nebraska’s 2024 net farm income is estimated at $7.69 billion. After record-setting farm income levels in 2023, Nebraska farm income declines in 2024. “In 2024, total farm receipts are projected to decline by $1.40 billion (-4%), as the $1.16 billion (6%) increase in livestock receipts would only partially offset the $1.64 billion (-12%) fall in crop receipts and the $0.90 billion (-52%) reduction in crop insurance indemnities,” said the report.&nbsp;Despite declining 17% in 2024, Nebraska net farm income is still expected to become the third highest on record, following 2023 and 2021. The report also compares the projected 17% reduction in state net farm income to the projected 6.2% decline in the U.S. net farm income projected by Mizzou’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI-MU).Other key findings from the report include:<ul>
 <li>Despite an increase in production levels for field crops, lower prices reduce crop receipts by 12% in 2024. Lower corn and soybean receipts account for a majority of the decline in receipts.&nbsp;</li><li>Nebraska’s cattle inventory is projected to grow slightly in 2024, increasing by 164,000 head, as forage conditions improve across the state. Livestock receipts are projected to increase by $1.2 billion in 2024.&nbsp;</li><li>Production expenses are set to increase in 2024, as rising purchased livestock, and rent expenses offset reductions in feed, fertilizer, and fuel expenses.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“As producers are adapting to current market realities of falling commodity prices and rising production expenses, but the coming year presents challenges but also opportunities for long-term profitability,” said Brad Lubben, an agricultural policy specialist with Nebraska Extension and a co-author of the report. "While Nebraska farm income is expected to decline further in 2025, the state's diversified agricultural base, notably continued strength in its livestock sector, will continue to play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of lower crop prices and production challenges."The Fall 2024 Farm Income Outlook is co-published by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and RaFF at the University of Missouri, which provides objective policy analysis and informs decision makers on issues affecting farm and rural finances. The center collaborates with a number of states to develop farm income projections with local expertise.“RaFF’s Farm Income Outlook for calendar years 2024 and 2025 is intended to inform policymakers, industry analysts, and agricultural practitioners about the expected profitability of the local agricultural sector and its main drivers. RaFF’s state-level projections complement and add granularity to national projections by the USDA and FAPRI-MU, providing valuable insights on local agricultural trends” said RaFF Director Alejandro Plastina.&nbsp;&nbsp;The full report and data tables can be found at<a href="https://ruralandfarmfinance.com/publications/#farm-income-estimates">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://cap.unl.edu/farm-income">https://cap.unl.edu/farm-income</a>.Farm Income WebinarLubben and Plastina will present a webinar covering 2024 Nebraska and U.S. farm income and outlook at noon Central time on Oct. 31. Registration is free at&nbsp;<a href="https://cap.unl.edu/farm-income">https://cap.unl.edu/farm-income</a>.

Nebraska Farm Income Projected to Decline in 2024

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;K9 Vests Midwest founder Emily Fawcett.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IFlaK6Fz6H8?si=iLlZJWuzDdfRGn2E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;K9 Vests Midwest founder Emily Fawcett.

🎤Forward Ever: K9 Vests Midwest founder Emily Fawcett

Wauneta, Ne - On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 6:30 am, Chase County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a domestic assault that had occurred in Wauneta, NE. Sergeant Justin Mueller was dispatched to the scene where the assault that occurred in the late hours of October 22nd into the early morning hours of the 23rd. Once on scene Sergeant Mueller contacted the female victim and conducted an investigation and learned that the suspect, Brandon O’Neil, 33, of Wauneta, had fled the scene prior to law enforcements arrival.

During the investigation it was discovered that the female victim was assaulted the previous night while an infant was present. O’Neil also denied her the ability to leave the house or call for help, with a firearm involved. 

Eventually the next morning, the victim was able to make an escape from the domestic assault and run on foot to a neighbor’s house. The female victim and infant child were able to safely leave to a relative’s house. Sergeant Mueller searched for O’Neil northwest of Champion where he was supposed to be working. It was discovered that O’Neil failed to show up for work that morning. Efforts continued throughout the morning to locate O’Neil. Around 1:30 pm, Sergeant Justin Mueller and Deputy Browning split up to cover a larger area while looking for O’Neil. 

Sergeant Mueller located O’Neil at the intersection of 321 AVE and 736 RD, driving a four-door white Chevrolet pickup. Sergeant Mueller attempted to make a traffic stop on O’Neil, who fled at a high rate of speed East on 736 RD. With speeds reaching 100 plus MPH, Sergeant Mueller continued to pursue. Deputy Browning posted up further East on 736 AVE attempting to deploy stop sticks, but was unsuccessful when O’Neil turned onto a trail road, continuing his high speeds. The high-speed pursuit continued on unpaved roads, crossing north of Highway 6. 

During the pursuit O’Neil lost his right rear tire and was driving on the rim of the pickup and continued to travel at speeds in excess of 75 MPH on gravel roads. At one intersection, O’Neil nearly collided with another vehicle. Eventually O’Neil came to a stop in the middle of a field. O’Neil exited his vehicle and was swiftly taken into custody. O’Neil was transported to the Lincoln County Jail in North Platte where he was booked for several charges including Domestic Assault, False Imprisonment, Possession of a Firearm to Commit a Felony, Child Abuse/Endangerment, Flight to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving and multiple traffic infractions.

O’Neil was out on Bond for a previous Domestic Assault case, which had been revoked once before, and another Motion to Revoke Bond has been filed in that case. O’Neil’s bond for the new charges has been set at $50,000.00, 10% with various conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wauneta, Ne - On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 6:30 am, Chase County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a domestic assault that had occurred in Wauneta, NE. Sergeant Justin Mueller was dispatched to the scene where the assault that occurred in the late hours of October 22nd into the early morning hours of the 23rd. Once on scene Sergeant Mueller contacted the female victim and conducted an investigation and learned that the suspect, Brandon O’Neil, 33, of Wauneta, had fled the scene prior to law enforcements arrival.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729883004464.jpeg" alt="Brandon O'Neil, 33 of Wauneta, Nebraska booked onseveral charges including Domestic Assault, False Imprisonment, Possession of a Firearm to Commit a Felony, Child Abuse/Endangerment, Flight to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving and multiple traffic infractions." />
 <figcaption>Brandon O'Neil, 33 of Wauneta, Nebraska booked onseveral charges including Domestic Assault, False Imprisonment, Possession of a Firearm to Commit a Felony, Child Abuse/Endangerment, Flight to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving and multiple traffic infractions.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation it was discovered that the female victim was assaulted the previous night while an infant was present. O’Neil also denied her the ability to leave the house or call for help, with a firearm involved. Eventually the next morning, the victim was able to make an escape from the domestic assault and run on foot to a neighbor’s house. The female victim and infant child were able to safely leave to a relative’s house. Sergeant Mueller searched for O’Neil northwest of Champion where he was supposed to be working. It was discovered that O’Neil failed to show up for work that morning. Efforts continued throughout the morning to locate O’Neil. Around 1:30 pm, Sergeant Justin Mueller and Deputy Browning split up to cover a larger area while looking for O’Neil. Sergeant Mueller located O’Neil at the intersection of 321 AVE and 736 RD, driving a four-door white Chevrolet pickup. Sergeant Mueller attempted to make a traffic stop on O’Neil, who fled at a high rate of speed East on 736 RD. With speeds reaching 100 plus MPH, Sergeant Mueller continued to pursue. Deputy Browning posted up further East on 736 AVE attempting to deploy stop sticks, but was unsuccessful when O’Neil turned onto a trail road, continuing his high speeds. The high-speed pursuit continued on unpaved roads, crossing north of Highway 6. During the pursuit O’Neil lost his right rear tire and was driving on the rim of the pickup and continued to travel at speeds in excess of 75 MPH on gravel roads. At one intersection, O’Neil nearly collided with another vehicle. Eventually O’Neil came to a stop in the middle of a field. O’Neil exited his vehicle and was swiftly taken into custody. O’Neil was transported to the Lincoln County Jail in North Platte where he was booked for several charges including Domestic Assault, False Imprisonment, Possession of a Firearm to Commit a Felony, Child Abuse/Endangerment, Flight to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving and multiple traffic infractions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729883071189.jpeg" alt="O'Neil pickup&nbsp;came to a stop in the middle of a field after high speed chase with law enforcement" />
 <figcaption>O'Neil pickup&nbsp;came to a stop in the middle of a field after high speed chase with law enforcement</figcaption>
 </figure>O’Neil was out on Bond for a previous Domestic Assault case, which had been revoked once before, and another Motion to Revoke Bond has been filed in that case. O’Neil’s bond for the new charges has been set at $50,000.00, 10% with various conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchasecountysheriffoffice%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02ZADBmywCgPBHiaY82Yv4Swfv9kAuCAVPVCuUoBRsRRDJSC7Na7BAhnt1CVSQgBvzl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Wauneta man who fled law enforcement after domestic assault Tuesday facing multiple charges

(North Platte, Nebraska) Local event organizers are dedicated to creating fun and exciting events in North Platte and Lincoln County that attract visitors and boost the economic vitality of our community. Visit North Platte’s Promotional Grant Awards are specifically designed to promote, encourage, and draw visitors to Lincoln County, for these events. The grant funds, as well as the marketing and operating expenses for Visit North Platte, are entirely funded by lodging taxes collected from overnight stays at lodging properties within the county.

The Visit North Platte Board of Directors approved grant funding at the monthly meeting on October 23, 2024, for the following. The applications totaled $53,500 in requests and a total of $53,500 was awarded.

· Approved $3,500 in Grant Funds for the Flatrock Pro/Am powered by Prodigy Disc Golf Tournament. This disc golf tournament is an official event sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) and is scheduled to take place on March 14-16, 2025, at the Cody Park Disc Golf Course and the River’s Edge Golf Course. Last spring North Platte hosted the Flatrock Pro/Am tournament for the first time, and it successfully brought in over eighty players from Colorado, South Dakota, Iowa, Wyoming, and other communities throughout Nebraska including Lincoln. We believe the 2025 tournament will grow to have even more participants, as it promises to be a captivating three-round B-tier tournament.

· Approved $50,000 in Grant Funds for the City of North Platte to lease or purchase a Turf Tank. The Turf Tank is a robotic field painter designed to mark all types of sports fields easier, faster, and more efficiently. This machine will have many uses for local sporting events as well as sports tourism events that bring visitors to our community. A few examples include painting the lines for the youth soccer fields at Centennial Park, marking football fields for area schools, and painting temporary lacrosse fields for upcoming skills camps and tournaments. Not only does the Turf Tank offer more precise marking due to its use of GPS, it also drastically cuts down on the labor and time that it takes to manually measure, mark, and paint these fields. Additionally, the reduction in paint usage will significantly lower the environmental impact on our community.

The next round of funding is now open, with a January 1 deadline for events or projects occurring in April, May, and June of 2025. These applications will be considered at the regular monthly Board of Directors meeting scheduled for January 22, 2025. Anyone interested in submitting a grant application is encouraged to contact the Visitors Bureau at 308-532-4729 and discuss their project with a staff member.

Visit North Platte operates under an agreement with the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to facilitate the Nebraska Visitors Development Act. Grant funds, marketing, and operating expenses for Visit North Platte are funded by lodging taxes collected and remitted by lodging properties from overnight stays in Lincoln County.

It is thanks to the efforts of the lodging property partners located within the county that funds are available to attract more visitors, which have a significant impact on the economic well-being of our Lincoln County communities.

Visit North Platte(North Platte, Nebraska) Local event organizers are dedicated to creating fun and exciting events in North Platte and Lincoln County that attract visitors and boost the economic vitality of our community. Visit North Platte’s Promotional Grant Awards are specifically designed to promote, encourage, and draw visitors to Lincoln County, for these events. The grant funds, as well as the marketing and operating expenses for Visit North Platte, are entirely funded by lodging taxes collected from overnight stays at lodging properties within the county.The Visit North Platte Board of Directors approved grant funding at the monthly meeting on October 23, 2024, for the following. The applications totaled $53,500 in requests and a total of $53,500 was awarded.· Approved $3,500 in Grant Funds for the Flatrock Pro/Am powered by Prodigy Disc Golf Tournament. This disc golf tournament is an official event sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) and is scheduled to take place on March 14-16, 2025, at the Cody Park Disc Golf Course and the River’s Edge Golf Course. Last spring North Platte hosted the Flatrock Pro/Am tournament for the first time, and it successfully brought in over eighty players from Colorado, South Dakota, Iowa, Wyoming, and other communities throughout Nebraska including Lincoln. We believe the 2025 tournament will grow to have even more participants, as it promises to be a captivating three-round B-tier tournament.· Approved $50,000 in Grant Funds for the City of North Platte to lease or purchase a Turf Tank. The Turf Tank is a robotic field painter designed to mark all types of sports fields easier, faster, and more efficiently. This machine will have many uses for local sporting events as well as sports tourism events that bring visitors to our community. A few examples include painting the lines for the youth soccer fields at Centennial Park, marking football fields for area schools, and painting temporary lacrosse fields for upcoming skills camps and tournaments. Not only does the Turf Tank offer more precise marking due to its use of GPS, it also drastically cuts down on the labor and time that it takes to manually measure, mark, and paint these fields. Additionally, the reduction in paint usage will significantly lower the environmental impact on our community.The next round of funding is now open, with a January 1 deadline for events or projects occurring in April, May, and June of 2025. These applications will be considered at the regular monthly Board of Directors meeting scheduled for January 22, 2025. Anyone interested in submitting a grant application is encouraged to contact the Visitors Bureau at 308-532-4729 and discuss their project with a staff member.Visit North Platte operates under an agreement with the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to facilitate the Nebraska Visitors Development Act. Grant funds, marketing, and operating expenses for Visit North Platte are funded by lodging taxes collected and remitted by lodging properties from overnight stays in Lincoln County.It is thanks to the efforts of the lodging property partners located within the county that funds are available to attract more visitors, which have a significant impact on the economic well-being of our Lincoln County communities.

Visit North Platte Grant Awards

Sidney, Ne - The POST is happy to spotlight Sidney Regional Medical Center in Sidney, Nebraska and what this medical facility is doing to offer state of the art cancer treatment with their providers, equipment and resources. 

Eagle's Derek Beck spent an afternoon at Sidney Regional Medical Center this month and had an oppourtunity to sit down and talk with SRMC Radiology Director Adam Stevens, Joy Batt, ARNP, A-GNP-C, and Julie Shoemaker, Director of Growth and Development. The trio spoke about detection of breast cancer, how SRMC offers new state of the art services, along with preventative measures that both women and men should look for. During the conversation Stevens told the POST about the Center's 3D mammogram machine, Ultrasound machine, along with mentioning that SRMC is also accredited by the American Association of Radiology and the Food and Drug Administration under the M-Q-S-A Act. All of those things are new at Sidney Regional Medical Center in the last 3 years. Enjoy the imformative conversation from Sidney Regional Medical Center. (LISTEN BELOW)

For more information on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sidneyrmc.com/" target="_blank">Sidney Regional Medical Center click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729795850915.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Sidney, Ne - The POST is happy to spotlight Sidney Regional Medical Center in Sidney, Nebraska and what this medical facility is doing to offer state of the art cancer treatment with their providers, equipment and resources. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSidneyRMC%2Fposts%2Fpfbid033LybYUvVc4cKmYgxSinVYHdDT6bX2PbTMu59a1CQebfnJpbejWLuWBrdyF8XB6Zhl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Eagle's Derek Beck spent an afternoon at Sidney Regional Medical Center this month and had an oppourtunity to sit down and talk with SRMC Radiology Director Adam Stevens, Joy Batt, ARNP, A-GNP-C, and Julie Shoemaker, Director of Growth and Development. The trio spoke about detection of breast cancer, how SRMC offers new state of the art services, along with preventative measures that both women and men should look for. During the conversation Stevens told the POST about the Center's 3D mammogram machine, Ultrasound machine, along with mentioning that SRMC is also accredited by the American Association of Radiology and the Food and Drug Administration under the M-Q-S-A Act. All of those things are new at Sidney Regional Medical Center in the last 3 years. Enjoy the imformative conversation from Sidney Regional Medical Center. (LISTEN BELOW)<div><iframe title="Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Sidney Regional Medical Center leading the way in Panhandle with cancer care and treamtment" 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=qhg29-171a1e6-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>For more information on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sidneyrmc.com/" target="_blank">Sidney Regional Medical Center click here</a>.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Sidney Regional Medical Center leading the way in Panhandle with cancer care and treamtment (PODCAST)

The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors met for its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. (CDT) Wednesday, October 23, 2024, in Room 213 of McMillen Hall on the McCook Community College Campus, 1205 E. Third St., McCook, Neb.

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

NPCC student trustee Jaelyn Dicke and MCC student life secretary Kyler Cox were also present.

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

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

a. Minutes from September 25 Board work session, public hearings and regular meeting

b. The preliminary Financial Report for September

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 Institutional Effectiveness Tad Pfeifer, Director of Human Resources Rebecca Wrage, and Director of Marketing &amp; Public Information Daniel Stinman

The Board went into closed session at 7:17 p.m. to discuss negotiations. No action was taken after the Board reconvened in open session at 7:30 p.m.

Upon hearing no further business, the Board moved to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. The next Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20 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, October 23, 2024, in Room 213 of McMillen Hall on the McCook Community College Campus, 1205 E. Third St., McCook, Neb.Board Vice Chair Kim Korgan started the meeting with a roll call. In addition to Korgan, those present were MPCC President Ryan Purdy and Board members: Jo Etta Brown, Kirk Crawley, Kim Korgan, Kent Miller, Ernie Mehl, Tyler Pribbeno and Tricia Schaffer. Board members Matthew Broz, Cynthia Duncan, Ted Klug Jr., and Ben Lashley were absent and excused.NPCC student trustee Jaelyn Dicke and MCC student life secretary Kyler Cox were also present.2. OPEN FORUM (Comments from students, faculty, staff, public and Board)<ol>
 <li>NPCC student trustee Jaelyn Dicke reported on activities in North Platte, and MCC student life secretary Kyler Cox provided an update on happenings in McCook.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>MCC new employees Graphic Design/Visual Communications Instructor Alyssa Rippe, Agriculture Business Instructor Alyssa Rippe and Learning Commons Assistant Alisha Schwartz were introduced to the Board.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>The MCC Sports Media Club members were introduced to the Board.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Students attending the meeting from Sheri Hink-Wagner’s Sociology/Criminal Justice class introduced themselves to the Board.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Kirk Olsen, NPPD Board Member and Grant Flamig, NPPD Account Manager presented a $7,500 check for NPCC and a $7,500 check for MCC from their Nebraska Open Golf Tournament to be used for scholarships.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Gail Knott, Dean of Outreach &amp; Training and Mary Pierce, Administrator of MPCC Ogallala updated the Board about their recent success at the Skilled Trades Competition.</li>
 </ol>3. CONSENT ITEMS.&nbsp;On a single consent motion, the board approved:a. Minutes from September 25 Board work session, public hearings and regular meetingb. The preliminary Financial Report for September4. ACTIONS REQUIRED BY LAW<ol>
 <li>The Board approved bills for September in the amount of $4,262,527.71.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>The Board approved furniture bids for McCook’s East Campus building totaling $299,451.84</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>The Board approved the electrical building bid from Steele Construction in the amount of $3,750,314.</li>
 </ol>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 Institutional Effectiveness Tad Pfeifer, Director of Human Resources Rebecca Wrage, and Director of Marketing &amp; Public Information Daniel Stinman6. CLOSED SESSIONThe Board went into closed session at 7:17 p.m. to discuss negotiations. No action was taken after the Board reconvened in open session at 7:30 p.m.7. ADJOURNMENT&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon hearing no further business, the Board moved to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. The next Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20 in North Platte.FUTURE REPORTS<ul>
 <li>November – Auditor’s Report</li><li>November – Retention and Enrollment</li><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>November 20 - Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Room 200, W.W. Wood Building, North Platte Community College North Campus</li><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., Room 200, W.W. Wood Building, North Platte Community College North Campus</li><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

&nbsp; At about 5:37 p.m. on October 23,  while working traffic North of Hyannis on Hwy 61 near mile marker 162, Grant County Deputy Brown stopped a Kansas registered vehicle traveling south bound doing 75 mph in a 60 mph zone. 

 A subsequent cursory investigation revealed a 38- year old Wichita, Kansas man found to be in possession of suspected large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, cash and paraphernalia. 

  With the assistance of Nebraska State Patrol and Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, the subject was arrested for multiple drug charges and transported to the Box Butte County Jail without incident. 

 Investigation continues by the Grant County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;

By Grant County Shieff Mike Rath<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729785025424.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729785041197.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; At about 5:37 p.m. on October 23, while working traffic North of Hyannis on Hwy 61 near mile marker 162, Grant County Deputy Brown stopped a Kansas registered vehicle traveling south bound doing 75 mph in a 60 mph zone. A subsequent cursory investigation revealed a 38- year old Wichita, Kansas man found to be in possession of suspected large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, cash and paraphernalia. With the assistance of Nebraska State Patrol and Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, the subject was arrested for multiple drug charges and transported to the Box Butte County Jail without incident. Investigation continues by the Grant County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729785056243.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Kansas man arrested for cocaine, meth, multiple charges near Hyannis 

Maywood, Neb.- A school administrator with Maywood Public Schools has been arrested and charged with child abuse according to officials.&nbsp;

According to the Frontier County Sheriff's Office (FCSO), the department was made aware of an incident that occurred at Maywood Public Schools between the administrator and a 12-year-old student which was caught on the school's surveillance camera. The incident occurred on October 1st.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The administrator was identified as Mark Bejot, the superintendent for Maywood Public Schools. FCSO says after the investigation, the Nebraska Attorney General's Office filed a criminal complaint against Bejot for child abuse not resulting in serious bodily injury, a class 3A felony. Bejot is set to appear in court on November 1st.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The investigation is ongoing and if anyone has any information is encouraged to contact the Frontier County Sheriff's Office at 308-367-4411.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Maywood, Neb.- A school administrator with Maywood Public Schools has been arrested and charged with child abuse according to officials.&nbsp;According to the Frontier County Sheriff's Office (FCSO), the department was made aware of an incident that occurred at Maywood Public Schools between the administrator and a 12-year-old student which was caught on the school's surveillance camera. The incident occurred on October 1st.&nbsp;&nbsp;The administrator was identified as Mark Bejot, the superintendent for Maywood Public Schools. FCSO says after the investigation, the Nebraska Attorney General's Office filed a criminal complaint against Bejot for child abuse not resulting in serious bodily injury, a class 3A felony. Bejot is set to appear in court on November 1st.&nbsp;&nbsp;The investigation is ongoing and if anyone has any information is encouraged to contact the Frontier County Sheriff's Office at 308-367-4411.

Maywood Public Schools Superintendent arrested and charged with Child Abuse

Samantha Bales has been selected as North Platte Community College’s Business Student of the Month for October.

Bales graduated from North Platte High School in 2023. She is the daughter of Eddie and Jenni Bales. She chose to attend NPCC because she wanted to stay close to home while in school.

“The instructors are the best part of MPCC because they are very knowledgeable about what to teach and very kind and helpful,” Bales said of her experience.

Business instructor Jean Condon nominated Bales for the Student of the Month recognition.

“As a college instructor, I appreciate Sam’s hard work, commitment to excellence and dedication to her course work. These traits are a real asset in a college student,” said Condon.&nbsp; “She is kind, thoughtful and works well with other students. She will be an excellent employee upon her graduation from college.”

Bales is studying business accounting and business administrative at NPCC. She’s on track to graduate in the spring of 2025.

“After I graduate college, I might go on to get my bachelor’s degree,” Bales said. “I am working at CSI and plan to do that after I graduate.”

When not in class, Bales said she loves staying busy, working, being outdoors and watching movies in her free time

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729699233399.jpeg" alt="Sam Bales (Courtesy photo from NPCC)" />
 <figcaption>Sam Bales (Courtesy photo from NPCC)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer FullerNPCCSamantha Bales has been selected as North Platte Community College’s Business Student of the Month for October.Bales graduated from North Platte High School in 2023. She is the daughter of Eddie and Jenni Bales. She chose to attend NPCC because she wanted to stay close to home while in school.“The instructors are the best part of MPCC because they are very knowledgeable about what to teach and very kind and helpful,” Bales said of her experience.Business instructor Jean Condon nominated Bales for the Student of the Month recognition.“As a college instructor, I appreciate Sam’s hard work, commitment to excellence and dedication to her course work. These traits are a real asset in a college student,” said Condon.&nbsp; “She is kind, thoughtful and works well with other students. She will be an excellent employee upon her graduation from college.”Bales is studying business accounting and business administrative at NPCC. She’s on track to graduate in the spring of 2025.“After I graduate college, I might go on to get my bachelor’s degree,” Bales said. “I am working at CSI and plan to do that after I graduate.”When not in class, Bales said she loves staying busy, working, being outdoors and watching movies in her free time

Bales named NPCC Business Student of the Month

Ogallala, Neb. - Community members and residents of Keith County gathered in person&nbsp;to voice their concerns about the rezoning of land, while others supported it. The meeting was also available online on Zoom. In a vote, the Ogallala city council voted 4-1 in favor of rezoning the land.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The rezoning land on the agenda was a request to change zoning from A-1 Agriculture to C-4 Interstate Highway Business District, <a target="_blank" href="https://sandhillspost.com/posts/f14a2bbc-dc9d-45ee-b24d-4392ce4d1ae9">with the land located in section 7.</a> The land is located near Walmart on the south side of town. A Denver, Colorado man currently owns this section of land. The public hearing lasted around two and a half hours.&nbsp;

A big chunk of time during the meeting was used for the public hearing. Supporters for the change and non-supporters had roughly ten minutes to speak. In total, around 27 different individuals stepped up to the podium.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mary Wilson with the Keith County Area Development spoke on how this area would benefit the community with job creation included. "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the commercial hospitality of gaming sectors can create approximately 1.8 million jobs nationwide, by transforming this property into commercial, we can expect to generate hundreds of local jobs," said Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Many of the supporters for the rezoning change brought up topics like more money being brought into the community, more jobs being created, the casino bringing in more tourism, and more.&nbsp;

During Tuesday night's meeting, one of the residents who spoke against the rezoning change currently lives in the impacted area and his concerns along with his neighbors. "Our homes are the ones that will be directly affected by any proposed zoning changes and speaking with those neighbors a lot of them have the same questions.... Their questions were how this affect my property value, how does it affect my property taxes, how does it affect traffic along our road, “said a property owner whose property is impacted by the zoning change.&nbsp;

Other topics of concern brought up by residents included a potential increase in crime, a potential increase in traffic, property taxes/property value, and more.&nbsp;

The hallways were filled for the meeting, the Zoom was capped off at 100 guests and the audio from Tuesday's meeting will be posted online at a later time. A reminder this voting changed this section of land from agriculture to commercial and could be used for commercial development in the future.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729695376456.jpeg" alt="Residents in attendance at the 10/22 Ogallala City Council meeting with 100 folks watching on zoom (City of Ogallala Zoom)" />
 <figcaption>Residents in attendance at the 10/22 Ogallala City Council meeting with 100 folks watching on zoom (City of Ogallala Zoom)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sandhills Post&nbsp;Ogallala, Neb. - Community members and residents of Keith County gathered in person&nbsp;to voice their concerns about the rezoning of land, while others supported it. The meeting was also available online on Zoom. In a vote, the Ogallala city council voted 4-1 in favor of rezoning the land.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rezoning land on the agenda was a request to change zoning from A-1 Agriculture to C-4 Interstate Highway Business District, <a target="_blank" href="https://sandhillspost.com/posts/f14a2bbc-dc9d-45ee-b24d-4392ce4d1ae9">with the land located in section 7.</a> The land is located near Walmart on the south side of town. A Denver, Colorado man currently owns this section of land. The public hearing lasted around two and a half hours.&nbsp;Public Hearing&nbsp;A big chunk of time during the meeting was used for the public hearing. Supporters for the change and non-supporters had roughly ten minutes to speak. In total, around 27 different individuals stepped up to the podium.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mary Wilson with the Keith County Area Development spoke on how this area would benefit the community with job creation included. "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the commercial hospitality of gaming sectors can create approximately 1.8 million jobs nationwide, by transforming this property into commercial, we can expect to generate hundreds of local jobs," said Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many of the supporters for the rezoning change brought up topics like more money being brought into the community, more jobs being created, the casino bringing in more tourism, and more.&nbsp;During Tuesday night's meeting, one of the residents who spoke against the rezoning change currently lives in the impacted area and his concerns along with his neighbors. "Our homes are the ones that will be directly affected by any proposed zoning changes and speaking with those neighbors a lot of them have the same questions.... Their questions were how this affect my property value, how does it affect my property taxes, how does it affect traffic along our road, “said a property owner whose property is impacted by the zoning change.&nbsp;Other topics of concern brought up by residents included a potential increase in crime, a potential increase in traffic, property taxes/property value, and more.&nbsp;The hallways were filled for the meeting, the Zoom was capped off at 100 guests and the audio from Tuesday's meeting will be posted online at a later time. A reminder this voting changed this section of land from agriculture to commercial and could be used for commercial development in the future.&nbsp;

Ogallala City Council votes 4-1 to approve rezoning land

Nebraska Department of Transportation

 (McCook, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin Nov. 4 on the bridge project located west of McCook and east of Perry Grain on US-6. The work will start on the bridge located at reference post 82.59 on US-6, one mile west of McCook. Work on the bridge located at reference post81.21 on US-6, two miles west of McCook, is anticipated to start early spring of 2025, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Simons Contractors Inc. of North Platte is the contractor for this project. Work includes bridge reconstruction, box culvert construction, grading, concrete paving, earth shoulder construction, and seeding. Traffic will be maintained with lane restrictions, temporary traffic signals for bridge work, and flaggers with a pilot car. Traffic will be reduced to one 13-foot-wide lane to cross the bridge during construction. A width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is July 2025.

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

Nebraska Department of Transportation (McCook, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin Nov. 4 on the bridge project located west of McCook and east of Perry Grain on US-6. The work will start on the bridge located at reference post 82.59 on US-6, one mile west of McCook. Work on the bridge located at reference post81.21 on US-6, two miles west of McCook, is anticipated to start early spring of 2025, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.Simons Contractors Inc. of North Platte is the contractor for this project. Work includes bridge reconstruction, box culvert construction, grading, concrete paving, earth shoulder construction, and seeding. Traffic will be maintained with lane restrictions, temporary traffic signals for bridge work, and flaggers with a pilot car. Traffic will be reduced to one 13-foot-wide lane to cross the bridge during construction. A width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is July 2025.Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Work will begin on US-6, McCook West Bridges project

Open Plains Transit (OPT) is pleased to announce it has been approved for funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Highly Rural Transportation Grants Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Highly Rural Transportation Grants (HRTG) is a grant-based program that assists Veterans in highly rural areas with travel to VA or VA-authorized healthcare facilities. This program provides grant funding to Veteran Service Organizations and State Veterans Service Agencies to&nbsp;

provide transportation services in eligible counties. HRTG provides transportation programs in counties with fewer than seven people per square mile. There is no cost to participate in the program for Veterans who live in an area where HRTG is available.&nbsp;

OPT will be the Nebraska Coordinator for all thirty-nine eligible counties within Nebraska. “OPT’s goal for this program is simple,” states Jonnie Kusek, Director of Transportation, for the Alliance, NE based operation. “Access to healthcare is for all, that includes our Veterans. It is something we have been dedicated to for years. We see what happens to people in the most remote, rural and frontier areas of our state if they are unable to connect with healthcare needs.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

OPT Director Kusek and Prairie Hills Transit (Spearfish, SD) Executive Director Barb Cline have signed a memorandum of agreement that will run through September 30, 2025. Prairie Hills Transit has been providing veteran transportation for counties in South Dakota and Wyoming for several years. Cline emphasizes that Prairie Hills Transit is committed to providing exceptional service to our veterans. She expresses her pride in the partnership with OPT and looks forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the veteran community.&nbsp;

With the expansion of transportation services, OPT and Prairie Hills Transit are set to significantly impact the lives of Highly Rural Veterans. Approximately 35.3% of enrolled Veterans live in rural and highly rural areas, facing challenges in accessing the quality medical care they deserve. Distance and transportation are often cited as the most common obstacles.&nbsp;

Kusek says it will not be easy during the short, one-year grant cycle to start a new program, but she is no stranger to challenging work. Kusek has built an intercity bus system throughout western portions of Nebraska, which expands into South Dakota and Wyoming and connects with other transportation providers, offers direct local services in four of Nebraska’s largest counties, and is an NHHS non-emergency medical transportation provider to fifteen Nebraska counties, all of which results in some level of transportation service to over fifty Nebraska communities, including transportation services to the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota. She gives praise to having an effective team in various locations, aid, and support from other Nebraska Public Transportation agencies, and backing from the Nebraska Department of Transportation.&nbsp;

OPT is currently building the OPT Veterans Frontier Health Connection Team with support from the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs (NDVA). Kusek would like to see the team be comprised of members from NDVA, County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), veteran service organizations, Nebraska Public Transit Providers, veterans, and volunteers, all of whom will bring transportation solutions and action items to the table.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There will be mileage reimbursement for loaded and unloaded miles (above the Federal rate for CVSO, volunteers vetted and working through their local CVSO and Public Transit Agencies) paid monthly, which can be retained by an organization or individual, or donated to your CVSO. Medical appointments do not have to be at a VA facility, but appointments will be assessed for prior approval. Drivers are not limited to transporting Veterans from just their own counties, and Director Kusek asks that we look at the larger need of assisting Veterans in surrounding counties as well. More information will be located on the OPT website, <a href="http://www.optne.com/" target="_blank">www.optne.com</a>, as it becomes available, or interested agencies can contact Director Kusek for more information.&nbsp;

The Nebraska OPT Veterans Transportation Program has begun with a soft start and is scheduled to officially begin October 28, 2024.&nbsp;

Please call 833-678-8387 (833-OPT-VETS):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Open Plains Transit is a division of Senior Services, Inc., a nonprofit organization, based in Alliance, NE.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729691930422.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jonnie KusekOpen Plains Transit (OPT) is pleased to announce it has been approved for funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Highly Rural Transportation Grants Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Highly Rural Transportation Grants (HRTG) is a grant-based program that assists Veterans in highly rural areas with travel to VA or VA-authorized healthcare facilities. This program provides grant funding to Veteran Service Organizations and State Veterans Service Agencies to&nbsp;provide transportation services in eligible counties. HRTG provides transportation programs in counties with fewer than seven people per square mile. There is no cost to participate in the program for Veterans who live in an area where HRTG is available.&nbsp;OPT will be the Nebraska Coordinator for all thirty-nine eligible counties within Nebraska. “OPT’s goal for this program is simple,” states Jonnie Kusek, Director of Transportation, for the Alliance, NE based operation. “Access to healthcare is for all, that includes our Veterans. It is something we have been dedicated to for years. We see what happens to people in the most remote, rural and frontier areas of our state if they are unable to connect with healthcare needs.”&nbsp;&nbsp;OPT Director Kusek and Prairie Hills Transit (Spearfish, SD) Executive Director Barb Cline have signed a memorandum of agreement that will run through September 30, 2025. Prairie Hills Transit has been providing veteran transportation for counties in South Dakota and Wyoming for several years. Cline emphasizes that Prairie Hills Transit is committed to providing exceptional service to our veterans. She expresses her pride in the partnership with OPT and looks forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the veteran community.&nbsp;With the expansion of transportation services, OPT and Prairie Hills Transit are set to significantly impact the lives of Highly Rural Veterans. Approximately 35.3% of enrolled Veterans live in rural and highly rural areas, facing challenges in accessing the quality medical care they deserve. Distance and transportation are often cited as the most common obstacles.&nbsp;Kusek says it will not be easy during the short, one-year grant cycle to start a new program, but she is no stranger to challenging work. Kusek has built an intercity bus system throughout western portions of Nebraska, which expands into South Dakota and Wyoming and connects with other transportation providers, offers direct local services in four of Nebraska’s largest counties, and is an NHHS non-emergency medical transportation provider to fifteen Nebraska counties, all of which results in some level of transportation service to over fifty Nebraska communities, including transportation services to the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota. She gives praise to having an effective team in various locations, aid, and support from other Nebraska Public Transportation agencies, and backing from the Nebraska Department of Transportation.&nbsp;OPT is currently building the OPT Veterans Frontier Health Connection Team with support from the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs (NDVA). Kusek would like to see the team be comprised of members from NDVA, County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), veteran service organizations, Nebraska Public Transit Providers, veterans, and volunteers, all of whom will bring transportation solutions and action items to the table.&nbsp;&nbsp;There will be mileage reimbursement for loaded and unloaded miles (above the Federal rate for CVSO, volunteers vetted and working through their local CVSO and Public Transit Agencies) paid monthly, which can be retained by an organization or individual, or donated to your CVSO. Medical appointments do not have to be at a VA facility, but appointments will be assessed for prior approval. Drivers are not limited to transporting Veterans from just their own counties, and Director Kusek asks that we look at the larger need of assisting Veterans in surrounding counties as well. More information will be located on the OPT website, <a href="http://www.optne.com/" target="_blank">www.optne.com</a>, as it becomes available, or interested agencies can contact Director Kusek for more information.&nbsp;The Nebraska OPT Veterans Transportation Program has begun with a soft start and is scheduled to officially begin October 28, 2024.&nbsp;Please call 833-678-8387 (833-OPT-VETS):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>All passengers must be pre-registered. OPT encourages all Veterans in eligible counties to call now and pre-register long before they ever need transportation services. Please know your emergency contact information, when calling and the last four digits of your Veteran’s I.D. Number.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Please allow as much advance notice as possible for transportation requests. Requests may be made up to 90 days in advance and at least 2 weeks advance notice is recommended.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Open Plains Transit is a division of Senior Services, Inc., a nonprofit organization, based in Alliance, NE.&nbsp;

Open Plains Transit Receives Veterans Transportation Funding for Thirty-Nine Eligible Nebraska Counties 

Nancy Sedlacek, of Broken Bow, receives the keys to the 2024 North Platte Community College raffle car Monday afternoon in Broken Bow. Sedlacek won the drawing for the 1979 Pontiac Trans Am in September.

The Trans Am is the 19th raffle vehicle produced by the college’s Transportation Division. It was restored by students in the Automotive Technology and Auto Body Technology programs.

A total of 6,307 tickets were sold this year. Proceeds will go toward scholarships for students in the college’s transportation programs and to help offset the cost of producing the next raffle car project.

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 </figure>MPCCNancy Sedlacek, of Broken Bow, receives the keys to the 2024 North Platte Community College raffle car Monday afternoon in Broken Bow. Sedlacek won the drawing for the 1979 Pontiac Trans Am in September.The Trans Am is the 19th raffle vehicle produced by the college’s Transportation Division. It was restored by students in the Automotive Technology and Auto Body Technology programs.A total of 6,307 tickets were sold this year. Proceeds will go toward scholarships for students in the college’s transportation programs and to help offset the cost of producing the next raffle car project.

Winner of the NPCC raffle car received keys on Monday in Broken Bow

CURTIS, NEB. –– The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) will host the&nbsp; inaugural Precision Agriculture Conference on November 21 at 9 a.m. at the Ag Industry&nbsp; Education Center on NCTA’s campus.&nbsp;

The conference encourages all students, educators, professionals, and producers to attend to&nbsp; discover the latest farming practices through innovative technology and sustainable solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Registration for the conference includes a $50 registration fee. Students interested in the event can receive a discount by contacting NCTA faculty.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those in attendance will learn the importance of data-driven decisions in farming and have the&nbsp; opportunity to learn from industry experts, researchers, and practitioners about how precision&nbsp; agriculture can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve crop yields while fostering&nbsp; stronger agricultural communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The conference will feature keynote speakers, Dr. Mitch Stephenson and Dr. Abia Katimbo, who&nbsp; will speak on their respective research and knowledge. Dr. Stephenson will discuss the&nbsp; integration of cattle and GIS technology while Dr. Katimbo will explain innovative irrigation&nbsp; management practices. Other presentations will cover agricultural conservation planning, remote&nbsp; sensing, and the use of drones in modern farming.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Conference participants will also gain access to a six-month membership with the Nebraska GIS&nbsp; and LIS Association, which will provide valuable networking opportunities with GIS&nbsp; professionals statewide.&nbsp;

In conjunction with the conference, an ArcPro and Data Migration Workshop will be offered on&nbsp; the same day as the conference. To register for the workshop, please contact&nbsp; casey.dunngossin@nebraska.gov.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A complimentary lunch sponsored by Invest Nebraska will be provided and include local stories&nbsp; highlighting successful agricultural practices in the region.&nbsp;

The conference is made possible by the collaboration of the Nebraska College of Technical&nbsp; Agriculture, the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, the Nebraska GIS and&nbsp; LIS Association, and the Nebraska GIS Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To register for this event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-precision-agriculture conference-registration-1007881389367.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kelly BrunsCURTIS, NEB. –– The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) will host the&nbsp; inaugural Precision Agriculture Conference on November 21 at 9 a.m. at the Ag Industry&nbsp; Education Center on NCTA’s campus.&nbsp;The conference encourages all students, educators, professionals, and producers to attend to&nbsp; discover the latest farming practices through innovative technology and sustainable solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Registration for the conference includes a $50 registration fee. Students interested in the event can receive a discount by contacting NCTA faculty.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those in attendance will learn the importance of data-driven decisions in farming and have the&nbsp; opportunity to learn from industry experts, researchers, and practitioners about how precision&nbsp; agriculture can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve crop yields while fostering&nbsp; stronger agricultural communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;The conference will feature keynote speakers, Dr. Mitch Stephenson and Dr. Abia Katimbo, who&nbsp; will speak on their respective research and knowledge. Dr. Stephenson will discuss the&nbsp; integration of cattle and GIS technology while Dr. Katimbo will explain innovative irrigation&nbsp; management practices. Other presentations will cover agricultural conservation planning, remote&nbsp; sensing, and the use of drones in modern farming.&nbsp;&nbsp;Conference participants will also gain access to a six-month membership with the Nebraska GIS&nbsp; and LIS Association, which will provide valuable networking opportunities with GIS&nbsp; professionals statewide.&nbsp;In conjunction with the conference, an ArcPro and Data Migration Workshop will be offered on&nbsp; the same day as the conference. To register for the workshop, please contact&nbsp; casey.dunngossin@nebraska.gov.&nbsp;&nbsp;A complimentary lunch sponsored by Invest Nebraska will be provided and include local stories&nbsp; highlighting successful agricultural practices in the region.&nbsp;The conference is made possible by the collaboration of the Nebraska College of Technical&nbsp; Agriculture, the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, the Nebraska GIS and&nbsp; LIS Association, and the Nebraska GIS Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;To register for this event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-precision-agriculture conference-registration-1007881389367.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NCTA to host inaugural precision ag conference 

&nbsp;OGALLALA - The Ogallala City Council is hosting their meeting today, October 22nd.&nbsp;A public hearing and recommendations from committees and boards will highlight tonight's agenda which features a rezoning change for a potential new casino. Tonight's meeting is set to start at 7:00pm MDT. You can watch the council meeting via ZOOM, <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85118035004?pwd=LyRDnIRfYtGGn23CFsF7WPqGN8bWEe.1&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawGE3C1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSvbc5EyWAGbBkCba0uVNlrHO0a4wUfMPG6fzAR9GnHMaaU08shTsQT_5A_aem_sT4DgsHv1hzm4qF7lIOE9A#success">click here</a>.&nbsp;

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 </figure>Sandhills Post&nbsp;OGALLALA - The Ogallala City Council is hosting their meeting today, October 22nd.&nbsp;A public hearing and recommendations from committees and boards will highlight tonight's agenda which features a rezoning change for a potential new casino. Tonight's meeting is set to start at 7:00pm MDT. You can watch the council meeting via ZOOM, <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85118035004?pwd=LyRDnIRfYtGGn23CFsF7WPqGN8bWEe.1&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawGE3C1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSvbc5EyWAGbBkCba0uVNlrHO0a4wUfMPG6fzAR9GnHMaaU08shTsQT_5A_aem_sT4DgsHv1hzm4qF7lIOE9A#success">click here</a>.&nbsp;Meeting ID: 851 1803 5004See rest of agenda below:<figure>
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Land rezoning for potential new casino in Ogallala highlights tonight's agenda (10/22), rest of agenda attached

North Platte, Neb. – Great Plains Health is proud to announce that Danielle&nbsp; "Dani" Smith, MSN, RN, has been named one of the 2024 Nebraska Nurses 40 Under 40. This&nbsp; prestigious recognition was presented at the Nebraska Nurses Association Annual Convention&nbsp; held at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney on October 4, 2024.&nbsp;

The 40 Under 40 program, jointly organized by the Nebraska Organization of Nursing&nbsp; Leadership (NONL) and the Nebraska Nurses Association (NNA), recognizes 40 nurses under&nbsp; the age of 40 who are currently licensed as RNs or LPNs across the state of Nebraska.&nbsp;

Tina Pate, Chief Nursing Officer at Great Plains Health, shared her thoughts on the&nbsp; achievement: "Watching Dani grow in her career has been incredibly rewarding. Her passion&nbsp; for patient care is infectious, and she has this amazing ability to connect with both patients and&nbsp; colleagues. Dani's not just a talented nurse; she's a natural leader who inspires those around&nbsp; her. This recognition is well-deserved, and I couldn't be prouder of her."&nbsp;

Upon receiving the award, Dani Smith expressed her gratitude: "Nursing isn't just a job for me.&nbsp; Every day, I have the privilege of making a difference in people's lives, and that's what drives&nbsp; me. This award is an honor, but the real reward is the incredible team I work with at Great&nbsp; Plains Health and the trust my staff place in me to guide them to provide the best care to our&nbsp; patients. They push me to be better every day."&nbsp;

The 40 Under 40 program highlights nurses who significantly contribute to leadership within&nbsp; the nursing profession through various avenues, including clinical practice, education and&nbsp; teaching, administrative leadership, research, writing/publishing, policy involvement, and&nbsp; healthcare innovation.&nbsp;

Kim Houtwed, NNA Executive Director, explained the spirit behind the recognition: "When we&nbsp; look at these young nurses, we see the future of healthcare in Nebraska. They're not just&nbsp; providing excellent care; they're reimagining what nursing can be. Whether it's a nurse&nbsp; developing a new patient education program or another advocating for policy changes, these&nbsp; 40 Under 40 honorees are shaping the future of our profession."&nbsp;

Great Plains Health congratulates Dani on this well-deserved recognition and her continued&nbsp; commitment to excellence in nursing.&nbsp;

Based in North Platte, Nebraska, Great Plains Health is a fully accredited, 116-bed acute-care&nbsp; regional medical center serving western and central Nebraska, northern Kansas, and southern&nbsp; South Dakota. With 90 physicians representing nearly 30 medical specialties, the Great Plains&nbsp; Health system offers advanced health care, including heart and vascular, cancer, and&nbsp;&nbsp;

orthopedic surgery services. Great Plains Health is a Level III trauma center, and all of its&nbsp; emergency department physicians are residency-trained and board-certified in emergency&nbsp; medicine. The system employs approximately 1,200 employees and serves a geographic area&nbsp; spanning approximately 16,000 square miles. The hospital is accredited by the Center for&nbsp; Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) and is home to an American College of Surgeons accredited cancer center and Level II bariatric surgery program. For more information, visit&nbsp; gphealth.org.&nbsp;

Annually beginning in May-June, the NONL and NNA accepts nominations to begin its search&nbsp; for 40 Under 40 candidates. During the next three months, the two associations’ review&nbsp; committee evaluate blinded nominations and look for nurses who represent the next&nbsp; generation of nursing leaders. The honorees are then recognized in October at the NNA&nbsp; Annual Convention Awards Breakfast.

Great Plains HealthNorth Platte, Neb. – Great Plains Health is proud to announce that Danielle&nbsp; "Dani" Smith, MSN, RN, has been named one of the 2024 Nebraska Nurses 40 Under 40. This&nbsp; prestigious recognition was presented at the Nebraska Nurses Association Annual Convention&nbsp; held at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney on October 4, 2024.&nbsp;The 40 Under 40 program, jointly organized by the Nebraska Organization of Nursing&nbsp; Leadership (NONL) and the Nebraska Nurses Association (NNA), recognizes 40 nurses under&nbsp; the age of 40 who are currently licensed as RNs or LPNs across the state of Nebraska.&nbsp;Tina Pate, Chief Nursing Officer at Great Plains Health, shared her thoughts on the&nbsp; achievement: "Watching Dani grow in her career has been incredibly rewarding. Her passion&nbsp; for patient care is infectious, and she has this amazing ability to connect with both patients and&nbsp; colleagues. Dani's not just a talented nurse; she's a natural leader who inspires those around&nbsp; her. This recognition is well-deserved, and I couldn't be prouder of her."&nbsp;Upon receiving the award, Dani Smith expressed her gratitude: "Nursing isn't just a job for me.&nbsp; Every day, I have the privilege of making a difference in people's lives, and that's what drives&nbsp; me. This award is an honor, but the real reward is the incredible team I work with at Great&nbsp; Plains Health and the trust my staff place in me to guide them to provide the best care to our&nbsp; patients. They push me to be better every day."&nbsp;The 40 Under 40 program highlights nurses who significantly contribute to leadership within&nbsp; the nursing profession through various avenues, including clinical practice, education and&nbsp; teaching, administrative leadership, research, writing/publishing, policy involvement, and&nbsp; healthcare innovation.&nbsp;Kim Houtwed, NNA Executive Director, explained the spirit behind the recognition: "When we&nbsp; look at these young nurses, we see the future of healthcare in Nebraska. They're not just&nbsp; providing excellent care; they're reimagining what nursing can be. Whether it's a nurse&nbsp; developing a new patient education program or another advocating for policy changes, these&nbsp; 40 Under 40 honorees are shaping the future of our profession."&nbsp;Great Plains Health congratulates Dani on this well-deserved recognition and her continued&nbsp; commitment to excellence in nursing.&nbsp;About Great Plains Health&nbsp;Based in North Platte, Nebraska, Great Plains Health is a fully accredited, 116-bed acute-care&nbsp; regional medical center serving western and central Nebraska, northern Kansas, and southern&nbsp; South Dakota. With 90 physicians representing nearly 30 medical specialties, the Great Plains&nbsp; Health system offers advanced health care, including heart and vascular, cancer, and&nbsp;&nbsp;orthopedic surgery services. Great Plains Health is a Level III trauma center, and all of its&nbsp; emergency department physicians are residency-trained and board-certified in emergency&nbsp; medicine. The system employs approximately 1,200 employees and serves a geographic area&nbsp; spanning approximately 16,000 square miles. The hospital is accredited by the Center for&nbsp; Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) and is home to an American College of Surgeons accredited cancer center and Level II bariatric surgery program. For more information, visit&nbsp; gphealth.org.&nbsp;About 40 Under 40&nbsp;Annually beginning in May-June, the NONL and NNA accepts nominations to begin its search&nbsp; for 40 Under 40 candidates. During the next three months, the two associations’ review&nbsp; committee evaluate blinded nominations and look for nurses who represent the next&nbsp; generation of nursing leaders. The honorees are then recognized in October at the NNA&nbsp; Annual Convention Awards Breakfast.

Great Plains Health Nurse Danielle Smith Recognized in 2024 Nebraska Nurses 40  Under 40

Lincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued an Order (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/state911/2024-10-16%20911-078%20DC-104%20C-5596%20Order%20Dismissing%20Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">911-078/DC-104/C-5596</a>) approving a stipulated agreement with Windstream and dismissing the department complaint against the telecommunication carrier concerning three separate 911outages/disruptions.

“Through this agreement Windstream has committed to improving public safety communications by investing more than one million dollars into its network reliability and diversity, ”said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “ The agreement provides for civil penalties if Windstream does not complete the agreed upon enhancements and improvements by the end of 2025.”

The agreement includes a 911 Remediation Plan, in which Windstream has agreed, among other improvements to:

The stipulated agreement follows an investigation involving three separate Windstream service disruptions which occurred on September 2 &amp; 3, November 28, 2023, and January 13, 2024.As part of its investigation the Commission conducted data requests, held a public hearing, and sought analysis from outside experts on network infrastructure specifically in the area of 911network requirements. As a result of the investigation a complaint was filed by the State 911department. The department complaint resulted in the stipulated agreement and the remediation plan approved by the Commission.

Commissioner Watermeier said, “The Commission and the public demand accountability from our telecommunications carriers. While we appreciate Windstream’s willingness to work with us, we will continue to monitor the company’s progress to confirm that it is complying with the agreement.”

With the Order dismissing the complaint and approving the stipulated agreement, a hearing will not be held. A copy of the Order as well as the Remediation Plan can be found on the PSCwebsite at &lt;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/state-911/windstream-911-outage-investigation" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/state-911/windstream-911-outage-investigation</a>&nbsp;&gt;

Deb CollinsLincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued an Order (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/state911/2024-10-16%20911-078%20DC-104%20C-5596%20Order%20Dismissing%20Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">911-078/DC-104/C-5596</a>) approving a stipulated agreement with Windstream and dismissing the department complaint against the telecommunication carrier concerning three separate 911outages/disruptions.“Through this agreement Windstream has committed to improving public safety communications by investing more than one million dollars into its network reliability and diversity, ”said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “ The agreement provides for civil penalties if Windstream does not complete the agreed upon enhancements and improvements by the end of 2025.”The agreement includes a 911 Remediation Plan, in which Windstream has agreed, among other improvements to:<ul>
 <li>Enhance its back up systems to address power outages.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Provide an additional layer of reliability and protection against outages by adding a new network path. This additional path creates three separate network paths for traffic into and out of Nebraska. This third path has the capacity to carry all of Windstream’s traffic in Nebraska should the other two paths go down and repairs need to be made.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Engage a third-party auditor to complete a system reliability and engineering review ofits Nebraska network.</li>
 </ul>The stipulated agreement follows an investigation involving three separate Windstream service disruptions which occurred on September 2 &amp; 3, November 28, 2023, and January 13, 2024.As part of its investigation the Commission conducted data requests, held a public hearing, and sought analysis from outside experts on network infrastructure specifically in the area of 911network requirements. As a result of the investigation a complaint was filed by the State 911department. The department complaint resulted in the stipulated agreement and the remediation plan approved by the Commission.Commissioner Watermeier said, “The Commission and the public demand accountability from our telecommunications carriers. While we appreciate Windstream’s willingness to work with us, we will continue to monitor the company’s progress to confirm that it is complying with the agreement.”With the Order dismissing the complaint and approving the stipulated agreement, a hearing will not be held. A copy of the Order as well as the Remediation Plan can be found on the PSCwebsite at &lt;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/state-911/windstream-911-outage-investigation" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/state-911/windstream-911-outage-investigation</a>&nbsp;&gt;

PSC Resolves Complaint, Approves Remediation Plan for Windstream

NORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– A series of three workshops focused on managing agricultural family living expenses will be presented on at noon Central time in North Platte during Ag Smart Money week, Nov. 4-8, at the office of Nebraska Extension in Lincoln-Logan-McPherson Counties, 348 W. State Farm Road. 

Ag Smart Money Week, presented by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension, includes daily webinars and workshops focusing on budgeting, cost of production, debt management, leasing considerations and more. 

They will highlight tools, resources and information to help farmers and ranchers better manage financial risk to improve their business.

The three hybrid events that are part of the Family Living Expenses series offered in person in North Platte are:

• Nov. 4 at noon CT: Budgeting Family Living into Cost of Production (hybrid event)

• Nov. 6 at noon CT: Savings and Investments for Farm and Ranch Wellbeing (hybrid 

• Nov. 8 at noon CT: Navigating Debt — Strategies for Farms and Ranches (hybrid event)

Extension personnel will be on hand to answer questions and assist attendees in understanding the information presented.&nbsp;

The workshops are free to attend. Registration and more information about Ag Smart Money week can be found at https://cap.unl.edu/smartmoney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729519091785.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Karlie GerlachNORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– A series of three workshops focused on managing agricultural family living expenses will be presented on at noon Central time in North Platte during Ag Smart Money week, Nov. 4-8, at the office of Nebraska Extension in Lincoln-Logan-McPherson Counties, 348 W. State Farm Road. Ag Smart Money Week, presented by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension, includes daily webinars and workshops focusing on budgeting, cost of production, debt management, leasing considerations and more. They will highlight tools, resources and information to help farmers and ranchers better manage financial risk to improve their business.The three hybrid events that are part of the Family Living Expenses series offered in person in North Platte are:• Nov. 4 at noon CT: Budgeting Family Living into Cost of Production (hybrid event)• Nov. 6 at noon CT: Savings and Investments for Farm and Ranch Wellbeing (hybrid event)• Nov. 8 at noon CT: Navigating Debt — Strategies for Farms and Ranches (hybrid event)Extension personnel will be on hand to answer questions and assist attendees in understanding the information presented.&nbsp;The workshops are free to attend. Registration and more information about Ag Smart Money week can be found at https://cap.unl.edu/smartmoney.

North Platte hosting financial workshops for ag producers during Extension’s Ag Smart Money Week

JEREMY MARTIN OTZEL, 37, NORTH PLATTE AND TIFFANY NICOLE PAXTON, 38, NORTH PLATTE

CHEVAS NATHANIEL SHAW, 32, GOTHENBURG, AND SARAH JO WOODHEAD, 28, NORTH PLATTE

GARY ALLEN KEENEY, 75 NORTH PLATTE AND AMBER LEANN SHERMAN, 54, NORTH PLATTE

JACOB LEE BEAR, 42, NORTH PLATTE AND TINAMARIA GUADALUPE FERNANDEZ, 42, NORTH PLATTE

JAMES IVAN HOWELL, 54, NORTH PLATTE, AND CATHERINE ILENE KOHLER, 47, NORTH PLATTE

ZANE ADRIAN MICKELSEN, 28, CURTIS AND SHYANNE BROOKE FOSTER, 29, CURTIS

MARCUS AARON BARRAZA, 26, NORTH PLATTE AND BRITTANI JEANE DALEY, 20, NORTH PLATTE

JEREMY MARTIN OTZEL, 37, NORTH PLATTE AND TIFFANY NICOLE PAXTON, 38, NORTH PLATTECHEVAS NATHANIEL SHAW, 32, GOTHENBURG, AND SARAH JO WOODHEAD, 28, NORTH PLATTEGARY ALLEN KEENEY, 75 NORTH PLATTE AND AMBER LEANN SHERMAN, 54, NORTH PLATTEJACOB LEE BEAR, 42, NORTH PLATTE AND TINAMARIA GUADALUPE FERNANDEZ, 42, NORTH PLATTEJAMES IVAN HOWELL, 54, NORTH PLATTE, AND CATHERINE ILENE KOHLER, 47, NORTH PLATTEZANE ADRIAN MICKELSEN, 28, CURTIS AND SHYANNE BROOKE FOSTER, 29, CURTISMARCUS AARON BARRAZA, 26, NORTH PLATTE AND BRITTANI JEANE DALEY, 20, NORTH PLATTE

Marriage Licenses For Lincoln County (Week of October 14th)

(North Platte, Neb.) — US-26, from reference post 149+76 to reference post 149+96, will be transitioned into two-lane, two-way traffic on the northbound lanes with a single lane in each direction on Oct. 22. Southbound traffic will utilize a median crossover at reference post 149+96, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

JJK of Ceresco is the contractor for this project. Work includes bridge repair on the southbound bridge over UPRR. Traffic will be maintained with lane dividers. An 11-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Dec. 2024.

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.

Nebraska Department of Transportation(North Platte, Neb.) — US-26, from reference post 149+76 to reference post 149+96, will be transitioned into two-lane, two-way traffic on the northbound lanes with a single lane in each direction on Oct. 22. Southbound traffic will utilize a median crossover at reference post 149+96, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.JJK of Ceresco is the contractor for this project. Work includes bridge repair on the southbound bridge over UPRR. Traffic will be maintained with lane dividers. An 11-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Dec. 2024.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 continues on US-26 in Ogallala beginning Tuesday

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Eddie L. Houpt, age 60, of North Platte, Nebraska was sentenced on October 17, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of distribution of 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Houpt to a total of 100 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Houpt’s release from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.

On June 12, 2022, a Confidential Informant (“CI”) set up a controlled buy from Houpt.&nbsp; Law enforcement provided the CI with $1,300 to purchase two ounces of meth from Houpt.&nbsp; Houpt picked the CI up and drove around for a little while before dropping the CI off.&nbsp; During the drive, the CI provided Houpt the money and Houpt gave the CI a container which had two baggies containing a white crystalline substance.&nbsp; The State Crime Lab confirmed the substance to be 42.68 grams of a meth mixture containing at least 40 grams of actual meth.

This case was investigated by the Tri-City Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT). TRIDENT is a task force with law enforcement personnel from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Hastings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Kearney Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Eddie L. Houpt, age 60, of North Platte, Nebraska was sentenced on October 17, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of distribution of 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Houpt to a total of 100 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Houpt’s release from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729268959411.jpeg" alt="Eddie Houpt" />
 <figcaption>Eddie Houpt</figcaption>
 </figure>On June 12, 2022, a Confidential Informant (“CI”) set up a controlled buy from Houpt.&nbsp; Law enforcement provided the CI with $1,300 to purchase two ounces of meth from Houpt.&nbsp; Houpt picked the CI up and drove around for a little while before dropping the CI off.&nbsp; During the drive, the CI provided Houpt the money and Houpt gave the CI a container which had two baggies containing a white crystalline substance.&nbsp; The State Crime Lab confirmed the substance to be 42.68 grams of a meth mixture containing at least 40 grams of actual meth.This case was investigated by the Tri-City Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT). TRIDENT is a task force with law enforcement personnel from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Hastings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Kearney Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol.

North Platte Man Sentenced to Over 8 Years for Distribution of Methamphetamine

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jamie M. Hopkins, age 36, of North Platte, Nebraska was sentenced on October 17, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Hopkins to a total of 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hopkin’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.

Between July 2022 and February 2023, Hopkins led an organization responsible for distributing meth and fentanyl in and around the North Platte area.&nbsp; The group was responsible for the distribution of pounds of meth.&nbsp; She and other coconspirators were subjects of multiple controlled buys, search warrants, and arrests.

Three controlled buys from Hopkins and co-defendant, Joey Romero, occurred in July of 2022.&nbsp; On July 7, 2022, a Confidential Informant (“CI”) purchased 6.2 grams of meth mixture from Hopkins and Romero.&nbsp; On July 13, 2022, the same CI purchased 28.4 grams of meth mixture from Romero in Hopkins’ car in a grocery store parking lot.&nbsp; On July 29, 2022, the CI purchased 26 grams of meth actual from Hopkins and Romero.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jamie M. Hopkins, age 36, of North Platte, Nebraska was sentenced on October 17, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Hopkins to a total of 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hopkin’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.Between July 2022 and February 2023, Hopkins led an organization responsible for distributing meth and fentanyl in and around the North Platte area.&nbsp; The group was responsible for the distribution of pounds of meth.&nbsp; She and other coconspirators were subjects of multiple controlled buys, search warrants, and arrests.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729261576155.jpeg" alt="Jamie M Hopkins" />
 <figcaption>Jamie M Hopkins</figcaption>
 </figure>Three controlled buys from Hopkins and co-defendant, Joey Romero, occurred in July of 2022.&nbsp; On July 7, 2022, a Confidential Informant (“CI”) purchased 6.2 grams of meth mixture from Hopkins and Romero.&nbsp; On July 13, 2022, the same CI purchased 28.4 grams of meth mixture from Romero in Hopkins’ car in a grocery store parking lot.&nbsp; On July 29, 2022, the CI purchased 26 grams of meth actual from Hopkins and Romero.Two controlled buys from Hopkins and Romero occurred in August of 2022.&nbsp; On August 2, 2022, the CI purchased 26 grams of meth actual from Hopkins in a hotel room occupied by Hopkins and Romero.&nbsp; On August 17, 2022, the CI purchased 10 pills from Hopkins at her house.&nbsp; The pills later tested positive for meth and fentanyl.On January 30, 2023, the CI purchased 36 grams of meth actual from Hopkins and a coconspirator at Hopkins’ residence.&nbsp; A search warrant was served on Hopkins’ house on February 7, 2023.&nbsp; During the search, law enforcement found multiple baggies of meth throughout the house, to include: the bedroom, Hopkins’ purse, and in a toilet of a bathroom.&nbsp; Law enforcement also found 2 bongs, 29 pills, owe notes, 3 scales, spoons with residue, 224 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a box of Winchester 380 ammunition with 23 rounds in it, and empty baggies in the home.&nbsp; The baggies of meth were tested by the State Patrol Crime Lab.&nbsp; The lab confirmed the samples contained 35.85 grams of a meth mixture.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Romero pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing on December 12, 2024.This case was investigated by the Tri-City Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT). TRIDENT is a task force with law enforcement personnel from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Hastings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Kearney Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol.