<a>September 5, 2024 (North Platte, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have conducted alcohol compliance checks in Lincoln County.

During the evening hours of Wednesday, September 4, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Lincoln County.

In total, 10 businesses were checked. One of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor for a compliance rate of 90%. The business that failed the compliance check was Avid &amp; Candlewood Suites.

Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to minors are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.&nbsp;This project is funded 100% by the Region II Human Services SUPTBG ($427,899.00, 6B08TIO85820-01M002) through SAMHSA, contracted through the NDHHS, Division of Behavioral Health.

Alcohol-serving businesses and employees have access to training resources through the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Responsible Beverage Server Training is a comprehensive training designed to equip staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve alcohol responsibly in a bar, convenience store, grocery store, or at a special even, manage difficult situations, and uphold legal and ethical standards. 

To enroll in this free training program or to learn more about its benefits, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://rbst.lincoln.ne.gov/index.php?page=registration" target="_blank">https://rbst.lincoln.ne.gov/index.php?page=registration</a>.. A full list of certified alcohol training programs recommended by the Commission can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://lcc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/Certified%20Alcohol%20Training%20Courses.pdf" target="_blank">Certified Alcohol Training Courses.pdf (nebraska.gov)</a>.

Mikayala HallNebraska State Patrol<a>September 5, 2024 (North Platte, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have conducted alcohol compliance checks in Lincoln County.During the evening hours of Wednesday, September 4, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Lincoln County.In total, 10 businesses were checked. One of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor for a compliance rate of 90%. The business that failed the compliance check was Avid &amp; Candlewood Suites.Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to minors are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.&nbsp;This project is funded 100% by the Region II Human Services SUPTBG ($427,899.00, 6B08TIO85820-01M002) through SAMHSA, contracted through the NDHHS, Division of Behavioral Health.Alcohol-serving businesses and employees have access to training resources through the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Responsible Beverage Server Training is a comprehensive training designed to equip staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve alcohol responsibly in a bar, convenience store, grocery store, or at a special even, manage difficult situations, and uphold legal and ethical standards. To enroll in this free training program or to learn more about its benefits, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://rbst.lincoln.ne.gov/index.php?page=registration" target="_blank">https://rbst.lincoln.ne.gov/index.php?page=registration</a>.. A full list of certified alcohol training programs recommended by the Commission can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://lcc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/Certified%20Alcohol%20Training%20Courses.pdf" target="_blank">Certified Alcohol Training Courses.pdf (nebraska.gov)</a>.

Alcohol Compliance Checks Held in Lincoln County

The North Platte Canteen-A Musical Miracle

September 27, 28, 29, and October 4, 5, 6, 2024

The extraordinary true story of Rae Wilson and the women of the North Platte Canteen.&nbsp; Their selfless act inspired thousands and benefited millions. They welcomed soldiers with open arms, food, and gifts during WWII, in a phenomenon that lasted four-and-a-half years.

Tickets are on sale at the North Platte Community Playhouse or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://northplattecommunityplayhouse.com/" target="_blank">northplattecommunityplayhouse.com</a>.

For more information, please call 532-8559 between 1-5 p.m. (M-F)

Students ($10 in advance/$12 at the door)&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte Community PlayhouseThe North Platte Canteen-A Musical MiracleSeptember 27, 28, 29, and October 4, 5, 6, 2024<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725543462378.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The extraordinary true story of Rae Wilson and the women of the North Platte Canteen.&nbsp; Their selfless act inspired thousands and benefited millions. They welcomed soldiers with open arms, food, and gifts during WWII, in a phenomenon that lasted four-and-a-half years.Tickets are on sale at the North Platte Community Playhouse or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://northplattecommunityplayhouse.com/" target="_blank">northplattecommunityplayhouse.com</a>. For more information, please call 532-8559 between 1-5 p.m. (M-F)Adults ($18 in advance/$20 at the door)Students ($10 in advance/$12 at the door)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tickets on sale for the North Platte Canteen - A Musical Miracle

Lexington, Neb. - The Lexington Police Department is investigating a Missing/Runaway Juvenile. 15-year-old Morionna Anderson is described as 5'7" tall and weighing 150 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Unknown clothing description. &nbsp;

Morianna left her home on August 21st and was located on August 25th and returned home. Morionna Anderson ran away again the following day, August 26th, and her whereabouts are unknown.&nbsp;

 If anyone has any knowledge as to her whereabouts you are urged to contact the Lexington Police Department at #308-324-2317 or on Facebook. As always everyone's cooperation is greatly appreciated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725467612685.jpeg" alt="Morionna Anderson (Lexington Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>Morionna Anderson (Lexington Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Lexington Police DepartmentLexington, Neb. - The Lexington Police Department is investigating a Missing/Runaway Juvenile. 15-year-old Morionna Anderson is described as 5'7" tall and weighing 150 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Unknown clothing description. &nbsp;Morianna left her home on August 21st and was located on August 25th and returned home. Morionna Anderson ran away again the following day, August 26th, and her whereabouts are unknown.&nbsp; If anyone has any knowledge as to her whereabouts you are urged to contact the Lexington Police Department at #308-324-2317 or on Facebook. As always everyone's cooperation is greatly appreciated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lexington Police Department searching for 15-year-old missing/runaway juvenile

North Platte, Neb. - North Platte's newest sandwich shop, Jersey Mike's, is now open. Jersey Mike's now operates eight locations in Nebraska with the North Platte store being the only location outside of the Lincoln/Omaha area.&nbsp;

The opening date was originally set for June 1st but was delayed. Jersey Mike's originally began as a mom-and-pop shop in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The chain operates almost 3,000 locations across the United States with more on the way.&nbsp;

Jersey Mikes is located at 201 Platte Oasis Parkway and shares the same building with Dunkin' Donuts.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725467323138.jpeg" alt="Jersey Mike's Ribbon cutting (Photo taken by Lewys Carlini/North Platte Post)" />
 <figcaption>Jersey Mike's Ribbon cutting (Photo taken by Lewys Carlini/North Platte Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post&nbsp;North Platte, Neb. - North Platte's newest sandwich shop, Jersey Mike's, is now open. Jersey Mike's now operates eight locations in Nebraska with the North Platte store being the only location outside of the Lincoln/Omaha area.&nbsp;The opening date was originally set for June 1st but was delayed. Jersey Mike's originally began as a mom-and-pop shop in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The chain operates almost 3,000 locations across the United States with more on the way.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725467362237.jpeg" alt="Guest ordering at Jersey Mike's (Photo taken by Lewys Carlini/North Platte Post)" />
 <figcaption>Guest ordering at Jersey Mike's (Photo taken by Lewys Carlini/North Platte Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jersey Mikes is located at 201 Platte Oasis Parkway and shares the same building with Dunkin' Donuts.&nbsp;

Jersey Mike's now open in North Platte

North Platte, Neb. -The Lincoln County Nebraska Republican Party to host a Candidate Meet &amp; Greet on Sunday, September 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Memorial Park, 1200 East 4th Street, in North Platte. All Republican candidates on the November ballot have been invited to attend.&nbsp; 

This event will allow members of the community to get to know the candidates, ask them questions, and provide feedback directly.&nbsp;

The Lincoln County Nebraska Republican Party will have Trump/Vance yard signs available for a minimum $5 donation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725459345623.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County Republican PartyNorth Platte, Neb. -The Lincoln County Nebraska Republican Party to host a Candidate Meet &amp; Greet on Sunday, September 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Memorial Park, 1200 East 4th Street, in North Platte. All Republican candidates on the November ballot have been invited to attend.&nbsp; This event will allow members of the community to get to know the candidates, ask them questions, and provide feedback directly.&nbsp;The Lincoln County Nebraska Republican Party will have Trump/Vance yard signs available for a minimum $5 donation.&nbsp;

Meet the Lincoln County Republican Candidates on September 15th

<a>(Lincoln, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;Time is running out to join the Nebraska State Patrol in 2024! Applications for Camp 71 will close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 9. To apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

Camp 71 is scheduled to begin on January 6, 2025, with graduation set for June 18, 2025. Recruits will undergo extensive training at the NSP Training Academy to prepare them for a career serving the people of Nebraska.

Troopers enjoy great benefits, numerous career paths, and the ability to serve in every corner of the state. Some of the benefits include:

Mikayla HallNebraska State Patrol<a>(Lincoln, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;Time is running out to join the Nebraska State Patrol in 2024! Applications for Camp 71 will close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 9. To apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.Camp 71 is scheduled to begin on January 6, 2025, with graduation set for June 18, 2025. Recruits will undergo extensive training at the NSP Training Academy to prepare them for a career serving the people of Nebraska.Troopers enjoy great benefits, numerous career paths, and the ability to serve in every corner of the state. Some of the benefits include:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725455579581.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Application Deadline to Become a Trooper is Monday   

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/03/largest-cattle-feedlot-in-nebraska-to-begin-taking-feeders-later-this-month/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Construction workers are hurrying to put the final touches on what is planned to be the state’s largest feedlot for feeding cattle.&nbsp;

Blackshirt Feeders, led by a trio of Canadian veterinarians who are veteran feedlot consultants, plans to begin shipping in cattle within a month to its sprawling complex of pens north of Haigler, a village in the far southwest corner of Nebraska.

The first shipments will slowly ramp up to 50,000 head, and over the next two years, the feedlot is projected to expand to hold up to 150,000 cattle, the largest such complex in Nebraska and among the largest in the nation.

It’s been billed as a “beyond a state-of-the-art” feedlot with a rolled, compacted concrete base that will reduce odors and flies and be easier to clean, improve the health and weight-gain of the cattle, and eventually allow the tons of manure to be used by biodigesters to produce methane.

“It will have as much innovation as any feedlot in the state, much less the nation,” said Dean Settje, whose Lancaster County-based company is managing construction of the facility.

“I want this to be good.&nbsp;I want to really showcase this thing,” said Eric Behlke, a native of Benkelman and one of the three Canada-based veterinarians behind the project.

Behlke, speaking from Alberta before stepping onto an airplane for a return to Nebraska, said the Blackshirt ownership group identified southwest Nebraska as “probably one of the best areas in the world to feed cattle.”

Initially, a site 23 miles of north of Benkelman was chosen and given initial approval as the location for the feedlot two years ago. But opposition to that site over concerns about groundwater quality and quantity prompted a move to a location about seven miles north of Haigler, along the Colorado state line, a site with fewer nearby residents.

The conditional use plan for Blackshirt Feeders approved by the Dundy County Board includes the following conditions:

In this arid corner of the state, the $200 million project was required to retire 13 center-pivot irrigation systems to offset the water use projected for the feedlot, though Behlke said that probably only nine will have to be shut down when the site is fully operational.

More than 100 construction workers are putting the final touches on the first phase of the project. The feedlot is projected to employ more than 120 workers with a projected annual payroll of $25 million to care for the livestock, mill the feed and run the digesters.

That is a major influx of population for Dundy County, which has seen its population drop by 21% over the past dozen years to about 1,500 residents today.&nbsp;

Local residents are divided on the project, with concerns raised about increased traffic and impacts on the locally depleted aquifer. Supporters cite the new, local market for corn, some increase in local housing and increased business for local merchants.

At the Haigler Country Cafe, owner&nbsp;Barb Wheaton says she’s already seen more customers and more traffic through town. And they’re cleaning off lots in the village, population 140, in anticipation of use for new houses or trailers. There’s even hope that Blackshirt Feeders will establish a new headquarters in town.

But like some other residents of Haigler, Wheaton is taking a wait-and-see attitude about the new feedlot rising north of the village.

“Progress is good. It will be interesting to see how everything pulls off. If they can pull it off,” she said.

“A lot of time plans don’t go as they planned,” Wheaton said.

Paul Olson, a Dundy County commissioner who lives three miles from the feedlot, said one major concern is a temporary railroad crossing that is on the route of a concrete road Blackshirt built to the facility. A semitruck driver died in a collision with a train in June.

Olson said county officials and Blackshirt are working with the railroad to improve the crossing, but making such a change is taking more time than expected.

The project could also increase the local population, though most of the new housing being built for workers is in Wray, Colorado, about 20 miles from the feedlot.

Two people who track such feedlot facilities expressed skepticism about whether all the touted innovations will work.&nbsp;

John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union, recalled the grand opening of the AltEn ethanol plant in Mead, which was touted as a similar, innovative, “closed loop” operation that would generate power from methane as well as brew ethanol. The methane operation was later abandoned as infeasible at AltEn, which became notorious — and was closed — for producing ethanol using pesticide-laced seed corn rather than regular field corn.

“There’s no precedence for this (Blackshirt Feeders) in Nebraska. It’s a wing and prayer, it really is,” said Jonathan Leo, an Omaha-based lawyer who specializes in environmental issues.

Hansen said such a huge facility will increase competition for smaller feedlot operations, driving some out of business.

Overall, he said, the massive feedlot to fatten cattle fits with the trend in other livestock sectors, where dairies and hog facilities have grown larger and larger, pushing out smaller operations.

Back in the day, Hansen said, four dairies operated near his home place in Madison County, and every farm raised pigs — called “mortgage lifters” then because they rarely lost money. But they’re all gone now.&nbsp;

The profits from such large farming operations, he said, don’t end up in the pockets of the local hardware store, feed supplier and lumber yard like they did when local owners, rather than hourly workers, are raising the livestock.

&nbsp;“Where will the profits go to that facility? A lot of those owners don’t live in the U.S. or in the community,” Hansen said.

Behlke dismisses such skepticism, pointing out that veterinarians behind the project —&nbsp;Kee Jim, Calvin Booker and himself — have a combined 70 years experience in the cattle feeding business. New investors, with experience in feedlot ownership and operation, have come on board in recent months, adding even more expertise, he said.&nbsp;

Biodigesters and rolled concrete are in use at several feedlots across the country, Behlke added.

A review by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy indicated that while the local aquifer had “declined” and had limited resources, it could be “vulnerable to impact” if rainy conditions returned to the area. State records indicated that groundwater levels were within 5 feet of one of the runoff holding ponds at the facility.

But Behlke said the concrete pad on which the feedlot will be constructed provides more protection for the surface water and groundwater. All the collection ponds at the facility will be lined with high-density polyethylene, he said, to protect against leaching into the aquifer.

“With a project like this, everything has to be right,” he said.

Galen Erickson, a feedlot Extension specialist with the University of Nebraska, said such larger operations have advantages such as efficiencies of scale in purchasing grain and other supplies. But there are downsides, including the large amount of manure that needs to be disposed of safely.

Feedlot cattle produce an average of 11 tons of manure a year each, according to Utah State University. That’s 550,000 tons over a year for a herd of 50,000 and would be more than 1.5 million tons if Blackshirt Feeders gets to its capacity of 150,000 head.

Behlke said the operation has contracts with local farmers to spread the manure as fertilizer. The waste will be used to produce and sell methane when the digesters are operational, which will be put in operation later when there will be enough volume to make them workable.

The concrete pad on which the feedlot is being built — which will eventually cover nearly three-fourths of a square mile — makes the digesters feasible, Behlke said. Traditional, clay-lined feedlots mix too much dirt with the manure, making it impractical to produce methane.&nbsp;

Another major innovation for the Blackshirt Feeders project is the use of so-called “beef-on-dairy” cattle, which are dairy cows impregnated using beef cattle semen. They produce a higher quality meat, according to Behlke, and come with better data to track the best performing cattle, which helps managers produce the best beef at the best cost.

“The more efficient an animal is, the more protein we produce with a lesser amount of resources,” Behlke said.

Settje said use of a concrete pad and digesters to handle the waste isn’t new to the feedlot industry, though Blackshirt appears to be the first in Nebraska that will use a digester and the first built entirely on a rolled concrete pad.&nbsp;

Behlke said the project has a good relationship with its neighbors and is designed to be “the most environmentally friendly feedlot on the planet,” as well as the most efficient in producing meat.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“We have always said what we’re going to do,” he said. “There’s plenty of evidence now that we’ve made good on our promises.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725387527440.png" alt=" Blackshirt Feeders feedlot operation near Haigler, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Settje Agri-Services &amp; Engineering)" />
 <figcaption> Blackshirt Feeders feedlot operation near Haigler, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Settje Agri-Services &amp; Engineering)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/03/largest-cattle-feedlot-in-nebraska-to-begin-taking-feeders-later-this-month/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Construction workers are hurrying to put the final touches on what is planned to be the state’s largest feedlot for feeding cattle.&nbsp;Blackshirt Feeders, led by a trio of Canadian veterinarians who are veteran feedlot consultants, plans to begin shipping in cattle within a month to its sprawling complex of pens north of Haigler, a village in the far southwest corner of Nebraska.The first shipments will slowly ramp up to 50,000 head, and over the next two years, the feedlot is projected to expand to hold up to 150,000 cattle, the largest such complex in Nebraska and among the largest in the nation.It’s been billed as a “beyond a state-of-the-art” feedlot with a rolled, compacted concrete base that will reduce odors and flies and be easier to clean, improve the health and weight-gain of the cattle, and eventually allow the tons of manure to be used by biodigesters to produce methane.“It will have as much innovation as any feedlot in the state, much less the nation,” said Dean Settje, whose Lancaster County-based company is managing construction of the facility.“I want this to be good.&nbsp;I want to really showcase this thing,” said Eric Behlke, a native of Benkelman and one of the three Canada-based veterinarians behind the project.Behlke, speaking from Alberta before stepping onto an airplane for a return to Nebraska, said the Blackshirt ownership group identified southwest Nebraska as “probably one of the best areas in the world to feed cattle.”<h2>Original site discarded</h2>Initially, a site 23 miles of north of Benkelman was chosen and given initial approval as the location for the feedlot two years ago. But opposition to that site over concerns about groundwater quality and quantity prompted a move to a location about seven miles north of Haigler, along the Colorado state line, a site with fewer nearby residents.<h2>Conditional use plan</h2>The conditional use plan for Blackshirt Feeders approved by the Dundy County Board includes the following conditions:<ul>
 <li>Approval by the Upper Republican Natural Resources District.</li><li>Development of&nbsp;a fly and dust mitigation plan.</li><li>Road maintenance agreement with the county board prior to construction.</li><li>Commitment not to convert the facility to dirt pens.</li><li>Grading for water and waste runoff on the site.</li><li>&nbsp;Monitoring of wells downstream from the feedlot.</li>
 </ul>In this arid corner of the state, the $200 million project was required to retire 13 center-pivot irrigation systems to offset the water use projected for the feedlot, though Behlke said that probably only nine will have to be shut down when the site is fully operational.More than 100 construction workers are putting the final touches on the first phase of the project. The feedlot is projected to employ more than 120 workers with a projected annual payroll of $25 million to care for the livestock, mill the feed and run the digesters.That is a major influx of population for Dundy County, which has seen its population drop by 21% over the past dozen years to about 1,500 residents today.&nbsp;Local residents are divided on the project, with concerns raised about increased traffic and impacts on the locally depleted aquifer. Supporters cite the new, local market for corn, some increase in local housing and increased business for local merchants.At the Haigler Country Cafe, owner&nbsp;Barb Wheaton says she’s already seen more customers and more traffic through town. And they’re cleaning off lots in the village, population 140, in anticipation of use for new houses or trailers. There’s even hope that Blackshirt Feeders will establish a new headquarters in town.But like some other residents of Haigler, Wheaton is taking a wait-and-see attitude about the new feedlot rising north of the village.“Progress is good. It will be interesting to see how everything pulls off. If they can pull it off,” she said.“A lot of time plans don’t go as they planned,” Wheaton said.Paul Olson, a Dundy County commissioner who lives three miles from the feedlot, said one major concern is a temporary railroad crossing that is on the route of a concrete road Blackshirt built to the facility. A semitruck driver died in a collision with a train in June.<h2>Some express skepticism</h2>Olson said county officials and Blackshirt are working with the railroad to improve the crossing, but making such a change is taking more time than expected.The project could also increase the local population, though most of the new housing being built for workers is in Wray, Colorado, about 20 miles from the feedlot.Two people who track such feedlot facilities expressed skepticism about whether all the touted innovations will work.&nbsp;John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union, recalled the grand opening of the AltEn ethanol plant in Mead, which was touted as a similar, innovative, “closed loop” operation that would generate power from methane as well as brew ethanol. The methane operation was later abandoned as infeasible at AltEn, which became notorious — and was closed — for producing ethanol using pesticide-laced seed corn rather than regular field corn.“There’s no precedence for this (Blackshirt Feeders) in Nebraska. It’s a wing and prayer, it really is,” said Jonathan Leo, an Omaha-based lawyer who specializes in environmental issues.Hansen said such a huge facility will increase competition for smaller feedlot operations, driving some out of business.Overall, he said, the massive feedlot to fatten cattle fits with the trend in other livestock sectors, where dairies and hog facilities have grown larger and larger, pushing out smaller operations.Back in the day, Hansen said, four dairies operated near his home place in Madison County, and every farm raised pigs — called “mortgage lifters” then because they rarely lost money. But they’re all gone now.&nbsp;The profits from such large farming operations, he said, don’t end up in the pockets of the local hardware store, feed supplier and lumber yard like they did when local owners, rather than hourly workers, are raising the livestock.&nbsp;“Where will the profits go to that facility? A lot of those owners don’t live in the U.S. or in the community,” Hansen said.<h2>Owners point to experience</h2>Behlke dismisses such skepticism, pointing out that veterinarians behind the project —&nbsp;Kee Jim, Calvin Booker and himself — have a combined 70 years experience in the cattle feeding business. New investors, with experience in feedlot ownership and operation, have come on board in recent months, adding even more expertise, he said.&nbsp;Biodigesters and rolled concrete are in use at several feedlots across the country, Behlke added.A review by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy indicated that while the local aquifer had “declined” and had limited resources, it could be “vulnerable to impact” if rainy conditions returned to the area. State records indicated that groundwater levels were within 5 feet of one of the runoff holding ponds at the facility.But Behlke said the concrete pad on which the feedlot will be constructed provides more protection for the surface water and groundwater. All the collection ponds at the facility will be lined with high-density polyethylene, he said, to protect against leaching into the aquifer.“With a project like this, everything has to be right,” he said.<h2>Massive amounts of manure</h2>Galen Erickson, a feedlot Extension specialist with the University of Nebraska, said such larger operations have advantages such as efficiencies of scale in purchasing grain and other supplies. But there are downsides, including the large amount of manure that needs to be disposed of safely.Feedlot cattle produce an average of 11 tons of manure a year each, according to Utah State University. That’s 550,000 tons over a year for a herd of 50,000 and would be more than 1.5 million tons if Blackshirt Feeders gets to its capacity of 150,000 head.Behlke said the operation has contracts with local farmers to spread the manure as fertilizer. The waste will be used to produce and sell methane when the digesters are operational, which will be put in operation later when there will be enough volume to make them workable.The concrete pad on which the feedlot is being built — which will eventually cover nearly three-fourths of a square mile — makes the digesters feasible, Behlke said. Traditional, clay-lined feedlots mix too much dirt with the manure, making it impractical to produce methane.&nbsp;Another major innovation for the Blackshirt Feeders project is the use of so-called “beef-on-dairy” cattle, which are dairy cows impregnated using beef cattle semen. They produce a higher quality meat, according to Behlke, and come with better data to track the best performing cattle, which helps managers produce the best beef at the best cost.“The more efficient an animal is, the more protein we produce with a lesser amount of resources,” Behlke said.Settje said use of a concrete pad and digesters to handle the waste isn’t new to the feedlot industry, though Blackshirt appears to be the first in Nebraska that will use a digester and the first built entirely on a rolled concrete pad.&nbsp;Behlke said the project has a good relationship with its neighbors and is designed to be “the most environmentally friendly feedlot on the planet,” as well as the most efficient in producing meat.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have always said what we’re going to do,” he said. “There’s plenty of evidence now that we’ve made good on our promises.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725387566268.png" alt="chematic of Blackshirt Feeders cattle feedlot design (Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy website)" />
 <figcaption>chematic of Blackshirt Feeders cattle feedlot design (Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy website)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Largest cattle feedlot in Nebraska to begin taking feeders later this month



LINCOLN, Neb. – (September 3, 2024) -&nbsp;Visit Nebraska is thrilled to announce that applications are now open to be on a stop on the 2025 Nebraska Passport. All destinations in the state are welcome to apply to become a stop. Past stops have included restaurants, museums, outdoor adventures, retail stores, wineries, breweries, arts destinations and more.

The Passport program, which celebrated its 15th year in 2024, helps travelers to discover Nebraska's hidden gems, as well as benefits the 70 chosen stops through increased visitor traffic, sales and visibility.

“For the past 15 years, businesses and travelers alike have benefited from the Nebraska Passport and from showing off the state’s hidden gems," said John Ricks, Visit Nebraska executive director. "Long-time Passporters and new visitors get to make new discoveries and long-lasting memories, and our Nebraska communities continue to see the economic benefit. Everyone wins.”

Some of the requirements for Nebraska Passport stops are:&nbsp;

To complete the 2025 Passport application,&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a7f99d1e84&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">click&nbsp;here</a>. The 2025 program will run from May 1-September 30. Other information about Passport stop requirements, how the program benefits Passport stops and details about the application process can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1252662c53&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://nebraskapassport.com/becomeastop</a>.

The application deadline is November 30, 2024. Applicants will be notified in February 2025, and the 2025 Passport stops will be announced in March. There is no fee to apply or participate. Questions about the program can be directed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@nebraskapassport.com" target="_blank">info@nebraskapassport.com</a>.

Applying does not guarantee selection, as Visit Nebraska receives hundreds of applications annually and can only choose 70 stops. If your destination has applied before but wasn't selected, you are encouraged to try again. The selection committee considers factors like location diversity, tour themes, new experiences and broad appeal. Every application is thoroughly considered, and new opportunities may arise.

To see the exciting adventures travelers are having with the Passport this year, be sure to check out&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b8bbff716d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Nebraska Passport Pals</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725379455180.png" alt="Nebraska passport 2025" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska passport 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>Visit Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. – (September 3, 2024) -&nbsp;Visit Nebraska is thrilled to announce that applications are now open to be on a stop on the 2025 Nebraska Passport. All destinations in the state are welcome to apply to become a stop. Past stops have included restaurants, museums, outdoor adventures, retail stores, wineries, breweries, arts destinations and more.The Passport program, which celebrated its 15th year in 2024, helps travelers to discover Nebraska's hidden gems, as well as benefits the 70 chosen stops through increased visitor traffic, sales and visibility.“For the past 15 years, businesses and travelers alike have benefited from the Nebraska Passport and from showing off the state’s hidden gems," said John Ricks, Visit Nebraska executive director. "Long-time Passporters and new visitors get to make new discoveries and long-lasting memories, and our Nebraska communities continue to see the economic benefit. Everyone wins.”Some of the requirements for Nebraska Passport stops are:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Offer an exceptional, unique visitor experience.</li><li>Display excellent customer service.&nbsp;Be available at all times to greet Passport visitors and stamp Passport booklets.</li><li>Be open regular, reasonable, consistent hours (including at least one weekend day) during the Nebraska Passport season (May 1 to September 30).&nbsp;Note: Hours of operation are very important. Preference is given to destinations that have hours that are convenient for travelers.</li><li>Keep the same hours of operation throughout the Passport season.&nbsp;Chosen Passport stops submit their hours in February and Passport booklets are printed in March.</li><li>Abide by Nebraska state law that prohibits charging participants for admission in order to receive a stamp.&nbsp;Many tourists will naturally invest money in things they wish to see, buy, eat, or experience, but our state laws prevent us from forcing Passport participants to pay for something at each stop.</li><li>Be a good tourism ambassador for your region.&nbsp;Talk to travelers about other tourism destinations, restaurants, retail stores, etc. in your area that they may be interested in visiting.</li>
 </ul>To complete the 2025 Passport application,&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a7f99d1e84&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">click&nbsp;here</a>. The 2025 program will run from May 1-September 30. Other information about Passport stop requirements, how the program benefits Passport stops and details about the application process can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1252662c53&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://nebraskapassport.com/becomeastop</a>.The application deadline is November 30, 2024. Applicants will be notified in February 2025, and the 2025 Passport stops will be announced in March. There is no fee to apply or participate. Questions about the program can be directed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@nebraskapassport.com" target="_blank">info@nebraskapassport.com</a>.Applying does not guarantee selection, as Visit Nebraska receives hundreds of applications annually and can only choose 70 stops. If your destination has applied before but wasn't selected, you are encouraged to try again. The selection committee considers factors like location diversity, tour themes, new experiences and broad appeal. Every application is thoroughly considered, and new opportunities may arise.To see the exciting adventures travelers are having with the Passport this year, be sure to check out&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b8bbff716d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Nebraska Passport Pals</a>.

 2025 Nebraska Passport stop application now open

Western, Neb. - A Red Warning is in effect for parts of the listening coverage, most of the Panhandle and western sandhills according to the National Weather Service, North Platte Office (NWS).

For the area effected by the Red Warning, strong wind gusts of 30 - 35 mph are expected and any fire started could quickly spread. The effect will remain through this evening.   

Sandhills Post/Panhandle PostWestern, Neb. - A Red Warning is in effect for parts of the listening coverage, most of the Panhandle and western sandhills according to the National Weather Service, North Platte Office (NWS).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725379887855.jpeg" alt="NWS North Platte Briefing" />
 <figcaption>NWS North Platte Briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>For the area effected by the Red Warning, strong wind gusts of 30 - 35 mph are expected and any fire started could quickly spread. The effect will remain through this evening. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725379903423.jpeg" alt="NWS North Platte Briefing&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>NWS North Platte Briefing&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725379873691.jpeg" alt="NWS North Platte Briefing" />
 <figcaption>NWS North Platte Briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>

Red Warning in effect for parts of the listening coverage

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

North Platte Post&nbsp; &nbsp; The North Platte City Council will meet tonight in a regular meeting.&nbsp; Below is tonight's agenda. To watch tonight's meeting,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfNorthPlatte/streams">click here.</a>&nbsp;The meeting is at 5:30pm at the City Hall Council Chambers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725378674549.jpeg" alt="09-03 NP City Council SPECIAL meeting agenda" />
 <figcaption>09-03 NP City Council SPECIAL meeting agenda</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725378862518.jpeg" alt="09-03 NP City Council REGULAR meeting agenda" />
 <figcaption>09-03 NP City Council REGULAR meeting agenda</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725378911737.jpeg" alt="09-03 NP City Council REGULAR meeting agenda" />
 <figcaption>09-03 NP City Council REGULAR meeting agenda</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725378925188.jpeg" alt="09-03 NP City Council REGULAR meeting agenda" />
 <figcaption>09-03 NP City Council REGULAR meeting agenda</figcaption>
 </figure>

09/03 North Platte City Council Meeting, Tonight's Agenda

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Judge Tommy Webb.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/toeed9oN0ik?si=Pq2NXG8GGlbXhy_3" 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 Judge Tommy Webb.

🎤Forward Ever: Judge Tommy Webb

SCOTTSBLUFF, NE (August 22nd, 2024)—ALLO’s 100% fiber-optic network in Sidney is complete. ALLO began construction in April 2022 and now provides local businesses, residents, and governmental entities with internet, TV, phone, and managed service solutions over an all-fiber network.

ALLO is a Nebraska-based business and has maintained a commitment to offering local, hassle-free service to communities throughout its expansion since 2003. They are proud to have won multiple awards for Best Internet Service Provider in several communities over the years including Best ISP in Lincoln, Fremont, Kearney, Northeast Nebraska, and more.

“Technology is evolving daily, and now, with ALLO’s fiber-optic network, Sidney is future-proofed for that advancing technological ecosystem. Additionally, ALLO aims to bridge the digital divide to enhance the way schools communicate with students, businesses with their customers, and local government with the community,” said Regional General Manager Clint Schleicher. “We look forward to continuing to serve and be part of the Sidney community now and for years to come.”

Sidney joins 45 communities across six states experiencing the ALLO Fiber difference. Sidney's GIG-enabled network is built to serve the community today and for future decades. Community members can stop by the ALLO store at 638 Illinois St., Suite 4, to learn more about ALLO or sign up for internet, TV, or phone services. ALLO’s superior managed services and cybersecurity solutions can also benefit local businesses.

ALLO President Brad Moline expressed his excitement about the end of construction: “Sidney will enjoy ALLO’s award winning customer service and communications experience, local community involvement, and the advantages of fiber optics. As a local telecommunications provider, we will earn your business daily with hassle-free experiences, our dedicatedteam right here in Sidney, and faster, more reliable service.”


SCOTTSBLUFF, NE (August 22nd, 2024)—ALLO’s 100% fiber-optic network in Sidney is complete. ALLO began construction in April 2022 and now provides local businesses, residents, and governmental entities with internet, TV, phone, and managed service solutions over an all-fiber network.ALLO is a Nebraska-based business and has maintained a commitment to offering local, hassle-free service to communities throughout its expansion since 2003. They are proud to have won multiple awards for Best Internet Service Provider in several communities over the years including Best ISP in Lincoln, Fremont, Kearney, Northeast Nebraska, and more.“Technology is evolving daily, and now, with ALLO’s fiber-optic network, Sidney is future-proofed for that advancing technological ecosystem. Additionally, ALLO aims to bridge the digital divide to enhance the way schools communicate with students, businesses with their customers, and local government with the community,” said Regional General Manager Clint Schleicher. “We look forward to continuing to serve and be part of the Sidney community now and for years to come.”Sidney joins 45 communities across six states experiencing the ALLO Fiber difference. Sidney's GIG-enabled network is built to serve the community today and for future decades. Community members can stop by the ALLO store at 638 Illinois St., Suite 4, to learn more about ALLO or sign up for internet, TV, or phone services. ALLO’s superior managed services and cybersecurity solutions can also benefit local businesses.ALLO President Brad Moline expressed his excitement about the end of construction: “Sidney will enjoy ALLO’s award winning customer service and communications experience, local community involvement, and the advantages of fiber optics. As a local telecommunications provider, we will earn your business daily with hassle-free experiences, our dedicatedteam right here in Sidney, and faster, more reliable service.”

Construction of ALLO Fiber’s Network in Sidney is Complete

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department

This summer six community swimming pools received Pool Cool certificates from Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD). The Pool Cool program works with local swimming pools to train pool staff to provide children with education about skin cancer and sun safety during their swim lessons.&nbsp;

SWNPHD staff visited area swimming pools in June to increase awareness of the importance of sun protection with pool staff and pool users. Pools were asked to send pictures of lifeguards teaching the Pool Cool program and then they would qualify for the certificate and a cash incentive.

SWNPHD provided signage for each of the pools that was used to educate swimmers and act as a sun safety reminder. “We also provided the pools with free sunscreen so if someone forgets to apply it before arriving to the pool, they will have some readily available,” Minnick explained. “Using the Pool Cool program that the National Cancer Institute has made available for area pools is a great tool to help educate all swimmers and pool employees on sun safety and preventing skin cancer.”

In August Sarah Minnick visited the six pools to present them with their certificate of completion and $250 dollars as a thank you for helping their communities prevent skin cancer. The pools that completed the program were Arapahoe Pool, Curtis Pool, Grant Pool, Imperial Pool, Oxford Pool, and Paxton Pool.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer found in the United States; it accounts for nearly 1.3 million new cases of cancer each year. SWNPHD wants to remind everyone&nbsp;of the importance of using sunscreen every day, even in winter months, because ultraviolet or UV rays are an invisible radiation that is present all year round.

For more information call SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. The website swhealth.ne.gov contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote wellness, and protect health. You can also follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram, You Tube and TikTok.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health DepartmentThis summer six community swimming pools received Pool Cool certificates from Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD). The Pool Cool program works with local swimming pools to train pool staff to provide children with education about skin cancer and sun safety during their swim lessons.&nbsp;SWNPHD staff visited area swimming pools in June to increase awareness of the importance of sun protection with pool staff and pool users. Pools were asked to send pictures of lifeguards teaching the Pool Cool program and then they would qualify for the certificate and a cash incentive.SWNPHD provided signage for each of the pools that was used to educate swimmers and act as a sun safety reminder. “We also provided the pools with free sunscreen so if someone forgets to apply it before arriving to the pool, they will have some readily available,” Minnick explained. “Using the Pool Cool program that the National Cancer Institute has made available for area pools is a great tool to help educate all swimmers and pool employees on sun safety and preventing skin cancer.”In August Sarah Minnick visited the six pools to present them with their certificate of completion and $250 dollars as a thank you for helping their communities prevent skin cancer. The pools that completed the program were Arapahoe Pool, Curtis Pool, Grant Pool, Imperial Pool, Oxford Pool, and Paxton Pool.Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer found in the United States; it accounts for nearly 1.3 million new cases of cancer each year. SWNPHD wants to remind everyone&nbsp;of the importance of using sunscreen every day, even in winter months, because ultraviolet or UV rays are an invisible radiation that is present all year round.For more information call SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. The website swhealth.ne.gov contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote wellness, and protect health. You can also follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram, You Tube and TikTok.

Pool Cool Certificates Awarded to Swimming Pools

(North Platte, Nebraska, August 29, 2024) – It is the mission of Visit North Platte to enhance and promote a positive image of the communities in Lincoln County to assist in the development, continuation, and promotion of quality events, attractions, and amenities for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike, and to help ensure that the highest standards of customer service are practiced in our establishments. One of the ways the Visitors Bureau fulfills this mission is to offer Improvement Fund grant applications to non-profit entities operating visitor services within the borders of Lincoln County, Nebraska.

Visit North Platte has been awarding Improvement Fund Grants annually for the past seventeen years. Over this time, they have committed a total of $5.9 million to improving tourism facilities and services in Lincoln County.

The money that flows into the Improvement Fund of Visit North Platte is generated entirely by a lodging tax on overnight lodging in Lincoln County. With ongoing efforts from Visit North Platte, tourism has seen success in North Platte and the surrounding area, which makes these funds a force for improving not only the services provided to visitors, but also for enhancing the quality of life for the residents of our communities.

The Visit North Platte Board of Directors approved grant funding at the monthly meeting on August 28, 2024, for the following.

· The Board of Directors approved $7,752 in funding for the Blacksmith Workshop project at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. Jim Griffin presented an Improvement Fund Grant application to replace and expand the roof on the existing blacksmith shop at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. This blacksmith workshop is used to provide educational experiences to local youth who regularly visit the museum on school field trips, the residents of our community, and to visitors of the museum. A new roof will not only improve the appearance of the workshop but will also provide a larger area for those viewing the blacksmith demonstrations. The ventilation system included in the new roof will also provide a more pleasant and safe experience for the local blacksmiths leading the demonstrations. The Lincoln County Historical Museum is truly a local treasure, proven by the fact that visitation has grown from 7,500 annually to more than 24,000 under the curatorship of Jim Griffin. Maintaining the condition and integrity of the museum and its exhibits plays an important role in attracting visitors.

The next round of Improvement Grant Funding will open on January 1, 2025. The deadline for intent to apply letters is April 1, 2025, and the application deadline is July 31, 2025. Anyone interested in submitting a grant application is encouraged to contact Lisa Burke, Executive Director of Visit North Platte, at 308-532-4729 to discuss their project.

It is very important to emphasize that the activities of Visit North Platte are funded solely through lodging tax revenue that consists of a 2% collection for promotion activities and a 2% collection for Improvement activities. No other public funds, property taxes, or sales taxes are administered by Visit North Platte.

Visit North Platte(North Platte, Nebraska, August 29, 2024) – It is the mission of Visit North Platte to enhance and promote a positive image of the communities in Lincoln County to assist in the development, continuation, and promotion of quality events, attractions, and amenities for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike, and to help ensure that the highest standards of customer service are practiced in our establishments. One of the ways the Visitors Bureau fulfills this mission is to offer Improvement Fund grant applications to non-profit entities operating visitor services within the borders of Lincoln County, Nebraska.Visit North Platte has been awarding Improvement Fund Grants annually for the past seventeen years. Over this time, they have committed a total of $5.9 million to improving tourism facilities and services in Lincoln County.The money that flows into the Improvement Fund of Visit North Platte is generated entirely by a lodging tax on overnight lodging in Lincoln County. With ongoing efforts from Visit North Platte, tourism has seen success in North Platte and the surrounding area, which makes these funds a force for improving not only the services provided to visitors, but also for enhancing the quality of life for the residents of our communities.The Visit North Platte Board of Directors approved grant funding at the monthly meeting on August 28, 2024, for the following.· The Board of Directors approved $7,752 in funding for the Blacksmith Workshop project at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. Jim Griffin presented an Improvement Fund Grant application to replace and expand the roof on the existing blacksmith shop at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. This blacksmith workshop is used to provide educational experiences to local youth who regularly visit the museum on school field trips, the residents of our community, and to visitors of the museum. A new roof will not only improve the appearance of the workshop but will also provide a larger area for those viewing the blacksmith demonstrations. The ventilation system included in the new roof will also provide a more pleasant and safe experience for the local blacksmiths leading the demonstrations. The Lincoln County Historical Museum is truly a local treasure, proven by the fact that visitation has grown from 7,500 annually to more than 24,000 under the curatorship of Jim Griffin. Maintaining the condition and integrity of the museum and its exhibits plays an important role in attracting visitors.The next round of Improvement Grant Funding will open on January 1, 2025. The deadline for intent to apply letters is April 1, 2025, and the application deadline is July 31, 2025. Anyone interested in submitting a grant application is encouraged to contact Lisa Burke, Executive Director of Visit North Platte, at 308-532-4729 to discuss their project.It is very important to emphasize that the activities of Visit North Platte are funded solely through lodging tax revenue that consists of a 2% collection for promotion activities and a 2% collection for Improvement activities. No other public funds, property taxes, or sales taxes are administered by Visit North Platte.

Visit North Platte Awards Improvement Grant

BOULDER, COLO. –&nbsp;NebraskaLand Bank is proud to announce the graduation of&nbsp;Amy Wolfskill, Senior Vice President, Business &amp; Retail Banking Manager, from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (GSBC)’s&nbsp;state-of-the-art program.&nbsp;Wolfskill completed a rigorous and all-encompassing banking curriculum, equipping her to serve as a leader in her organization and as a trusted financial provider in her community.

Wolfskill is&nbsp;among 159 graduates representing 28 U.S. states honored in a ceremony on July 25. Of the 159-person group, Wolfskill was one of 20 graduates recognized with Honors, an accolade given to those who graduate in the top 10% of their class based on intersession project performance. Throughout their 25 months in the program, they were immersed in a mix of traditional and non-traditional models of coursework on financial management and strategy, innovation and engagement, leadership and culture, and lending–all through a community banking lens.

“Amy’s desire for continuous improvement and learning is apparent as she graduates with honors from GSBC.” Said Sen. Mike Jacobson, President &amp; CEO of NebraskaLand Bank “Her completion of the Committed to Lead program is another testament to her commitment to her coworkers and customers”

GSBC’s mission as America’s Premier Community Banking School is to empower banking professionals by providing coursework that covers banking essentials, builds organizational and community leaders and provides each student the skills to act innovatively and think critically to lead their organizations into the future.

GSBC held its 73rd&nbsp;Annual School Session July 14-26 on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The school is eager to welcome nearly 500 community banking professionals to campus next year for its 74th&nbsp;Annual School Session, scheduled for July 13-25, 2025. For enrollment information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gsbcolorado.org/" target="_blank">www.GSBColorado.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724872627151.jpeg" alt="Amy Wolfskill (Courtesy of NebraskaLand Bank)" />
 <figcaption>Amy Wolfskill (Courtesy of NebraskaLand Bank)</figcaption>
 </figure>NebraskaLand BankBOULDER, COLO. –&nbsp;NebraskaLand Bank is proud to announce the graduation of&nbsp;Amy Wolfskill, Senior Vice President, Business &amp; Retail Banking Manager, from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (GSBC)’s&nbsp;state-of-the-art program.&nbsp;Wolfskill completed a rigorous and all-encompassing banking curriculum, equipping her to serve as a leader in her organization and as a trusted financial provider in her community.Wolfskill is&nbsp;among 159 graduates representing 28 U.S. states honored in a ceremony on July 25. Of the 159-person group, Wolfskill was one of 20 graduates recognized with Honors, an accolade given to those who graduate in the top 10% of their class based on intersession project performance. Throughout their 25 months in the program, they were immersed in a mix of traditional and non-traditional models of coursework on financial management and strategy, innovation and engagement, leadership and culture, and lending–all through a community banking lens.“Amy’s desire for continuous improvement and learning is apparent as she graduates with honors from GSBC.” Said Sen. Mike Jacobson, President &amp; CEO of NebraskaLand Bank “Her completion of the Committed to Lead program is another testament to her commitment to her coworkers and customers”GSBC’s mission as America’s Premier Community Banking School is to empower banking professionals by providing coursework that covers banking essentials, builds organizational and community leaders and provides each student the skills to act innovatively and think critically to lead their organizations into the future.GSBC held its 73rd&nbsp;Annual School Session July 14-26 on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The school is eager to welcome nearly 500 community banking professionals to campus next year for its 74th&nbsp;Annual School Session, scheduled for July 13-25, 2025. For enrollment information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gsbcolorado.org/" target="_blank">www.GSBColorado.org</a>.

Amy Wolfskill Graduates from America’s Premier Community Banking School

UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb. August 28, 2024 —&nbsp;The Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) Program is pleased to announce the selection of 30 outstanding individuals who will join the program as Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 43. These fellows were selected based on their demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to agriculture and dedication to their communities.

Nebraska LEAD Class 43 Fellows represent a diverse group of professionals from across the state, bringing with them a wealth of experience and expertise in various sectors of Nebraska’s agricultural industry. Over the next two years, they will participate in a rigorous curriculum designed to enhance their leadership skills, broaden their understanding of domestic and global agricultural issues, and prepare them for greater roles in their communities and industries.

“I’m excited to work alongside this talented group of LEAD Fellows committed to the future of agriculture in the state,” said Kurtis Harms, Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “The selection process was challenging this year, as we had many quality applicants. This serves a testament to the passionate, well-qualified people who will be serving our industry for many years to come. Keep an eye out for these individuals, as these are names we’ll be seeing a lot more of down the road.”

The Nebraska LEAD Program, which began in 1981, continues its legacy of developing leaders who are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in Nebraska and beyond. Through seminars, study travel and hands-on experiences, LEAD 43 Fellows will gain insights into the complex issues shaping the future of agriculture and rural communities.

Nebraska LEAD 43 Fellows by city/town are:&nbsp;&nbsp;

KEARNEY: Anthony Finke, Dustin Rohde, Trevor Spath

LINCOLN: Luke Baldridge, Jared Stauffer, Sally Welsh

The mission of the Nebraska LEAD Program is “to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership.” For more information on the program or its mission, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://lead.unl.edu/" target="_blank">lead.unl.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724872843973.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) Program is pleased to announce the selection of 30 outstanding individuals who will join the program as Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 43." />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) Program is pleased to announce the selection of 30 outstanding individuals who will join the program as Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 43.</figcaption>
 </figure>UNL&nbsp;Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb. August 28, 2024 —&nbsp;The Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) Program is pleased to announce the selection of 30 outstanding individuals who will join the program as Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 43. These fellows were selected based on their demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to agriculture and dedication to their communities.Nebraska LEAD Class 43 Fellows represent a diverse group of professionals from across the state, bringing with them a wealth of experience and expertise in various sectors of Nebraska’s agricultural industry. Over the next two years, they will participate in a rigorous curriculum designed to enhance their leadership skills, broaden their understanding of domestic and global agricultural issues, and prepare them for greater roles in their communities and industries.“I’m excited to work alongside this talented group of LEAD Fellows committed to the future of agriculture in the state,” said Kurtis Harms, Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “The selection process was challenging this year, as we had many quality applicants. This serves a testament to the passionate, well-qualified people who will be serving our industry for many years to come. Keep an eye out for these individuals, as these are names we’ll be seeing a lot more of down the road.”The Nebraska LEAD Program, which began in 1981, continues its legacy of developing leaders who are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in Nebraska and beyond. Through seminars, study travel and hands-on experiences, LEAD 43 Fellows will gain insights into the complex issues shaping the future of agriculture and rural communities.Nebraska LEAD 43 Fellows by city/town are:&nbsp;&nbsp;CARLETON: Troy KaneDENTON: Payton SchanemanEDISON: Amy WarnerERICSON: Neleigh GehlFREMONT: Chandler MalyGOTHENBURG: MiKinley HarmGRETNA: Brennan CostelloHASTINGS: Lily ZiehmerHAY SPRINGS: Austin WeyersHOWELLS: Tyler MortonHUMPHREY: Eric WemhoffKEARNEY: Anthony Finke, Dustin Rohde, Trevor SpathLINCOLN: Luke Baldridge, Jared Stauffer, Sally WelshLONG PINE: Spencer ShiffletLOUP CITY: Cale HarringtonMINATARE: Austin KnissMULLEN: Kyle PhillipsNEHAWKA: Sophia SvandaNORFOLK: Courtney Nelson, Jake JudgeORD: Ben EdwardsOSCEOLA: Anthony MestlSUPERIOR: John SullivanWAYNE: Bobby ReifenrathWAHOO: Jacobi SwansonThe mission of the Nebraska LEAD Program is “to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership.” For more information on the program or its mission, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://lead.unl.edu/" target="_blank">lead.unl.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thirty Nebraskans Selected for Nebraska LEAD Class 43

North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;City of North Platte, along with Simon Contractors will be closing Front Street from Sycamore Street to Ash Street. Repairs will begin tomorrow August 28th and completion expected to be on August 29th. Alternate routes are required during this time for vehicle traffic.

Please use caution around the construction area and observe and follow all signs for the safety of you and the workers.

The North Platte Engineering Department would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation in making this a safe and expedient project.

City of North PlatteNorth Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;City of North Platte, along with Simon Contractors will be closing Front Street from Sycamore Street to Ash Street. Repairs will begin tomorrow August 28th and completion expected to be on August 29th. Alternate routes are required during this time for vehicle traffic.Please use caution around the construction area and observe and follow all signs for the safety of you and the workers.The North Platte Engineering Department would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation in making this a safe and expedient project.

Willow repairs underway in North Platte

The Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health, raised $10,000 for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails in 2024.

To date, supporters of the Vanderheiden Memorial run have contributed more than $30,000 to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation to support trails.

Runners from every state in the nation and all 93 Nebraska counties participated either virtually or in-person in this year’s May 25 race, which brought together hundreds of people united around raising mental health awareness. Participants used the hashtags #PreventSuicide and #Run4TJV when they shared their race stories, memories of Tyler and their connection to the outdoors.

“The outpouring of support is a true reflection of the love we have for our precious son, Tyler,” said Shannon Vanderheiden, Tyler’s mother. “Our race efforts are just a glimpse of the important work and impact that Tyler has had on the lives of others, even those who never had the privilege of meeting him.

“For many the great outdoors holds a healing power that nurtures both our physical and mental health well-being, and we are humbled and grateful for the support we receive through Ty’s race to continue raising awareness about the importance of mental health well-being and suicide prevention. Thank you for being part of our family’s journey. Together, we are building a legacy of love and hope that will live on for generations to come.”

The annual event began in 2020 with the intent of being a space for healing and support for those who struggle with mental health or know someone who has, and since 2022, has benefitted trails across the state.

Funds donated this year will be used to support trail upgrades at Smith Falls State Park, home to Nebraska’s highest waterfall, and the donation could trigger access of up to $32,000 in matching federal Recreation Trails Program funds if a grant application by Game and Parks is successful this fall.

The run is organized by the Platte River Fitness Series, with support by West Central District Health Department, where Vanderheiden serves as executive director.

“Memorial races like this one resonate with runners in a special way,” said Trudy Merritt, series director. “Attaching something bigger than ourselves to a hard effort creates space for meaning making, something necessary for human flourishing.”

People continue to connect with the race’s message, helping to spread the word and shine a light on mental health and available resources.

To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019199d8d535-db471ec1-a25b-4692-868a-e8581095cabf-000000/bQo9uICZTnBH0R4ENTyfFusvbvhbCrkgybcJjpGptzo=368" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search for “Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run.”

By Nebraska Game and ParksThe Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health, raised $10,000 for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails in 2024.To date, supporters of the Vanderheiden Memorial run have contributed more than $30,000 to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation to support trails.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724872400383.jpeg" alt="Pictured from left at North Platte’s Cody Park are Smith Falls State Park Superintendent Cody Niewohner, Nebraska Game and Parks Communications Director Christy Firestone, Shannon Vanderheiden and Tim Vanderheiden, Tyler Vanderheiden’s parents; and Trudy Merritt, race organizer of Platte River Fitness Series. (Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)" />
 <figcaption>Pictured from left at North Platte’s Cody Park are Smith Falls State Park Superintendent Cody Niewohner, Nebraska Game and Parks Communications Director Christy Firestone, Shannon Vanderheiden and Tim Vanderheiden, Tyler Vanderheiden’s parents; and Trudy Merritt, race organizer of Platte River Fitness Series. (Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)</figcaption>
 </figure>Runners from every state in the nation and all 93 Nebraska counties participated either virtually or in-person in this year’s May 25 race, which brought together hundreds of people united around raising mental health awareness. Participants used the hashtags #PreventSuicide and #Run4TJV when they shared their race stories, memories of Tyler and their connection to the outdoors.“The outpouring of support is a true reflection of the love we have for our precious son, Tyler,” said Shannon Vanderheiden, Tyler’s mother. “Our race efforts are just a glimpse of the important work and impact that Tyler has had on the lives of others, even those who never had the privilege of meeting him.“For many the great outdoors holds a healing power that nurtures both our physical and mental health well-being, and we are humbled and grateful for the support we receive through Ty’s race to continue raising awareness about the importance of mental health well-being and suicide prevention. Thank you for being part of our family’s journey. Together, we are building a legacy of love and hope that will live on for generations to come.”The annual event began in 2020 with the intent of being a space for healing and support for those who struggle with mental health or know someone who has, and since 2022, has benefitted trails across the state.Funds donated this year will be used to support trail upgrades at Smith Falls State Park, home to Nebraska’s highest waterfall, and the donation could trigger access of up to $32,000 in matching federal Recreation Trails Program funds if a grant application by Game and Parks is successful this fall.The run is organized by the Platte River Fitness Series, with support by West Central District Health Department, where Vanderheiden serves as executive director.“Memorial races like this one resonate with runners in a special way,” said Trudy Merritt, series director. “Attaching something bigger than ourselves to a hard effort creates space for meaning making, something necessary for human flourishing.”People continue to connect with the race’s message, helping to spread the word and shine a light on mental health and available resources.The 2025 race is set for May 31.To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019199d8d535-db471ec1-a25b-4692-868a-e8581095cabf-000000/bQo9uICZTnBH0R4ENTyfFusvbvhbCrkgybcJjpGptzo=368" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search for “Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run.”

Memorial run raises $10K for Smith Falls trails

NORTH PLATTE, NE - Great Plains Health is proud to announce that Dr. Renee Engler,&nbsp; a respected member of our medical staff, has been elected to the Board of Directors of&nbsp; the Nebraska Medical Association (NMA). The Board of Directors for the NMA consists&nbsp; of dedicated physician leaders committed to shaping the future of medicine and&nbsp; embodying the values that define the association. Dr. Engler's appointment recognizes&nbsp; her commitment to excellence in patient care and her leadership in the medical&nbsp; community.&nbsp;

Dr. Engler, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, brings a wealth of&nbsp; experience to her new role. Her background includes:&nbsp;

• Co-Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Great Plains Health • Director of Urgent Care and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs • Past Chief of Staff and Hospital Board member at Great Plains Health • Medical Director for two rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) squads • Volunteer coach for LifeBridge Nebraska, supporting physician well-being&nbsp;

In her candidate statement, Dr. Engler highlighted her mission: "As a member of the&nbsp; NMA Board of Directors, my mission is striving for excellence in patient care, access to&nbsp; care, supporting physician members, and improving healthcare in Nebraska."&nbsp;

Dr. Engler's career spans both urban and rural healthcare settings, giving her a unique&nbsp; perspective on the challenges facing Nebraska's medical community. She has been&nbsp; instrumental in improving regional healthcare quality and access, including upgrading a&nbsp; rural EMS squad from Basic Life Support to Advanced Life Support.&nbsp;

Reflecting on the significance of this appointment, Ivan Mitchell, CEO of Great Plains&nbsp; Health, stated: "Dr. Engler's appointment to the NMA Board is great news for our region.&nbsp; Her expertise in healthcare and her patient-first approach will be invaluable. This&nbsp;

appointment not only recognizes her leadership, but also strengthens the voice of our&nbsp; community in shaping Nebraska's healthcare future."&nbsp;

In addition to her work at Great Plains Health, Dr. Engler has served as a past President&nbsp; of Nebraska's American College of Emergency Physicians, Vice-Chair of the Clinically&nbsp; Integrated Network, and is a new member of the Nebraska Medical Association Political&nbsp; Action Committee (NMPAC) Board.&nbsp;

Regarding her new role, Dr. Engler stated, "This is a huge win for our community. My&nbsp; position on the NMA Board of Directors will allow me to directly address the needs of&nbsp; our patients at a state level. I'm excited to bring our local healthcare perspectives to the&nbsp; forefront and work towards improving access and quality of care for all Nebraskans,&nbsp; especially in rural areas."&nbsp;

Based in North Platte, Nebraska, Great Plains Health is a fully accredited, 116-bed&nbsp; acute-care regional medical center serving western and central Nebraska, northern&nbsp; Kansas, and southern South Dakota. With 90 physicians representing nearly 30 medical&nbsp; specialties, the Great Plains Health system offers advanced health care, including heart&nbsp; and vascular, cancer, and orthopedic surgery services. Great Plains Health is a Level III&nbsp; trauma center, and all of its emergency department physicians are residency-trained&nbsp; and board-certified in emergency medicine. The system employs approximately 1,200&nbsp; employees and serves a geographic area spanning approximately 16,000 square miles.&nbsp; The hospital is accredited by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ)&nbsp; and is home to an American College of Surgeons-accredited cancer center and Level II&nbsp; bariatric surgery program. For more information, visit gphealth.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724853984990.jpeg" alt="Dr. Renee Engler (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Renee Engler (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Plains HealthNORTH PLATTE, NE - Great Plains Health is proud to announce that Dr. Renee Engler,&nbsp; a respected member of our medical staff, has been elected to the Board of Directors of&nbsp; the Nebraska Medical Association (NMA). The Board of Directors for the NMA consists&nbsp; of dedicated physician leaders committed to shaping the future of medicine and&nbsp; embodying the values that define the association. Dr. Engler's appointment recognizes&nbsp; her commitment to excellence in patient care and her leadership in the medical&nbsp; community.&nbsp;Dr. Engler, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, brings a wealth of&nbsp; experience to her new role. Her background includes:&nbsp;• Co-Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Great Plains Health • Director of Urgent Care and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs • Past Chief of Staff and Hospital Board member at Great Plains Health • Medical Director for two rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) squads • Volunteer coach for LifeBridge Nebraska, supporting physician well-being&nbsp;In her candidate statement, Dr. Engler highlighted her mission: "As a member of the&nbsp; NMA Board of Directors, my mission is striving for excellence in patient care, access to&nbsp; care, supporting physician members, and improving healthcare in Nebraska."&nbsp;Dr. Engler's career spans both urban and rural healthcare settings, giving her a unique&nbsp; perspective on the challenges facing Nebraska's medical community. She has been&nbsp; instrumental in improving regional healthcare quality and access, including upgrading a&nbsp; rural EMS squad from Basic Life Support to Advanced Life Support.&nbsp;Reflecting on the significance of this appointment, Ivan Mitchell, CEO of Great Plains&nbsp; Health, stated: "Dr. Engler's appointment to the NMA Board is great news for our region.&nbsp; Her expertise in healthcare and her patient-first approach will be invaluable. This&nbsp;appointment not only recognizes her leadership, but also strengthens the voice of our&nbsp; community in shaping Nebraska's healthcare future."&nbsp;In addition to her work at Great Plains Health, Dr. Engler has served as a past President&nbsp; of Nebraska's American College of Emergency Physicians, Vice-Chair of the Clinically&nbsp; Integrated Network, and is a new member of the Nebraska Medical Association Political&nbsp; Action Committee (NMPAC) Board.&nbsp;Regarding her new role, Dr. Engler stated, "This is a huge win for our community. My&nbsp; position on the NMA Board of Directors will allow me to directly address the needs of&nbsp; our patients at a state level. I'm excited to bring our local healthcare perspectives to the&nbsp; forefront and work towards improving access and quality of care for all Nebraskans,&nbsp; especially in rural areas."&nbsp;About Great Plains Health&nbsp;Based in North Platte, Nebraska, Great Plains Health is a fully accredited, 116-bed&nbsp; acute-care regional medical center serving western and central Nebraska, northern&nbsp; Kansas, and southern South Dakota. With 90 physicians representing nearly 30 medical&nbsp; specialties, the Great Plains Health system offers advanced health care, including heart&nbsp; and vascular, cancer, and orthopedic surgery services. Great Plains Health is a Level III&nbsp; trauma center, and all of its emergency department physicians are residency-trained&nbsp; and board-certified in emergency medicine. The system employs approximately 1,200&nbsp; employees and serves a geographic area spanning approximately 16,000 square miles.&nbsp; The hospital is accredited by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ)&nbsp; and is home to an American College of Surgeons-accredited cancer center and Level II&nbsp; bariatric surgery program. For more information, visit gphealth.org.

Great Plains Health Physician Dr. Renee Engler Elected to Nebraska Medical Association Board of Directors

Nebraska Department of Transportation

Aug. 27, 2024 (North Platte, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin Sept. 3 on I-80, from reference post 106.31 to reference post 115.49, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Scodeller Construction, Inc., of Wixom, Mich., is the contractor for this project. Work includes sawing and sealing pavement joints, penetrating concrete sealer, and permanent pavement marking. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is spring 2025.

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

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

Nebraska Department of TransportationAug. 27, 2024 (North Platte, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin Sept. 3 on I-80, from reference post 106.31 to reference post 115.49, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.Scodeller Construction, Inc., of Wixom, Mich., is the contractor for this project. Work includes sawing and sealing pavement joints, penetrating concrete sealer, and permanent pavement marking. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is spring 2025.The purpose of these projects is to preserve the transportation asset, improve the reliability of the transportation system, and perpetuate the mobility of the traveling public.Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Work Will Begin on I-80, near Big Springs

Sutherland, Neb. - The Sutherland N River Bridge is set to open this Friday, months ahead of schedule.&nbsp;

On a social media post made by Chris Bruns, Lincoln County Commissioner - District 4, says the project is well ahead of schedule and almost $1mm under initial budget. The project is nearing completion.&nbsp;

***Chris Bruns, Lincoln County Commissioner - District 4, full social media post

Sutherland, Neb. - The Sutherland N River Bridge is set to open this Friday, months ahead of schedule.&nbsp;On a social media post made by Chris Bruns, Lincoln County Commissioner - District 4, says the project is well ahead of schedule and almost $1mm under initial budget. The project is nearing completion.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvotebruns%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02sxkTxPc7XepxwZTDCFBpRuDDHhJFxU6b1C4KPYqyQXk5rVNh44HcGz7x6MQrE62vl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="594" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>***Chris Bruns, Lincoln County Commissioner - District 4, full social media post

Sutherland N River Bridge to open Friday

Lincoln, NE – August 27, 2024 – Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega Millions® Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the Tuesday, August 27 drawing to $582 million or $286.9 million with the cash option selected.

The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 23 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since June 7 without a jackpot winner.

The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in August 2023 when one ticket was sold in Florida for a $1.602 billion jackpot.

Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.iAuI3qUyZqtRffZQ3zfUpzpNzmNSojhgdRv9EpaRm6-2BsU-2BqvsgP5YyAt9wOpVtfj_X51_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnLGFKw4WlIewi8TVPmzjBMZmY0w962sbiHySz3c-2B-2F8Mh0Z2IMAClsZoBbcmK6xd9gsMu8GBTugWBt9wk3pThBDWIitY0wrAg0ZlK16LVSnC6xAHVrGNEEpv-2Fk-2Fg3UKpHM1dUol1534BR0jhwjJAjh2lMlTLxm2sMdvXB9RIpUc9GLX9BrVAR398qo9pKuwuKJTeq8oBB6IzmtTJnxeE7jgSjFNgoO8JrouruiSXEV4AwpFFOwtafWu2tq0o1nIzEJ15vkbNd1BN0csZ-2F-2FgQwfww-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.

Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to set limits and play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the Mega Millions jackpot is, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/knowyourlimit" target="_blank">nelottery.com/knowyourlimit</a>&nbsp;for more information on setting limits on your lottery play.

If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://problemgambling.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">problemgambling.nebraska.gov</a>.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE – August 27, 2024 – Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega Millions® Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the Tuesday, August 27 drawing to $582 million or $286.9 million with the cash option selected.The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 23 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since June 7 without a jackpot winner.The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in August 2023 when one ticket was sold in Florida for a $1.602 billion jackpot.Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.iAuI3qUyZqtRffZQ3zfUpzpNzmNSojhgdRv9EpaRm6-2BsU-2BqvsgP5YyAt9wOpVtfj_X51_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnLGFKw4WlIewi8TVPmzjBMZmY0w962sbiHySz3c-2B-2F8Mh0Z2IMAClsZoBbcmK6xd9gsMu8GBTugWBt9wk3pThBDWIitY0wrAg0ZlK16LVSnC6xAHVrGNEEpv-2Fk-2Fg3UKpHM1dUol1534BR0jhwjJAjh2lMlTLxm2sMdvXB9RIpUc9GLX9BrVAR398qo9pKuwuKJTeq8oBB6IzmtTJnxeE7jgSjFNgoO8JrouruiSXEV4AwpFFOwtafWu2tq0o1nIzEJ15vkbNd1BN0csZ-2F-2FgQwfww-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.Know Your LimitBecause of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to set limits and play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the Mega Millions jackpot is, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/knowyourlimit" target="_blank">nelottery.com/knowyourlimit</a>&nbsp;for more information on setting limits on your lottery play.If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://problemgambling.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">problemgambling.nebraska.gov</a>.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Mega Millions® Jackpot Increased for Tuesday Drawing

Aug. 27, 2024 (North Platte, Neb.) — B Street in North Platte has re-opened, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. 

Paulsen, Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. The closure was for the reconstruction of the west B Street intersection.

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


Nebraska Department of TransportationAug. 27, 2024 (North Platte, Neb.) — B Street in North Platte has re-opened, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Paulsen, Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. The closure was for the reconstruction of the west B Street intersection.Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

B Street Re-Opened in North Platte

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -&nbsp;The Western Community College Area (WCCA) Board of Governors is pleased to announce that the District 3 vacancy has been filled by Starr Lehl of Minatare.

By WNCCSCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -&nbsp;The Western Community College Area (WCCA) Board of Governors is pleased to announce that the District 3 vacancy has been filled by Starr Lehl of Minatare.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724777096328.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lehl was sworn in at the August Board of Governor's meeting. Lehl will serve the remaining term of former District 3 representative Misty Curtis, who resigned to accept the WNCC Alliance Campus Director position.“We are pleased to welcome Starr to the board,” said Karen Anderson, WCCA board&nbsp;chair. “She brings decades of experience in public service. She will be a great asset to the Board."Since April 2023, Lehl has been with GROW Nebraska, assisting small business owners and entrepreneurs with the implementation of the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act Grant program. Prior to that, she served as the Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsbluff for five years. She also spent nearly 15 years as a business development consultant for the State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development.Lehl is a member of several civic organizations, including the Nebraska Economic Developers Association, Western Nebraska Development Network, Small Business Compliance Advisory Panel Member, and Panhandle Saddle Club. Lehl was also the mayor of Gering from 1998 to 2006.For more information about the WCCA Board of Governors, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://go.wncc.edu/board" target="_blank">go.wncc.edu/board</a>.