Lake McConaughy - The 4th of July holiday weekend has come and gone for guests at Lake McConaughy, but the Keystone Lemoyne Fire Department had a busy stretch of seven days for calls. During the seven-day period, the department responded to 10 calls.

KLFD call log from July 1 to July 7 holiday week at Lake McConaughy:

July 2 at 0259: Boating accident Divers Bay point, 2 individuals trans ported by ambulance to OCH and late transferred to Kearney

July 4 at 1355: Drowning Beach Access 4, child was in the water and is now missing. Child found on shore OK

July 4 at 1601: Countywide grass fire MM 140 Rt 26, helped OFD extinguish

July 4 at 2200: Medical Emergency Keystone/Lake Road. Assisted KCEMS, Game and Parks, and NSP with a combative subject.

July 4 at 2000: Stand-By Western Diamonds Sports Complex, fireworks display

July 5 at 0800: Medical Emergency Lake Ogallala, 3-month-old unconscious not breathing, assisted KCEMS, KCSO, NSP

July 5 at 0959: Medical Emergency Beach Access 16, male having trouble breathing. Assist with KCEMS with transport off beach to ambulance.

July 5 at 2250: Medical Emergency Beach Access 13, male dislocated shoulder, assist KCEMS with transport off beach with side by side to waiting ambulance.

July 6 at 15:26: Countywide Grass Fire MM 142, Rt. 26, assist OFD with extinguishment

July 6 at 1811: Medical Emergency, Beach Access 5. Subject with possible broken leg. Assisted KCEMS with transport off beach with side by side to waiting ambulance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lake McConaughy - The 4th of July holiday weekend has come and gone for guests at Lake McConaughy, but the Keystone Lemoyne Fire Department had a busy stretch of seven days for calls. During the seven-day period, the department responded to 10 calls.KLFD call log from July 1 to July 7 holiday week at Lake McConaughy:July 2 at 0259: Boating accident Divers Bay point, 2 individuals trans ported by ambulance to OCH and late transferred to KearneyJuly 4 at 1355: Drowning Beach Access 4, child was in the water and is now missing. Child found on shore OKJuly 4 at 1601: Countywide grass fire MM 140 Rt 26, helped OFD extinguishJuly 4 at 2200: Medical Emergency Keystone/Lake Road. Assisted KCEMS, Game and Parks, and NSP with a combative subject.July 4 at 2000: Stand-By Western Diamonds Sports Complex, fireworks displayJuly 5 at 0800: Medical Emergency Lake Ogallala, 3-month-old unconscious not breathing, assisted KCEMS, KCSO, NSPJuly 5 at 0959: Medical Emergency Beach Access 16, male having trouble breathing. Assist with KCEMS with transport off beach to ambulance.July 5 at 2250: Medical Emergency Beach Access 13, male dislocated shoulder, assist KCEMS with transport off beach with side by side to waiting ambulance.July 6 at 15:26: Countywide Grass Fire MM 142, Rt. 26, assist OFD with extinguishmentJuly 6 at 1811: Medical Emergency, Beach Access 5. Subject with possible broken leg. Assisted KCEMS with transport off beach with side by side to waiting ambulance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Keystone Lemoyne Fire Department call log - July 1st - July 7th

Post Podcast with Carla Taylor below about Imperial Valley Holiness Camp east of Imperial which kicks off on July 18th with a concert. Podcast brought to you by <a href="http://www.npkubota.com">North Platte Kubota</a>.

Imperial, Ne – It’s almost time for the annual <a href="http://imperialvalleyholinesscamp.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0-gcUWZAvRmcpWp6_-MPgfpqk9iMAXsOErmhGq9LvpM_c7aAUdNwdGli8_aem_f4RRqe1PHkSAG5Kb0m4umw">Imperial
Valley Holiness Camp</a> held every summer in the area since 1911, and since 1950
just 3 miles east of Imperial. The 10-day camp kicks off on Thursday, July 18 downtown
Imperial with a Gospel Concert featuring <a href="https://youtu.be/zHTGLWKPD4Y?si=EC_ooPgZbDK3t6EI">Mark Umfleet</a>. Umfleet
won the 2021 Male Vocalist of the Year award from the Country Gospel Music
Association. The concert will be on the 700 block of Broadway in Imperial,
starting at 7pm MDT and is free to attend.

Mark Umfleet is also the Evangelist at this years IVHC. He
and his wife Dori live in Forsyth, Montana where he pastors The Point and he
and Dori operate the WeeCare Child Care, a ministry within their church. The
Umfleet’s are joined at Imperial Valley Holiness Camp this July by Marcus A.
Whitworth Sr. who will be leading worship each day, Youth worker Deb Ballard from Missouri, Children’s Workers Kris
Mustion and Kathy Weintz and Missionary Krista Landaas who serves the Native
Americans in the southwestern United States.

New to this years Camp is a Vacation Bible School intended
for kids Preschool-5th grade from the greater Imperial area as well
as kids staying at the campgrounds. The Bible School will run Monday, July 22
through Friday, July 26 from 8:30am MDT until 11:30am. Carla Taylor, current
President of Imperial Valley Holiness Camp says if there is interest in children
needing a ride from town (Imperial) out to the campgrounds, that the Camp will
provide accommodations for those kids. During the Vacation Bible School, titled
“Farm Fresh Faith”, Taylor says “we’re gonna pour into your kids and love on
them, we’re gonna sing songs about Jesus, have lessons, crafts, snacks and
spend some time with them learning about Jesus.” Carla says if you have
questions about transportation or anything else, to call or text her at 308-352-6501. (Click on Facebook link below to sign your children up)

The entire region is invited out for any of the days of the
camp meetings, below is the daily schedule along with the Sunday schedule which
is slightly different.

1:30pm – Adult Bible Study, afternoon activities for
children and youth

SUNDAY Schedule for July 21 &amp; 28

The Camp meetings are interdenominational and will run the
evening of Thursday, July 18-Sunday evening, July 28 this year. All are invited
to attend. Over the 100-plus years of the Holiness camp in all of its
locations, people have come from Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota and other
states to hear the Word. Taylor says the Camps mission is to “spend time in
God’s word, developing lasting relationships with Christian friends, then take
the Word of God home to share with others.”

Carla Taylor says the Imperial Valley Holiness Camp is
looking for a camper or RV that they could borrow or rent during the camp
meetings for their youth minister who does an early 4am zoom meeting part of
her ministry. If anyone reading from the area has a small camper or RV they’d
be willing to either donate or rent for the 10 days they can reach out to
Taylor at 308-352-6501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720462985306.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Post Podcast with Carla Taylor below about Imperial Valley Holiness Camp east of Imperial which kicks off on July 18th with a concert. Podcast brought to you by <a href="http://www.npkubota.com">North Platte Kubota</a>.<div><iframe title="Imperial Valley Holiness Camp kicks off July 18th in Imperial with concert (conversation with Carla Taylor)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wsssb-1661a77-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Imperial, Ne – It’s almost time for the annual <a href="http://imperialvalleyholinesscamp.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0-gcUWZAvRmcpWp6_-MPgfpqk9iMAXsOErmhGq9LvpM_c7aAUdNwdGli8_aem_f4RRqe1PHkSAG5Kb0m4umw">Imperial
Valley Holiness Camp</a> held every summer in the area since 1911, and since 1950
just 3 miles east of Imperial. The 10-day camp kicks off on Thursday, July 18 downtown
Imperial with a Gospel Concert featuring <a href="https://youtu.be/zHTGLWKPD4Y?si=EC_ooPgZbDK3t6EI">Mark Umfleet</a>. Umfleet
won the 2021 Male Vocalist of the Year award from the Country Gospel Music
Association. The concert will be on the 700 block of Broadway in Imperial,
starting at 7pm MDT and is free to attend. Mark Umfleet is also the Evangelist at this years IVHC. He
and his wife Dori live in Forsyth, Montana where he pastors The Point and he
and Dori operate the WeeCare Child Care, a ministry within their church. The
Umfleet’s are joined at Imperial Valley Holiness Camp this July by Marcus A.
Whitworth Sr. who will be leading worship each day, Youth worker Deb Ballard from Missouri, Children’s Workers Kris
Mustion and Kathy Weintz and Missionary Krista Landaas who serves the Native
Americans in the southwestern United States.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720459728265.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>New to this years Camp is a Vacation Bible School intended
for kids Preschool-5th grade from the greater Imperial area as well
as kids staying at the campgrounds. The Bible School will run Monday, July 22
through Friday, July 26 from 8:30am MDT until 11:30am. Carla Taylor, current
President of Imperial Valley Holiness Camp says if there is interest in children
needing a ride from town (Imperial) out to the campgrounds, that the Camp will
provide accommodations for those kids. During the Vacation Bible School, titled
“Farm Fresh Faith”, Taylor says “we’re gonna pour into your kids and love on
them, we’re gonna sing songs about Jesus, have lessons, crafts, snacks and
spend some time with them learning about Jesus.” Carla says if you have
questions about transportation or anything else, to call or text her at 308-352-6501. (Click on Facebook link below to sign your children up)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FImperialValleyHolinessCamp%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02RPYkEMHjHYpWkFi4SULoCqNXTRJYoPRWr92PPdgy1s9Ax3YwwE7KFwHcLpXeBve2l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="608" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The entire region is invited out for any of the days of the
camp meetings, below is the daily schedule along with the Sunday schedule which
is slightly different.Weekday Schedule8:30am – Prayer Meeting10:30am – Morning Service12pm – Lunch1:30pm – Adult Bible Study, afternoon activities for
children and youth5pm – Supper6pm – Harmony Hour (Special Music)7pm – Evening Service9pm – Youth AfterglowSUNDAY Schedule for July 21 &amp; 288:30am – Prayer Meeting9:30am – Sunday School for all ages10:30am – Worship Service12pm – Lunch2pm – Afternoon Service5pm – Supper6pm – Harmony Hour (Special Music)7pm – Evening ServiceThe Camp meetings are interdenominational and will run the
evening of Thursday, July 18-Sunday evening, July 28 this year. All are invited
to attend. Over the 100-plus years of the Holiness camp in all of its
locations, people have come from Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota and other
states to hear the Word. Taylor says the Camps mission is to “spend time in
God’s word, developing lasting relationships with Christian friends, then take
the Word of God home to share with others.”Carla Taylor says the Imperial Valley Holiness Camp is
looking for a camper or RV that they could borrow or rent during the camp
meetings for their youth minister who does an early 4am zoom meeting part of
her ministry. If anyone reading from the area has a small camper or RV they’d
be willing to either donate or rent for the 10 days they can reach out to
Taylor at 308-352-6501.

Imperial Valley Holiness Camp kicks off July 18th in Imperial with concert (PODCAST)

JULY 8, 2024 (OGALLALA, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Nebraska State Troopers arrested three people and recovered multiple stolen firearms after pursuits with two stolen vehicles Saturday.

The incident began at around 12:15 p.m. MT Saturday, troopers learned that the Ogallala Police Department was in pursuit of a Ford F-150 pickup that was stolen out of Wyoming. Ogallala PD officers discontinued the pursuit as it traveled through Ogallala out of concern for public safety.

A trooper then observed the same vehicle as it exited Interstate 80 at the Brule interchange a short time later. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and fled westbound on Highway 30. The trooper initiated a pursuit. After entering Deuel County, the vehicle turned southbound and continued fleeing on county roads. The vehicle continued south of I-80 before coming to a stop at a residence near County Road 209 and County Road 4. All three occupants fled the vehicle on foot.

Two of the occupants then stole a Ford F-350 that was parked at the farm residence. Troopers remained in pursuit of the second stolen vehicle, while others remained at the scene to search for the third suspect. The suspects fled on various county roads in Deuel, Perkins, and Keith Counties before the returning to I-80 and fleeing eastbound. As the vehicle passed the Ogallala interchange, the Ogallala Police Department was able to successfully deploy stop sticks, which brought to the vehicle to a stop a short time later.

The two occupants were taken into custody without further incident at approximately 1:00 p.m. MT. The third suspect was taken into custody after a search of the location where the first vehicle was abandoned. All three were transported to Keith County Jail. Troopers located stolen firearms, stolen credits cards, and methamphetamine inside the first stolen vehicle.

All three suspects were arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen firearms, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a stolen financial transaction device, obstruction, and criminal mischief. The driver, Michael Ayala, 20, was also arrested for flight to avoid arrest and willful reckless driving. The two other occupants are both minors, age 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720326187084.jpeg" alt="Michael Ayala (Courtesy of Keith County Jail)" />
 <figcaption>Michael Ayala (Courtesy of Keith County Jail)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolJULY 8, 2024 (OGALLALA, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Nebraska State Troopers arrested three people and recovered multiple stolen firearms after pursuits with two stolen vehicles Saturday.The incident began at around 12:15 p.m. MT Saturday, troopers learned that the Ogallala Police Department was in pursuit of a Ford F-150 pickup that was stolen out of Wyoming. Ogallala PD officers discontinued the pursuit as it traveled through Ogallala out of concern for public safety.A trooper then observed the same vehicle as it exited Interstate 80 at the Brule interchange a short time later. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and fled westbound on Highway 30. The trooper initiated a pursuit. After entering Deuel County, the vehicle turned southbound and continued fleeing on county roads. The vehicle continued south of I-80 before coming to a stop at a residence near County Road 209 and County Road 4. All three occupants fled the vehicle on foot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720467736908.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>Two of the occupants then stole a Ford F-350 that was parked at the farm residence. Troopers remained in pursuit of the second stolen vehicle, while others remained at the scene to search for the third suspect. The suspects fled on various county roads in Deuel, Perkins, and Keith Counties before the returning to I-80 and fleeing eastbound. As the vehicle passed the Ogallala interchange, the Ogallala Police Department was able to successfully deploy stop sticks, which brought to the vehicle to a stop a short time later.The two occupants were taken into custody without further incident at approximately 1:00 p.m. MT. The third suspect was taken into custody after a search of the location where the first vehicle was abandoned. All three were transported to Keith County Jail. Troopers located stolen firearms, stolen credits cards, and methamphetamine inside the first stolen vehicle.All three suspects were arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen firearms, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a stolen financial transaction device, obstruction, and criminal mischief. The driver, Michael Ayala, 20, was also arrested for flight to avoid arrest and willful reckless driving. The two other occupants are both minors, age 18.The investigation remains ongoing.

Stolen Vehicles, Stolen Firearms Recovered after Multi-County Pursuit Ends In Ogallala

North Platte, Neb. - The NPHS Mobile Food Pantry is taking place Tuesday, July 9th at the parking lot next to the tennis courts at the high school beginning at 1:00pm and will last until the last box is distributed.

The school district said in a post that cars cannot come into the parking lot while the semi is unloading the distribution items. 325 households will be served on a first come, first serve basis, free of charge. Cars will drive through a line while volunteers will bring the box food to the vehicles.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720452325193.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte PostNorth Platte, Neb. - The NPHS Mobile Food Pantry is taking place Tuesday, July 9th at the parking lot next to the tennis courts at the high school beginning at 1:00pm and will last until the last box is distributed.The school district said in a post that cars cannot come into the parking lot while the semi is unloading the distribution items. 325 households will be served on a first come, first serve basis, free of charge. Cars will drive through a line while volunteers will bring the box food to the vehicles.&nbsp;

NPHS Mobile Food Pantry scheduled for Tuesday

According to post on social media by Nebraska 511, the grass fire has been put out.

Cozad, Neb. - A grass fire is taking place in the median on I-80 near Cozad just shortly after 11:00 Monday morning.

According to Nebraska 511, between MM 219 and Exit 222, drivers should be aware of a grass fire that's happening in the median near the I-80 eastbound lanes outside of Cozad. The left shoulder is closed, and drivers should stay in the right lane as crews work on the fire.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720455915341.jpeg" alt="Grass fire in the median on I-80 near Cozad (Ne 511)" />
 <figcaption>Grass fire in the median on I-80 near Cozad (Ne 511)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte PostUpdate:According to post on social media by Nebraska 511, the grass fire has been put out.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Update: Fire has been put out. <a href="https://t.co/vL78tjpDtF">https://t.co/vL78tjpDtF</a>&mdash; Nebraska 511 (@Nebraska511) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nebraska511/status/1810353166069739819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>-----Cozad, Neb. - A grass fire is taking place in the median on I-80 near Cozad just shortly after 11:00 Monday morning.According to Nebraska 511, between MM 219 and Exit 222, drivers should be aware of a grass fire that's happening in the median near the I-80 eastbound lanes outside of Cozad. The left shoulder is closed, and drivers should stay in the right lane as crews work on the fire.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720455699604.jpeg" alt="NE 511" />
 <figcaption>NE 511</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cozad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cozad</a> GRASS FIRE: I-80 EB @ MM 222 there is a grass fire. The Left Shoulder is Blocked. Move Right. <a href="https://t.co/Rqi19qsrDp">https://t.co/Rqi19qsrDp</a> <a href="https://t.co/KJhC0Zl5sb">pic.twitter.com/KJhC0Zl5sb</a>&mdash; Nebraska 511 (@Nebraska511) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nebraska511/status/1810345236368859152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720456325546.jpeg" alt="NE 511" />
 <figcaption>NE 511</figcaption>
 </figure>

Grass fire near Cozad exit on I-80 has been put out

Lincoln, NE - July 8, 2024 - One lucky player who bought a 2by2 ticket for the Saturday, July 6 drawing is holding a ticket worth $22,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Saturday's 2by2 draw matched all four winning numbers for the $22,000 top prize. The ticket was sold at Trails West, 36457 Us Highway 34, in Trenton. The winning numbers from Saturday's 2by2 draw were and Red 03, 11, White 03, 09.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.

2by2 is run by the Multi-State Lottery Association and was introduced in June 2002. Players in Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming have the opportunity to win up to $22,000 Monday through Sunday by playing 2by2. The odds of winning the $22,000 2by2 top prize are 1 in 105,625. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.59.

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 - July 8, 2024 - One lucky player who bought a 2by2 ticket for the Saturday, July 6 drawing is holding a ticket worth $22,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Saturday's 2by2 draw matched all four winning numbers for the $22,000 top prize. The ticket was sold at Trails West, 36457 Us Highway 34, in Trenton. The winning numbers from Saturday's 2by2 draw were and Red 03, 11, White 03, 09.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.2by2 is run by the Multi-State Lottery Association and was introduced in June 2002. Players in Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming have the opportunity to win up to $22,000 Monday through Sunday by playing 2by2. The odds of winning the $22,000 2by2 top prize are 1 in 105,625. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.59.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.

$22,000 2by2 Winning Ticket Sold in Trenton

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department

Pool Cool is continuing this year in&nbsp;Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD).&nbsp;&nbsp;This 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;

Skin cancer accounts for nearly 1.3 million new cases of cancer each year, making it the most common form of cancer found in the United States. As the heat starts to bring the kids out of the house and into the pools, SWNPHD encourages residents to remember to take action to protect their skin now to help prevent skin cancer in the future.

&nbsp;“Most would think adding some sunscreen a couple times a day is enough, and even though it is a good start there are few more things we can all do to protect ourselves from the sun,” states Sarah Minnick, Program Manager with SWNPHD.

The Pool Cool program manager, Sarah Minnick, has been visiting area swimming pools to increase awareness of sun protection practices with pool staff and pool users. SWNPHD will provide signage for the pools that can be used to educate swimmers and act as a reminder. “We will also be providing free sunscreen so if someone forgets to apply before arriving to the pool, they will have some readily available,” Minnick added. “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.”

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 helpful information to prevent disease, promote wellness, and protect health. You can also follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health DepartmentPool Cool is continuing this year in&nbsp;Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD).&nbsp;&nbsp;This 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;Skin cancer accounts for nearly 1.3 million new cases of cancer each year, making it the most common form of cancer found in the United States. As the heat starts to bring the kids out of the house and into the pools, SWNPHD encourages residents to remember to take action to protect their skin now to help prevent skin cancer in the future.&nbsp;“Most would think adding some sunscreen a couple times a day is enough, and even though it is a good start there are few more things we can all do to protect ourselves from the sun,” states Sarah Minnick, Program Manager with SWNPHD.Stay Safe in the Sun<ul>
 <li>Use sunscreen that has the proper sun protection factor (SPF) and reapply it every 2 hours.</li><li>Wear coverings when outside such as hats, long sleeves, or pants.</li><li>Seek shade.</li><li>Avoid staying outside during the peak sun hours of 10 am to 4 pm.</li>
 </ul>The Pool Cool program manager, Sarah Minnick, has been visiting area swimming pools to increase awareness of sun protection practices with pool staff and pool users. SWNPHD will provide signage for the pools that can be used to educate swimmers and act as a reminder. “We will also be providing free sunscreen so if someone forgets to apply before arriving to the pool, they will have some readily available,” Minnick added. “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.”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 helpful information to prevent disease, promote wellness, and protect health. You can also follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

 Learn Sun Safety with Pool Cool

NORTH PLATTE, NE – JULY, 2024 –&nbsp;Golden Spike Tower is pleased to announce today that it has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. The award honors businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.

As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of great places to visit.

“We are honored to be included among travelers’ favorites again this year, sharing the Canteen legacy of customer service that North Platte has been known for since WWII” states Kirsten Parker, Executive Director of the Golden Spike Tower. "Every visitor brings their unique journey and story, whether it's their experience with us, their adventures on the road, or their reasons for coming. We love hearing these tales and sharing our own, especially as the only attraction overlooking the World’s Largest Classification Rail Yard, which holds a special place in the hearts of many," adds Parker. Year to date,&nbsp; the Golden Spike Tower has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and over 30 countries.

Our guests always say it best, including:

<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g45737-d2651062-r957989539-Golden_Spike_Tower_and_Visitor_Center-North_Platte_Nebraska.html">Well worth a visit</a>, casilva54 Lafayette, CA

<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g45737-d2651062-r955400819-Golden_Spike_Tower_and_Visitor_Center-North_Platte_Nebraska.html">Excellent. Cool Even If Not A Huge Railfan.</a>&nbsp;Joebob747&nbsp; Neenah, WI

<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g45737-d613079-r935447265-Union_Pacific_Railroad_Bailey_Yard-North_Platte_Nebraska.html">Golden Spike Tower is a MUST SEE!</a>&nbsp; Beverly An M&nbsp; Joshua, TX

“Congratulations&nbsp;to Golden Spike Tower on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “Travelers’ Choice honors businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.”

About&nbsp;Golden Spike Tower

Imagine a view that can only be seen from 104 feet in the air. Take a short elevator ride, or 168 steps in the stairwell, to the top observation deck for a view that can only be seen here. Watch how Union Pacific crews "Keep America Moving", and learn what it takes to classify nearly 13,000 rail cars a day. Open Daily. The Golden Spike Tower is a private, non-profit; independent from Union Pacific operations. The Golden Spike Tower &amp; Visitor Center is open year round.

Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform*, helps millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and contributions, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.

Golden Spike TowerNORTH PLATTE, NE – JULY, 2024 –&nbsp;Golden Spike Tower is pleased to announce today that it has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. The award honors businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of great places to visit.“We are honored to be included among travelers’ favorites again this year, sharing the Canteen legacy of customer service that North Platte has been known for since WWII” states Kirsten Parker, Executive Director of the Golden Spike Tower. "Every visitor brings their unique journey and story, whether it's their experience with us, their adventures on the road, or their reasons for coming. We love hearing these tales and sharing our own, especially as the only attraction overlooking the World’s Largest Classification Rail Yard, which holds a special place in the hearts of many," adds Parker. Year to date,&nbsp; the Golden Spike Tower has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and over 30 countries.Our guests always say it best, including:<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g45737-d2651062-r957989539-Golden_Spike_Tower_and_Visitor_Center-North_Platte_Nebraska.html">Well worth a visit</a>, casilva54 Lafayette, CA<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g45737-d2651062-r955400819-Golden_Spike_Tower_and_Visitor_Center-North_Platte_Nebraska.html">Excellent. Cool Even If Not A Huge Railfan.</a>&nbsp;Joebob747&nbsp; Neenah, WI<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g45737-d613079-r935447265-Union_Pacific_Railroad_Bailey_Yard-North_Platte_Nebraska.html">Golden Spike Tower is a MUST SEE!</a>&nbsp; Beverly An M&nbsp; Joshua, TX“Congratulations&nbsp;to Golden Spike Tower on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “Travelers’ Choice honors businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.”About&nbsp;Golden Spike TowerImagine a view that can only be seen from 104 feet in the air. Take a short elevator ride, or 168 steps in the stairwell, to the top observation deck for a view that can only be seen here. Watch how Union Pacific crews "Keep America Moving", and learn what it takes to classify nearly 13,000 rail cars a day. Open Daily. The Golden Spike Tower is a private, non-profit; independent from Union Pacific operations. The Golden Spike Tower &amp; Visitor Center is open year round.About TripadvisorTripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform*, helps millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and contributions, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.

Golden Spike Tower Wins Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2024

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdGjLPMx3O-wSu3T3aMWlg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdGjLPMx3O-wSu3T3aMWlg</a>

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

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to take agenda items out of order for the convenience of the involved parties.

Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on July 8, 2024, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:00 A.M.

Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on July 8, 2024, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:15 A.M.

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

RECESS as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

Discuss and consider interlocal agreement for police services with the Village of&nbsp;

Hear concerns from Elected Officials, Department Heads, or their representative.

Lincoln County Commissioners Committee Reports

RECESS as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdGjLPMx3O-wSu3T3aMWlg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdGjLPMx3O-wSu3T3aMWlg</a>The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to enter closed session at any time as necessary to discuss the agenda item currently before the board.The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to take agenda items out of order for the convenience of the involved parties.Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on July 8, 2024, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:00 A.M.Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on July 8, 2024, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:15 A.M.<ol>
 <li>Open with prayer</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Approve minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting		&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>held on July 1, 2024<ol>
 <li>Consider the following:</li>
 </ol><ul>
 <li>Claims &amp; Treasurer’s Receipts</li><li>Designation of Nebraska State Print Shop for 2024 joint public hearing postcards, if necessary</li><li>Receive and order filed the fee report submitted by Clerk of District Court</li>
 </ul>Recess as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization.<ol>
 <li>9:15 A.M.	Discuss and consider the following:</li>
 </ol><ul>
 <li>Approve minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting</li>
 </ul>held on July 1, 2024<ul>
 <li>Certificates of correction and refund as submitted by the County Assessor</li><li>Notice of property valuation changes as submitted by the County Assessor</li>
 </ul>RECESS as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.<ol>
 <li>9:20 A.M.	Discuss and consider interlocal agreement for police services with the Village of Brady</li>
 </ol>Discuss and consider interlocal agreement for police services with the Village of&nbsp;HersheyDiscuss and consider interlocal agreement for police services with the Village of&nbsp;SutherlandDiscuss and consider interlocal agreement for police services with the Village of&nbsp;Wallace	Discuss and consider interlocal agreement for police services with the Village of&nbsp;	Wellfleet<ol>
 <li>9:30 A.M.	Discuss and consider accepting donation of walk up POD from UNL</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>9:40 A.M. 	Veterans Service Officer – Quarterly report</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>9:45 A.M.	Closed session to discuss potential tenant(s) and associated lease terms for Lincoln County property located at 18610 West Highway 30</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>10:00 A.M.	Discuss and consider air conditioner repair for Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center</li>
 </ol>Hear concerns from Elected Officials, Department Heads, or their representative.Lincoln County Commissioners Committee Reports<ol>
 <li>10:15 A.M. 	County Board tour of the Veterans Service Office</li>
 </ol>RECESS as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization<ol>
 <li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Discuss and consider 2024 property valuation protests</li>
 </ol>

Lincoln County Board of Commissioners 07/08 Agenda

Jeffrey Allen Riggins, 46, North Platte and Lea Anne Redden, 44, North Platte

Dale Wayne Keeney, 47, North Platte and Sarah Beth Pafford, 45, North Platte

Robert Colby Apolius, 33, North Platte and Kaelyn Mae Klaasmeyer, 28, North Platte

Kyle Wesley Filyaw, 28, North Platte and Amber Dawn Buss, 38, North Platte

Joshua Evan Bodeman, 43, North Platte and Amber Lynn Garza, 36, North Platte

Nolan Curtis Gurnsey, 43, Sutherland and Halsey Lynn Roberts, 40, North Platte

Matthew Riley Musselman, 20, North Platte and Brooklyn Cheyenne Warner, 20, North Platte

Megan Nicole Stokey, 28, Milwaukee and Sarah Christine French, 27, Milwaukee

Marcus Jason Bourne, 51, North Platte and Lisa Marie Kackmeister, 41, North Platte

Cristobal Barragan, 30, North Platte and Lindsay Marcele Schwartz, 30, North Platte

Paul David Neff, 52, North Platte and Pamela Jo Childears, 51, North Platte

Carsten Evan Brady, 22, North Platte and Jayden Jo Leal, 22, McCook

Jeffrey Allen Riggins, 46, North Platte and Lea Anne Redden, 44, North PlatteDale Wayne Keeney, 47, North Platte and Sarah Beth Pafford, 45, North PlatteRobert Colby Apolius, 33, North Platte and Kaelyn Mae Klaasmeyer, 28, North PlatteKyle Wesley Filyaw, 28, North Platte and Amber Dawn Buss, 38, North PlatteJoshua Evan Bodeman, 43, North Platte and Amber Lynn Garza, 36, North PlatteNolan Curtis Gurnsey, 43, Sutherland and Halsey Lynn Roberts, 40, North PlatteMatthew Riley Musselman, 20, North Platte and Brooklyn Cheyenne Warner, 20, North PlatteMegan Nicole Stokey, 28, Milwaukee and Sarah Christine French, 27, MilwaukeeMarcus Jason Bourne, 51, North Platte and Lisa Marie Kackmeister, 41, North PlatteCristobal Barragan, 30, North Platte and Lindsay Marcele Schwartz, 30, North PlattePaul David Neff, 52, North Platte and Pamela Jo Childears, 51, North PlatteCarsten Evan Brady, 22, North Platte and Jayden Jo Leal, 22, McCook

Marriage Licenses For Lincoln County (Week of July 1st)

North Platte, Neb. - The Lincoln County Nebraska Republican Party hosts ‘Pizza &amp; Politics’ at its July monthly meeting on Monday, July 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the North Platte Eagles Club #2839, at 620 N. Chestnut Street in North Platte. The event will begin with a social at 6:00 p.m. and a presentation at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Lincoln County Commissioners Joseph Hewgley (District 1) and Micaela Wuehler (District 3) will speak at the July meeting. They will provide information and updates on county happenings.&nbsp;

Event discussions will also include the need to increase voter participation at the polls this November. “By openly discussing non-partisan initiatives for the get-out-the-vote campaign and offering ways for residents to participate, we believe we can make a significant impact,” says Tammy Dugger, organization chair.&nbsp;

Get-out-the-vote campaigns that share election information and encourage voter participation, rather than promote political candidates or partisan messages, have been shown to increase voting. The Nebraska Secretary of State website says Lincoln County has 23,266 registered voters, but just under 24% participate. Similar statistics in Keith County boast 41% voter participation. “Lincoln County can do better,” adds Dugger.&nbsp;

Lincoln County Republican PartyNorth Platte, Neb. - The Lincoln County Nebraska Republican Party hosts ‘Pizza &amp; Politics’ at its July monthly meeting on Monday, July 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the North Platte Eagles Club #2839, at 620 N. Chestnut Street in North Platte. The event will begin with a social at 6:00 p.m. and a presentation at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;Lincoln County Commissioners Joseph Hewgley (District 1) and Micaela Wuehler (District 3) will speak at the July meeting. They will provide information and updates on county happenings.&nbsp;Event discussions will also include the need to increase voter participation at the polls this November. “By openly discussing non-partisan initiatives for the get-out-the-vote campaign and offering ways for residents to participate, we believe we can make a significant impact,” says Tammy Dugger, organization chair.&nbsp;Get-out-the-vote campaigns that share election information and encourage voter participation, rather than promote political candidates or partisan messages, have been shown to increase voting. The Nebraska Secretary of State website says Lincoln County has 23,266 registered voters, but just under 24% participate. Similar statistics in Keith County boast 41% voter participation. “Lincoln County can do better,” adds Dugger.&nbsp;

Lincoln County Nebraska Republican Party hosting "Pizza & Politics" on July 15th

Red Willow County - The Red Willow County Sheriff's Office would like to let residents know of an Amazon Scam that's hitting the area.

According to the Red Willow County Sheriff's Office (RWCSO), a caller being identified as&nbsp;Steven Scocci of Amazon has been calling residents claiming there is a fraudulent charge on their Amazon account.&nbsp;

The RWCSO says the caller will ask for bank information and social security number to credit your account. The fraudulent charge generally is $1400.08. The caller will also say to not to contact your bank as they will take care of it.

To protect yourself from a scam, if you think something is suspicious, hang up the phone immediately and do not give up personal information. Call your bank and explain the situation and check if your account is safe. Another tip is scammers will request the money to be paid in Western Union, prepaid gift cards or bitcoin.&nbsp;

North Platte PostRed Willow County - The Red Willow County Sheriff's Office would like to let residents know of an Amazon Scam that's hitting the area.According to the Red Willow County Sheriff's Office (RWCSO), a caller being identified as&nbsp;Steven Scocci of Amazon has been calling residents claiming there is a fraudulent charge on their Amazon account.&nbsp;The RWCSO says the caller will ask for bank information and social security number to credit your account. The fraudulent charge generally is $1400.08. The caller will also say to not to contact your bank as they will take care of it.To protect yourself from a scam, if you think something is suspicious, hang up the phone immediately and do not give up personal information. Call your bank and explain the situation and check if your account is safe. Another tip is scammers will request the money to be paid in Western Union, prepaid gift cards or bitcoin.&nbsp;

Beware of an Amazon Scam that's hitting the listening area

Red Willow County Sheriff&nbsp;Kevin Darling&nbsp;

McCook, Neb. -First responders responded to a two-vehicle accident near McCook on Highway 83 on Monday that resulted in injuries according to officials.&nbsp;

McCook dispatch paged McCook ambulance to respond to South Hwy 83 for a two-vehicle accident with injuries. Additionally Red Willow Rural Western Fire was sent. Red Willow Sheriff's Office responded when the page went out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On arrival McCook Ambulance crew and volunteers along with Rural Western and Fire Chief Harpham were stabilizing and preparing to extricate the driver of Vehicle #2. &nbsp;

Vehicle #1 was a Weather Craft heavy lift box truck while #2 was a FedEX van. The scene indicated that vehicle #1 was going up the area known as M Hill south of road 712 and Hwy 83, in the slow-moving vehicle lane. Vehicle #2, also southbound in the slow-moving lane at approximately highway speeds ran directly into the rear box of vehicle #1. &nbsp;

Vehicle 2 airbags were deployed. The driver, however, was trapped by the dash moving back and down and the windshield was shoved back into the driver as well. Eventually the steering wheel was cut out, the dash pried off, and the driver extricated and transported to McCook Community Hospital. &nbsp;

Red Willow County Sheriff says no additional information is available on the driver's condition or transfer beyond McCook. Driver #1 refused medical treatment even though his head hit the windshield on impact.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Darling notes as well that Weather Craft fellow employees traveling with the truck immediately deployed fire extinguishers, to make this scene just a bad accident and not a fatality. Darling wishes thanks to a passerby that used their vehicles to slow traffic and protect the scene and the victim.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Red Willow County Sheriff&nbsp;Kevin Darling&nbsp;McCook, Neb. -First responders responded to a two-vehicle accident near McCook on Highway 83 on Monday that resulted in injuries according to officials.&nbsp;McCook dispatch paged McCook ambulance to respond to South Hwy 83 for a two-vehicle accident with injuries. Additionally Red Willow Rural Western Fire was sent. Red Willow Sheriff's Office responded when the page went out.&nbsp;&nbsp;On arrival McCook Ambulance crew and volunteers along with Rural Western and Fire Chief Harpham were stabilizing and preparing to extricate the driver of Vehicle #2. &nbsp;Vehicle #1 was a Weather Craft heavy lift box truck while #2 was a FedEX van. The scene indicated that vehicle #1 was going up the area known as M Hill south of road 712 and Hwy 83, in the slow-moving vehicle lane. Vehicle #2, also southbound in the slow-moving lane at approximately highway speeds ran directly into the rear box of vehicle #1. &nbsp;Vehicle 2 airbags were deployed. The driver, however, was trapped by the dash moving back and down and the windshield was shoved back into the driver as well. Eventually the steering wheel was cut out, the dash pried off, and the driver extricated and transported to McCook Community Hospital. &nbsp;Red Willow County Sheriff says no additional information is available on the driver's condition or transfer beyond McCook. Driver #1 refused medical treatment even though his head hit the windshield on impact.&nbsp;&nbsp;Darling notes as well that Weather Craft fellow employees traveling with the truck immediately deployed fire extinguishers, to make this scene just a bad accident and not a fatality. Darling wishes thanks to a passerby that used their vehicles to slow traffic and protect the scene and the victim.&nbsp;

ICYMI: First responders dispatched to a two-vehicle accident on Monday near McCook on Highway 83

The musical production of Annie Jr. will take place at the North Platte Community Playhouse on:

Each adult ticket includes 4 free student tickets

Tickets available on our <a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35956">website</a> or at the box office beginning Monday, July 8 from 1-5 p.m. For more information, please call the office at 532-8559.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720016934320.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Community PlayhouseThe musical production of Annie Jr. will take place at the North Platte Community Playhouse on:July 12, 13, 14 and July 19, 20, 21Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.Performances are sponsored by Kwik Stop.Adult tickets are $18Each adult ticket includes 4 free student ticketsTickets available on our <a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35956">website</a> or at the box office beginning Monday, July 8 from 1-5 p.m. For more information, please call the office at 532-8559.

North Platte Community Playhouse announces dates for Annie Jr.

Columbus, Neb.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The July Fourth holiday weekend is quickly approaching, and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) wants lake goers to remember the importance of safety and preventing the spread of invasive species.

Lake Maloney, the Sutherland Reservoir, and a portion of Lake Ogallala are all part of the Sutherland Canal system, which provides cooling water for Gerald Gentleman Station and powers the North Platte Hydro. The canal system, which is owned and operated by NPPD, is fed from water out of Lake McConaughey and eventually flows to the South Platte River.

“Invasive species can be carried from one waterway to another if boats are not drained properly after being taken out of the water. If Invasive species get into a waterway, they spread rapidly and stick to every surface available, which could clog intake structures and facilities along the canal system,” noted NPPD Canaday, Water, and Renewable Energy Manager Kirk Evert. “We hope everyone who uses NPPD recreation facilities can have fun but do so while being safe and avoiding the spread of invasive species.”

The public should follow all regulations established and enforced by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to ensure safe use of NPPD recreational areas.

Fishing along the Sutherland Canal is a popular activity, but the steep banks and fast-moving waters can be extremely dangerous if anyone were to fall in the water. As a safety precaution when fishing along the canal, it is encouraged to bring another person along or let family or a friend know when and where you are going to be. It is also encouraged to have a life jacket when fishing along the canal near the water.

Grant OttenNebraska Public Power DistrictColumbus, Neb.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The July Fourth holiday weekend is quickly approaching, and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) wants lake goers to remember the importance of safety and preventing the spread of invasive species.Lake Maloney, the Sutherland Reservoir, and a portion of Lake Ogallala are all part of the Sutherland Canal system, which provides cooling water for Gerald Gentleman Station and powers the North Platte Hydro. The canal system, which is owned and operated by NPPD, is fed from water out of Lake McConaughey and eventually flows to the South Platte River.“Invasive species can be carried from one waterway to another if boats are not drained properly after being taken out of the water. If Invasive species get into a waterway, they spread rapidly and stick to every surface available, which could clog intake structures and facilities along the canal system,” noted NPPD Canaday, Water, and Renewable Energy Manager Kirk Evert. “We hope everyone who uses NPPD recreation facilities can have fun but do so while being safe and avoiding the spread of invasive species.”The public should follow all regulations established and enforced by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to ensure safe use of NPPD recreational areas.Fishing along the Sutherland Canal is a popular activity, but the steep banks and fast-moving waters can be extremely dangerous if anyone were to fall in the water. As a safety precaution when fishing along the canal, it is encouraged to bring another person along or let family or a friend know when and where you are going to be. It is also encouraged to have a life jacket when fishing along the canal near the water.

NPPD reminds lake goers to be safe, avoid spread of invasive species

Omaha, Neb. - Union Pacific Railroad today announced five new Focus Sites, providing businesses additional connections to the railroad’s 32,000-mile network and new opportunities to address their transportation needs.

Focus Sites are large-scale development sites suited for custom-built warehouses or industrial facilities. These sites are railroad hubs where Union Pacific can concentrate resources, effectively manage logistics and provide targeted services for its customers.

"Our team of regional experts specialize in finding you the best site to build your business,” said Kenny Rocker, Executive Vice President - Marketing and Sales. “We work with customers to understand their business needs and find solutions to win in the marketplace.”

In all, Union Pacific has 32 Focus Sites across its network. The five new sites are in Shawnee, Oklahoma; Cedar City and Grantsville, Utah; and San Antonio and Texarkana, Texas. Combined, these five sites have 15,000 available acres ready for development.

In addition to Focus Sites, Union Pacific provides a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/customers/within-reach/launch/index.htm">Site Solutions Tool</a>&nbsp;with more than 6,000 potential properties available and located within 800 meters of its rail lines. The listings are constantly updated to offer customers full visibility into available options to establish rail service with Union Pacific.

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

Union Pacific RailroadOmaha, Neb. - Union Pacific Railroad today announced five new Focus Sites, providing businesses additional connections to the railroad’s 32,000-mile network and new opportunities to address their transportation needs.Focus Sites are large-scale development sites suited for custom-built warehouses or industrial facilities. These sites are railroad hubs where Union Pacific can concentrate resources, effectively manage logistics and provide targeted services for its customers."Our team of regional experts specialize in finding you the best site to build your business,” said Kenny Rocker, Executive Vice President - Marketing and Sales. “We work with customers to understand their business needs and find solutions to win in the marketplace.”In all, Union Pacific has 32 Focus Sites across its network. The five new sites are in Shawnee, Oklahoma; Cedar City and Grantsville, Utah; and San Antonio and Texarkana, Texas. Combined, these five sites have 15,000 available acres ready for development.In addition to Focus Sites, Union Pacific provides a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/customers/within-reach/launch/index.htm">Site Solutions Tool</a>&nbsp;with more than 6,000 potential properties available and located within 800 meters of its rail lines. The listings are constantly updated to offer customers full visibility into available options to establish rail service with Union Pacific.<h2>About Union Pacific</h2>Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://up.com/">www.up.com</a>.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li><a href="http://www.up.com/">www.up.com</a></li><li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/unionpacific">www.facebook.com/unionpacific</a></li><li><a href="http://www.twitter.com/unionpacific">www.twitter.com/unionpacific</a></li>
 </ul>

Union Pacific Expands Opportunities for Businesses to Connect to Rail

&nbsp; By&nbsp;<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/author/jturley/">Jeremy Turley</a>, Flatwater Free Press

On the hottest day of July 1948 in Norfolk, a second-page ad in the local newspaper presented readers with a flavorful way to cool off.

The recently opened Baldridge Zesto Shoppe touted its “new and different … high quality dairy product” that contained 6% butterfat but was “not ice cream.”

The product would&nbsp;<a href="https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=soft+serve&amp;year_start=1800&amp;year_end=2019&amp;corpus=en-2019&amp;smoothing=3" target="_blank">soon be widely known</a>&nbsp;by a more recognizable name: soft serve.

The Norfolk Zesto was one of the first few dozen links in a chain of ice cream joints that once stretched from California to Florida and threatened Dairy Queen’s dominion.

The upstart brand’s sweet spot came between the coasts in places like Nebraska. Over a five-year span, at least 11 shops cropped up in the state, including a location in South Omaha that would become part of College World Series lore.

But Zesto’s heyday lasted just a few years. Amid an increasingly crowded fast-food marketplace, its parent company, an Illinois ice cream machine manufacturer, ditched the retail business in the mid-1950s and left franchisees out in the cold.

Today, more than 30 surviving locations across the Midwest and the South make up a loose network of restaurants that bear the Zesto name but operate mostly independently of one another.

Now, two Nebraska-born ice cream obsessives who grew up on Zesto dream of broadening that network and bringing the brand back to the masses.

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“We always felt like there should be more of them to bring to the public because we were that in love with the ice cream,” said Todd Jansa, a Wahoo-area farmer who co-owns the federal trademark for Zesto with business partner Jerry Irons.

Louis A.M. Phelan was no stranger to the patent office by the time he turned his attention to ice cream. His inventions included dozens of electrical apparatuses that gave him claim to a mountain of intellectual property.

But the creation that launched Phelan’s reputation as a fast food pioneer came around 1945 when the Illinois-based Taylor Freezer Corporation rolled out the Zest-O-Mat, a hulking soft-serve ice cream and frozen custard machine.

A few years later, the company began delivering a simple pitch to newspaper readers all over the country: Buy a Zest-O-Mat machine and open a Zesto franchise in your town.

A shop opened in El Paso, Texas, in April 1947 and the chain spread like wildfire, operating in at least 32 states between 1947 and 1955, according to a Flatwater Free Press search of newspaper archives.

After Nebraska’s first shop in Norfolk, franchises emerged in Fremont, Lincoln and Alliance. All three are still in business more than seven decades later. Others in Columbus, Hastings, Scottsbluff, South Sioux City and Sidney proved more short-lived. The Norfolk Zesto eventually closed, too.

By 1953, Omaha had twin Zestos — an iconic location across from Rosenblatt Stadium in the south and a still-running shop in Florence to the north.

It’s not exactly clear why Taylor deserted the Zesto concept in the mid-1950s, but the move came as the American fast food hierarchy began to take shape, with giants like Dairy Queen (now owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-22-fi-45317-story.html" target="_blank">Omaha’s Berkshire Hathaway</a>) and McDonald’s at the top.

The Taylor Company, still a leading manufacturer of ice cream machines, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Without the support of its mothership, most stores struggled and eventually shuttered, but a sprinkling of Zestos survived – and even thrived – as communities like Omaha grew around the retro-looking establishments.

Ungoverned by a franchisor’s branding guidelines, the dispersed restaurants formed their own personalities and developed quirky provincial menus.

Several Atlanta Zestos offer a Big Mac-like burger called the&nbsp;<a href="http://zestoatlanta.com/east-atlanta/?showMenu=1" target="_blank">”Chubby Decker.”</a>&nbsp;A location in Columbia, South Carolina, serves a pimento cheese sandwich. A now-closed Seattle Zesto sold&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/food/article/iconic-seattle-eateries-that-are-no-longer-around-15048018.php" target="_blank">fish and chips</a>. Two of the three Omaha shops carry pickle fries.

Zesto’s demise as a national brand mirrors the stories of many other chains that tried and failed to “become the next big thing” during the postwar fast food boom, said A.S. Rogers, who authored&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brokenchains.blog/" target="_blank">the “Broken Chains” blog</a>.

The Michigan-based Rogers visited and wrote about more than 200 such “broken chain” businesses, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brokenchains.blog/2019/04/contrabulous-fabtraption.html" target="_blank">two Indiana Zestos</a>.

It’s common for a few left-behind stores to find profitability in pockets of the former empire and “to take on the local identity of their surviving market,” Rogers said.

The original South Omaha Zesto took on a life of its own due to its de-facto association with Rosenblatt Stadium.

Waiting in line for a treat became elemental to the College World Series experience for locals and visiting fans alike. Tom Kelley, whose father Mike&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/12/service-of-former-douglas-county-commissioner-lobbyist-and-zesto-fan-mike-kelley-spans-decades/" target="_blank">owned the restaurant</a>&nbsp;in the 2000s, fondly remembers bringing shakes and burgers to the ESPN crews during game broadcasts.

On the other end of town, Chris and Rick Minturn grew up in the 1990s on chili footlongs and malts from the Florence Zesto. The cousins started working there as teenagers – a rite of passage for neighborhood high schoolers. Their grandma had worked there three decades prior.&nbsp;

They recall taking the older kids out to a patch of grass next to the store for collegial wrestling matches after close.

Chris later left for college, but Rick rose through the Zesto ranks to become the general manager of his local store and a northwest Omaha location that opened in the mid-2000s.

By 2012, the Minturns owned both locations. They kept the classics but added more savory food, including a hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwich.

Regulars noticed every little change – a few older customers complained that the hot dogs were no longer red. (It’s the same meat, but the supplier stopped using red dye in production, Chris said.)

But the expansion of the hot food menu has helped the stores evolve from seasonal ice cream stands to sustainable year-round restaurants, the Minturns said.

The Zesto near Rosenblatt closed a few years after the College World Series moved downtown to TD Ameritrade (now Charles Schwab) Field in 2011.

But the late Mike Kelley made it his mission to ensure college baseball fans could still get Zesto near the new stadium, his son said. After a back-and-forth with city planners, the elder Kelley and his partners built a seasonal Zesto window anchored by year-round restaurant Blatt Beer and Table.

The 10-day College World Series are some of their busiest days of the year, said the younger Kelley, who now co-owns the business.

Minutes before the first pitch on Sunday, traveling fans dressed in Tennessee orange and Aggie maroon flocked to the window.

For A&amp;M fans Karen Tobin and Meg Foreman, snagging a cone before entering the stadium was a matter of superstition. They’d gotten Zesto twice before games earlier in the tournament, and the Aggies won both times. Plus, it’s great ice cream, Tobin said.

Carrying on the Zesto tradition at the World Series is a major responsibility, but the window near the ballpark has a winning formula, Kelley said.

“You want to put the customer first and make sure the ice cream’s cold when they get it,” Kelley said.

Jansa’s attachment to Zesto goes back long before he acquired the federal trademark – perhaps all the way to the womb.

On the day Jansa was born, his mother stopped at the Lincoln Zesto for a black raspberry malt before heading to the delivery room at Bryan Hospital, she recounted to him years later.

“She said, ‘I was feeding you umbilically,’” Jansa said. “So, I think I started (eating Zesto) pre-birth.”

Jansa and Irons, two self-identifying “car guys,” met in the mid 1980s while cruising Lincoln’s O Street. They made frequent nighttime stops at the Zesto down the road, where they each ordered two large malts.&nbsp;

Irons moved out to California, but Jansa stayed in Nebraska and still farms near Wahoo.

The friends eventually became business partners and approached Harold “Brownie” Brown in the 2000s about buying the Zesto trademark. Brown, the longtime operator of a few Missouri locations, “knew we were in love with the product” and dealt them first the Nebraska trademark and then the federal one, Jansa said.

The Nebraska high plains are home to what is likely the westernmost surviving Zesto in the country.&nbsp;

Open since 1950, Alliance’s Zesto predates nearby tourist draw Carhenge by nearly four decades.&nbsp;

Locals in the city of 8,000 look to the seasonal reopening of A-Town Zesto as the beginning of summer, and northbound bikers stop by as part of their annual pilgrimage to Sturgis, said co-owner Tearza Mashburn. On the other side of the counter, fresh-faced 14-year-olds gain their first working experience.&nbsp;

Mashburn charges a bit more than the dime-a-cone prices octogenarian customers grew up paying, but old-timers love to see that the neon-illuminated shop hasn’t changed much.&nbsp;

“I’ve had so many people come in and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, it looks about the same,” Mashburn said. “They just love having that reminiscence of that memory.”

The original Zestos are mostly grandfathered into the brand, but some locations have licensing or franchise agreements with Jansa and Irons.

The trademark holders recognize that each Zesto has a unique identity, but they hope to ensure customers can get the same rich soft serve at every location. That means prescribing the ice cream machine settings used by the newer stores, Jansa said.

Those machines are usually made by Taylor, the company that spawned Zesto. Jansa said he and Irons established a national account with the firm, which also provides ice cream machines to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/they-hacked-mcdonalds-ice-cream-makers-started-cold-war/" target="_blank">thousands of McDonald’s locations</a>.

Going forward, Jansa and Irons would like to add Zesto locations near the brand’s existing turf. They’re keen on convincing the Minturns to add a new location in the suburbs south of Omaha. The cousins are considering it.

But they’re also looking to franchise new stores in parts of Zesto’s former footprint. There’s a plan to open one on Los Angeles’ Venice Boardwalk about a year from now, Irons said.&nbsp;

Irons hopes that some of the southern fans visiting Omaha for this year’s College World Series will want to open a store in their hometowns after tasting the downtown location’s product.&nbsp;

“I think there’s a very bright future in Zesto, and we’re really excited about it,” Jansa said. “We just want the story to keep going.”

The Flatwater Free Press&nbsp;<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/soft-serve-survivors-how-zesto-endured-in-nebraska-after-its-ice-cream-empire-melted/">https://flatwaterfreepress.org/soft-serve-survivors-how-zesto-endured-in-nebraska-after-its-ice-cream-empire-melted/</a>,&nbsp;is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

&nbsp; By&nbsp;<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/author/jturley/">Jeremy Turley</a>, Flatwater Free Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720012023174.png" alt="Open since 1953, the Florence Zesto in Omaha is now owned by Chris and Rick Minturn, who worked at the shop growing up in the 1990s. Photo by Brock Stillmunks for the Flatwater Free Press" />
 <figcaption>Open since 1953, the Florence Zesto in Omaha is now owned by Chris and Rick Minturn, who worked at the shop growing up in the 1990s. Photo by Brock Stillmunks for the Flatwater Free Press</figcaption>
 </figure>On the hottest day of July 1948 in Norfolk, a second-page ad in the local newspaper presented readers with a flavorful way to cool off.The recently opened Baldridge Zesto Shoppe touted its “new and different … high quality dairy product” that contained 6% butterfat but was “not ice cream.”The product would&nbsp;<a href="https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=soft+serve&amp;year_start=1800&amp;year_end=2019&amp;corpus=en-2019&amp;smoothing=3" target="_blank">soon be widely known</a>&nbsp;by a more recognizable name: soft serve.The Norfolk Zesto was one of the first few dozen links in a chain of ice cream joints that once stretched from California to Florida and threatened Dairy Queen’s dominion.The upstart brand’s sweet spot came between the coasts in places like Nebraska. Over a five-year span, at least 11 shops cropped up in the state, including a location in South Omaha that would become part of College World Series lore.But Zesto’s heyday lasted just a few years. Amid an increasingly crowded fast-food marketplace, its parent company, an Illinois ice cream machine manufacturer, ditched the retail business in the mid-1950s and left franchisees out in the cold.Today, more than 30 surviving locations across the Midwest and the South make up a loose network of restaurants that bear the Zesto name but operate mostly independently of one another.Now, two Nebraska-born ice cream obsessives who grew up on Zesto dream of broadening that network and bringing the brand back to the masses.Thanks to our sponsor<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/meet-our-sponsors">Meet our sponsors</a>&nbsp;•&nbsp;<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/sponsorship">Become a sponsor</a>“We always felt like there should be more of them to bring to the public because we were that in love with the ice cream,” said Todd Jansa, a Wahoo-area farmer who co-owns the federal trademark for Zesto with business partner Jerry Irons.<h2>From Zest-O-Mat to Rosenblatt</h2>Louis A.M. Phelan was no stranger to the patent office by the time he turned his attention to ice cream. His inventions included dozens of electrical apparatuses that gave him claim to a mountain of intellectual property.But the creation that launched Phelan’s reputation as a fast food pioneer came around 1945 when the Illinois-based Taylor Freezer Corporation rolled out the Zest-O-Mat, a hulking soft-serve ice cream and frozen custard machine.A few years later, the company began delivering a simple pitch to newspaper readers all over the country: Buy a Zest-O-Mat machine and open a Zesto franchise in your town.A shop opened in El Paso, Texas, in April 1947 and the chain spread like wildfire, operating in at least 32 states between 1947 and 1955, according to a Flatwater Free Press search of newspaper archives.After Nebraska’s first shop in Norfolk, franchises emerged in Fremont, Lincoln and Alliance. All three are still in business more than seven decades later. Others in Columbus, Hastings, Scottsbluff, South Sioux City and Sidney proved more short-lived. The Norfolk Zesto eventually closed, too.By 1953, Omaha had twin Zestos — an iconic location across from Rosenblatt Stadium in the south and a still-running shop in Florence to the north.It’s not exactly clear why Taylor deserted the Zesto concept in the mid-1950s, but the move came as the American fast food hierarchy began to take shape, with giants like Dairy Queen (now owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-22-fi-45317-story.html" target="_blank">Omaha’s Berkshire Hathaway</a>) and McDonald’s at the top.The Taylor Company, still a leading manufacturer of ice cream machines, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.Without the support of its mothership, most stores struggled and eventually shuttered, but a sprinkling of Zestos survived – and even thrived – as communities like Omaha grew around the retro-looking establishments.Ungoverned by a franchisor’s branding guidelines, the dispersed restaurants formed their own personalities and developed quirky provincial menus.Several Atlanta Zestos offer a Big Mac-like burger called the&nbsp;<a href="http://zestoatlanta.com/east-atlanta/?showMenu=1" target="_blank">”Chubby Decker.”</a>&nbsp;A location in Columbia, South Carolina, serves a pimento cheese sandwich. A now-closed Seattle Zesto sold&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/food/article/iconic-seattle-eateries-that-are-no-longer-around-15048018.php" target="_blank">fish and chips</a>. Two of the three Omaha shops carry pickle fries.Zesto’s demise as a national brand mirrors the stories of many other chains that tried and failed to “become the next big thing” during the postwar fast food boom, said A.S. Rogers, who authored&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brokenchains.blog/" target="_blank">the “Broken Chains” blog</a>.The Michigan-based Rogers visited and wrote about more than 200 such “broken chain” businesses, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brokenchains.blog/2019/04/contrabulous-fabtraption.html" target="_blank">two Indiana Zestos</a>.It’s common for a few left-behind stores to find profitability in pockets of the former empire and “to take on the local identity of their surviving market,” Rogers said.The original South Omaha Zesto took on a life of its own due to its de-facto association with Rosenblatt Stadium.Waiting in line for a treat became elemental to the College World Series experience for locals and visiting fans alike. Tom Kelley, whose father Mike&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/12/service-of-former-douglas-county-commissioner-lobbyist-and-zesto-fan-mike-kelley-spans-decades/" target="_blank">owned the restaurant</a>&nbsp;in the 2000s, fondly remembers bringing shakes and burgers to the ESPN crews during game broadcasts.On the other end of town, Chris and Rick Minturn grew up in the 1990s on chili footlongs and malts from the Florence Zesto. The cousins started working there as teenagers – a rite of passage for neighborhood high schoolers. Their grandma had worked there three decades prior.&nbsp;They recall taking the older kids out to a patch of grass next to the store for collegial wrestling matches after close.Chris later left for college, but Rick rose through the Zesto ranks to become the general manager of his local store and a northwest Omaha location that opened in the mid-2000s.By 2012, the Minturns owned both locations. They kept the classics but added more savory food, including a hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwich.Regulars noticed every little change – a few older customers complained that the hot dogs were no longer red. (It’s the same meat, but the supplier stopped using red dye in production, Chris said.)But the expansion of the hot food menu has helped the stores evolve from seasonal ice cream stands to sustainable year-round restaurants, the Minturns said.The Zesto near Rosenblatt closed a few years after the College World Series moved downtown to TD Ameritrade (now Charles Schwab) Field in 2011.But the late Mike Kelley made it his mission to ensure college baseball fans could still get Zesto near the new stadium, his son said. After a back-and-forth with city planners, the elder Kelley and his partners built a seasonal Zesto window anchored by year-round restaurant Blatt Beer and Table.The 10-day College World Series are some of their busiest days of the year, said the younger Kelley, who now co-owns the business.Minutes before the first pitch on Sunday, traveling fans dressed in Tennessee orange and Aggie maroon flocked to the window.For A&amp;M fans Karen Tobin and Meg Foreman, snagging a cone before entering the stadium was a matter of superstition. They’d gotten Zesto twice before games earlier in the tournament, and the Aggies won both times. Plus, it’s great ice cream, Tobin said.Carrying on the Zesto tradition at the World Series is a major responsibility, but the window near the ballpark has a winning formula, Kelley said.“You want to put the customer first and make sure the ice cream’s cold when they get it,” Kelley said.<h2>Sweet prospects?</h2>Jansa’s attachment to Zesto goes back long before he acquired the federal trademark – perhaps all the way to the womb.On the day Jansa was born, his mother stopped at the Lincoln Zesto for a black raspberry malt before heading to the delivery room at Bryan Hospital, she recounted to him years later.“She said, ‘I was feeding you umbilically,’” Jansa said. “So, I think I started (eating Zesto) pre-birth.”Jansa and Irons, two self-identifying “car guys,” met in the mid 1980s while cruising Lincoln’s O Street. They made frequent nighttime stops at the Zesto down the road, where they each ordered two large malts.&nbsp;Irons moved out to California, but Jansa stayed in Nebraska and still farms near Wahoo.The friends eventually became business partners and approached Harold “Brownie” Brown in the 2000s about buying the Zesto trademark. Brown, the longtime operator of a few Missouri locations, “knew we were in love with the product” and dealt them first the Nebraska trademark and then the federal one, Jansa said.<h2>A-Town Zesto</h2>The Nebraska high plains are home to what is likely the westernmost surviving Zesto in the country.&nbsp;Open since 1950, Alliance’s Zesto predates nearby tourist draw Carhenge by nearly four decades.&nbsp;Locals in the city of 8,000 look to the seasonal reopening of A-Town Zesto as the beginning of summer, and northbound bikers stop by as part of their annual pilgrimage to Sturgis, said co-owner Tearza Mashburn. On the other side of the counter, fresh-faced 14-year-olds gain their first working experience.&nbsp;Mashburn charges a bit more than the dime-a-cone prices octogenarian customers grew up paying, but old-timers love to see that the neon-illuminated shop hasn’t changed much.&nbsp;“I’ve had so many people come in and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, it looks about the same,” Mashburn said. “They just love having that reminiscence of that memory.”The original Zestos are mostly grandfathered into the brand, but some locations have licensing or franchise agreements with Jansa and Irons.The trademark holders recognize that each Zesto has a unique identity, but they hope to ensure customers can get the same rich soft serve at every location. That means prescribing the ice cream machine settings used by the newer stores, Jansa said.Those machines are usually made by Taylor, the company that spawned Zesto. Jansa said he and Irons established a national account with the firm, which also provides ice cream machines to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/they-hacked-mcdonalds-ice-cream-makers-started-cold-war/" target="_blank">thousands of McDonald’s locations</a>.Going forward, Jansa and Irons would like to add Zesto locations near the brand’s existing turf. They’re keen on convincing the Minturns to add a new location in the suburbs south of Omaha. The cousins are considering it.But they’re also looking to franchise new stores in parts of Zesto’s former footprint. There’s a plan to open one on Los Angeles’ Venice Boardwalk about a year from now, Irons said.&nbsp;Irons hopes that some of the southern fans visiting Omaha for this year’s College World Series will want to open a store in their hometowns after tasting the downtown location’s product.&nbsp;“I think there’s a very bright future in Zesto, and we’re really excited about it,” Jansa said. “We just want the story to keep going.”The Flatwater Free Press&nbsp;<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/soft-serve-survivors-how-zesto-endured-in-nebraska-after-its-ice-cream-empire-melted/">https://flatwaterfreepress.org/soft-serve-survivors-how-zesto-endured-in-nebraska-after-its-ice-cream-empire-melted/</a>,&nbsp;is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.