Nebraska Game and Parks reminds people to use caution and test the ice when going onto frozen lakes or ponds after conservation officers responded to two incidents on Jan. 11 in western Nebraska.

No injuries or fatalities were reported in either incident, one at Lake Maloney State Recreation Area and one at Cottonwood-Steverson Wildlife Management Area, where all-terrain vehicles broke through the ice.

At Lake Maloney in Lincoln County, four people who had been ice fishing were riding the ATV at about 7 p.m. when it broke through the ice. Game and Parks Officers and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Other anglers initially assisted the four, who declined medical treatment from law enforcement.

No citations were issued, and Game and Parks will work with Nebraska Public Power District to remove the ATV from the lake.

At Cottonwood-Steverson in Cherry County, an all-terrain vehicle broke through the ice on Saturday; the incident was reported Sunday to Nebraska Game and Parks. The ATV remains in the lake.

People going onto lakes for winter recreation are reminded of the following clear-ice thickness guidelines, according to state fish, wildlife and parks agencies:

People should use an ice chisel or spud bar to strike the ice and evaluate conditions as they venture out.

Remember as winter progresses, ice changes. Cloudy ice of frozen slush is about half as strong as clear lake ice, so people should double the minimum thickness when encountering such conditions.

Ice near shore may be weakened by heat from the ground, or thinner because of rising water levels. If temperatures are below freezing, but warm during the day, go early and leave before ice melts near the shore.

Be especially careful on any ice that has moving water below it. Water movement hinders freezing causing hard-to-detect thin spots.

Materials embedded in ice, such as weeds or logs, also weaken ice. Large objects on the ice, such as duck blinds or ice shacks, can absorb the sun’s heat and melt ice.

If venturing out, tell someone your plan, bring a long throw rope and ice picks, and pack extra dry clothes.

Visit&nbsp;OutdoorNebraska.gov&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/press-events/news/game-and-parks-offers-top-8-ice-safety-tips/">other ice safety tips for anglers and ATV riders</a>.

Game and Parks After 2 Incidents in Greater Nebraska: Use Caution on Ice

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Haven Smith from the Mid-Plains United Way. The duo chats about how the partner agency applications are now open and will be accepted until Feb. 14th. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Mid-Plains United Way 2025-2026 Partner Agency Applications are now open

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Jeff Smeltzer from MPCC about the upcoming stain glass course with Holly Carlini, CDL and motorcycles. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) MPCC: sign up for fun courses 

North Platte, Neb. - The North Platte city council held a regular meeting on January 7th and different agendas were discussed amongst the council. Topics this session included approve placement of three stop signs throughout North Platte, appointment of department heads and more.

On Wednesday, Post Canon Rath chatted with North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher about the different topics from the council meeting. If you would like to learn more in-depth of what went on during the January 7th, North Platte City Council meeting check out the podcast below or check out the video below the podcast.

(Audio) North Platte City Council Meeting, January 7th recap

North Platte, Neb. - When most folks here 4-H, they instantly think it's animal showing, which there is plenty of that. There are different areas of activities for 4-H'rs to get involved in and one of those areas is the music contest where the kids can participate in by using just vocals, playing an instrument, or even both.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jayden Tillman is a senior at Brady High School and has been involved in the music contest since he was in 8th or 9th grade. Around that same time is when he started to develop an interest in music. When participating he likes to use his vocal cords and play his guitar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The music contest. It's a really an overly glorified talent show. It is a phenomenal thing," said Tillman. &nbsp;"You can take it. You can have time to showcase your talents, whether it be poetry or singing or just playing an instrument and stuff, you know, gives you a way to express yourself and kind of show your skills to people that you may not otherwise be able to show them to and stuff. It is a really, like I said, really good deal and stuff to do.&nbsp;

While not participating in the music contest, Tillman likes to enter bake goodies during the fair season and more He is also the recipient of the 4 H council scholarship and plans to go a tech school in Kansas following his graduation from Brady.&nbsp;

To learn more Indepth about the music contest and Tillman's journey into 4-H, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Brady senior talks about the 4-H music contest

Grandels Roofing and Construction in North Platte will be giving away toys this Sunday from 1:00pm - 3:00pm to the first 500 kids (kids must be present). Santa Claus will also be making an appearance at the event. This event is a way for Grandels to give back to their community. It is asked to park in a safe area and to arrive pretty early to get lined up down E street. Grandels Roofing and Construction is located at 421 S. Dewey Street.&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Amanada Purvis about Sunday's event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Grandels Roofing and Construction LLC hosting toy giveaway this Sunday

The Mid-Plains United Way will be hosting a cookie platter fundraiser tonight at Ladies Night Out in North Platte. The event is set to begin around 5:30pm and the cookie platter can be bid on at the Mockingbird. This year has been a slower year in donation for the Mid-Plains United Way. Also an update on the giving tree at FNBO and all tags have been claimed.

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Haven Smith from the Mid-Plains United Way and to learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Mid-Plains United Way: Ladies Night Out is Tonight, end of year campaign and more!

North Platte, Neb. - The North Platte city council held a regular meeting on December 17th and different agendas were discussed amongst the council. Topics this session included approve the recommendation of the Quality Growth Committee for a $360,000, approve a bid for the Cody Pool Park Lot Paving and more.

On Wednesday, Post Derek Beck chatted with North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher about the different topics from the council meeting. If you would like to learn more in-depth of what went on during the December 17thNorth Platte City Council meeting check out the podcast below or check out the video below the podcast.

(Audio) North Platte City Council Meeting, December 17th recap

Kearney, Neb. - The University of Nebraska at Kearney sports communication majors received news that the group has been nominated in three categories for this year's IBS awards in New York City. &nbsp;

Amongst the students is North Platte native Kade Mohr who has been nominated for the second year and this year is a finalist with seniors Jon Willis and Ethan McCormick for "Best Sports Talk Show". All sporting events and talk show aired on 91.1 KLPR the student run radio station during the 2024 year. This marks another year where UNK students have been nominated for the IBS awards in New York City.&nbsp;

Ethan McCormick and Jon Willis - Best Sports Play by Play (Football)&nbsp;

Jon Willis and Traeton Harimon - Best Sports Play By Play (Womens Basketball)&nbsp;

Jon Willis, Kade Mohr and Ethan McCormick - Best Sports Talk Show (Throwin Lopes)&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with UNK Senior Jon Willis about the nominations and more. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) UNK Broadcasting students are heading back to New York City for national award ceremony

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with the Head Coach of North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team Jacob Brandl to discuss the first half of the season. As well as reflect upon the team's 7-1 record in the last 8 games. All that and so much more!

Knight's Weekly #4 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

The holiday season is underway, and the Mid-Plains United Way reminds listeners that the giving tree is at FNBO at the downtown location. The tree started off with around 45 gift ideas but around 15 remain. Also, the united way will be at this year's Ladies Night Out on December 19th.&nbsp;

Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Haven Smith from the Mid-Plains United Way about everything that is going on. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Mid-Plains United Way: Giving Tree, year end giving campaign, and more

The Hot Sheets: January 15th, 2025

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen will host town halls in McCook and Sidney the day following his State of the State address. Both events are open to the media and public. Of special note, the event in McCook will begin with a presentation of medals to WWII veterans by Gov. Pillen.

The timing and locations for the town halls follow:

Thursday, January 16: 12:30 p.m. (CT)**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  &nbsp; McCook Town Hall Coppermill Steakhouse &amp; Lounge 202 Coppermill St. McCook, NE **Start time includes the presentation of WWII medals to area veterans.

4:30 p.m. (MT)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sidney Town Hall Western Nebraska Community College Room 116 &nbsp;371 S. College Drive Sidney, NE

Details concerning the State of the State are below:

State of the State Address Wednesday, Jan. 15/10 a.m. Norris Chamber/State Capitol

This event will be carried live on Nebraska Public Media, found&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskapublicmedia.org%2Fen%2Fwatch%2Flive%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C11aa69cc0bbd40eebd8008dd341793a3%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638723998033129210%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3K9%2Bg4fXrWbYycr3tMUS59f3i%2BdMhHCw%2FIkMtIFF1h4%3D&amp;reserved=0">here</a>. Start time is approximate and will be determined by the Legislative agenda

Governor Pillen’s State of the State News Conference Wednesday, Jan 15th,&nbsp; 11 a.m. Governor’s Hearing Room/State Capitol

This event will be carried live on Nebraska Public Media, found&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskapublicmedia.org%2Fen%2Fwatch%2Flive%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C11aa69cc0bbd40eebd8008dd341793a3%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638723998033152786%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Scewm%2FeBNDGOxkuy3zFN%2FjTPBhwTqJ74y1H4%2BIj7tSg%3D&amp;reserved=0">here</a>. Start time is approximate, based on the conclusion of Governor Pillen’s State of the State Address to the Legislature

Gov. Pillen to Host Town Halls in McCook and Sidney Following State of the State Address

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that flags at the State Capitol and all other state buildings will be raised to full staff on Monday, Jan. 20 for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.&nbsp;

“The official installation of a President is a historic day in the calendar of our nation and should be recognized as such,” said Gov. Pillen. “Having the flag at full staff symbolizes the respect to that office and our nation’s newly elected leader.”

Flags will fly at full staff from sunrise until sunset on Inauguration Day. The following morning, flags will return to half-staff, resuming the honor to former President Jimmy Carter. Flags are to remain at half-staff in remembrance of the former president through Jan. 28

Gov. Pillen Directs Flags at State Buildings to Fly at Full Staff on Inauguration Day

Join Nebraska Feedlot Extension at three locations across the state Feb. 18, 19 and 20 to dive into a series of timely topics relevant to feedlot management. 

Each Roundtable runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. local time.

Pre-registration is requested by Friday, Feb. 14 at:&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFr3XVziNDukfY0X6HFJXCg6U" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/2025roundtable</a>The cost is $20, payable online at&nbsp;registration or at the door via cash or check. Lunch will be provided.

Annual Beef Feedlot Roundtables scheduled across Nebraska

The Lincoln County Cattlemen will offer a genetic pricing program on January 22 at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in North Platte, Nebraska.

The program will begin in the Ag Building with a free social at 5:30 p.m. sponsored by Justin Thompson with American Family Insurance. A meal will be provided at 6:00 p.m. with the support of Zoetis.

The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will discuss genetic merit pricing and how it is being analyzed nationally by a task force. Members of the task force will be present to answer questions and provide more insight.

The panel will include Kent Anderson from Zoetis Animal Genetics, Matt Spangler from Nebraska Extension, and Craig Uden from Darr Feedlot Inc.

More than 95% of U.S. feeder cattle change ownership without the benefit of shared genetic information. Most cow calf producers spend time and money buying the right bull with good genetics.

This raises the question of why this information isn’t shared with buyers of feeder cattle knowing the cost of bulls. This program has the potential to provide valuable insight for cow calf and stocker producers who wish to attend.

To register, please contact Randy Saner at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rsaner2@unl.edu" target="_blank">rsaner2@unl.edu</a>&nbsp;or by calling 308-532-2683 by January 20.

Lincoln County Cattlemen offering genetic pricing program

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Andrea Brueggeman (Cemetery, Economic Development, Tree Board)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kimberly Bishop (Airport, Park &amp; Rec, Planning/Zoning)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tierney Petersen (City Hall, Library)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sam Sims (Public Works, CRA)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*** Public Hearing at 7:05 P.M. MST for the Purpose of Reviewing the LB 840 Citizen Advisory Review Committee's Six-Month Report ***

Grant City Council Agenda - January 14th, 2025

&nbsp;OGALLALA - The Ogallala City Council is hosting their meeting today, January 14th. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm. Below is tonight's agenda for the meeting:

01/14 Ogallala City Council Meeting Agenda

North Platte Community College will be the site of JobFest on Jan. 28, 2025.

The event is free and open to the public. It is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon in the NPCC South Campus gym, 601 West State Farm Road, in North Platte.

The fair will provide job seekers with an opportunity to network with representatives from area businesses and learn about open positions in a variety of fields.

Guests are encouraged to take résumés with them. At their discretion, employers may choose to interview candidates on site.

Businesses interested in having a booth can visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://joinhandshake.com/">joinhandshake.com</a>&nbsp;to register by Jan. 24. More information about the fair is available by contacting Amy Sabatka, director of career services, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sabatkaa@mpcc.edu">sabatkaa@mpcc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (308) 535-3619.

NPCC to host JobFest

The Hot Sheets: January 14th, 2025

Stapleton, Neb. - The community of Stapleton has been working on raising funds for a new splash pad for the community to enjoy during the warm months at the Village of Stapleton Park. Since 2023, funds have been raised between grants and fundraisers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The project has brought in a total of $148,000 at this time but still needs to raise $17,000 by February 28th to purchase vertical features for the splash pad. Vertical features include the bucket dump, spray cannons and arches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Stapleton&nbsp;Committee is hoping enough community donations or more grant money is received in order to purchase the remaining vertical features. As of now, 77 bricks have been purchased but are still 23 shy of the goal of 100 bricks. Brick purchases feature&nbsp;name, business, memorials, or messages with a donation of $100 or more.&nbsp;

Village of Stapleton to Add Splash Pad in Late Spring 2025

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney setter&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;has earned 2024 first-team&nbsp;Academic All-American honors as selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC).

Neff (North Platte) is just the fourth Loper Volleyball player to earn this honor, following two-time selection Kelli Brummer (1999 and 2001), Kim Brumer (1998) and Jenni Mau (1998). Kelli Brummer was a middle blocker, sister Kim played in the back row and the outside with Mau a setter.&nbsp;

A student-athlete must first qualify for her Academic All-District team (be at least a sophomore; 3.50 cumulative GPA; start 66% of team's matches or play in 90% of team's matches) before advancing onto the national ballot. A school can also nominate no more than four players for the All-District team. Finally, CSC/Sports Information Directors from around the nation vote on the makeup of the All-American team.

In the spring of 2024, Neff graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in Psychology (3.94 GPA). The AA team used spring 2024 grades; she is now a graduate student working towards a Master's in School Psychology.

On the court, Neff was one of Division II's top setters, averaging 12.4 assists, 2.5 digs, 0.7 blocks, 0.5 kills and 0.2 aces per set. Earning first-team American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American honors, she guided a Loper offense that averaged 14.6 kills per set and hit .258. In 2025, Neff will be in her fifth season at UNK.&nbsp;The Central Region was well represented as St. Cloud State's Kenzie Foley and Concordia-St. Paul's Teagan Starkey also made the first-team with three others on the second-team and one on the third-team.&nbsp;Finally, Starkey was tabbed ad the D2 “Team Member” of the Year.

UNK went 30-3 in 2024, reaching the NCAA Tournament for a 25th straight fall and finishing up the year ranked 11th in D2.&nbsp;



 North Platte's Peyton Neff is Loper's Fourth CSC Academic All-American

North Platte, Neb. –&nbsp;North Platte cruised to an 81-69 win against Hastings College JV behind 42 first half points at home on Monday night.

Trey Summers had a season high 25 points to lead all scorers. The sophomore transfer guard also totaled five rebounds, two assists and two steals in the win.

Justus Michael chipped in 16 points and six rebounds, while Alex Harper and Sedrick Nari rounded out the North Platte players in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

“It was good to see Trey Summers find his rhythm after struggling the last few games,” said head coach Jacob Brandl. “We still have a lot of work to do as we jump back into Region IX play on Friday.”

The Broncos raced out to an early 8-3 lead until a jumper from Summers sparked a North Platte 6-0 run. A short spurt helped the Knights take control until a Will Grable&nbsp;three pointer halted the rally. Knights continued to trade baskets with the Broncos over the closing minutes, as they stretched their lead into double digits at the halftime break, 42-28.

Summers&nbsp;opened the second half with five straight points to extend the lead to 47-28. The Broncos managed to keep pace down the stretch, but it was not enough to pull off the upset.

North Platte (9-6) returns to Region IX play against Trinidad State College on Friday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. in Trinidad, Colo.

Knights dominate Broncos at home

The North Platte High School IronDawgs powerlifting team competed Saturday at Lexington.&nbsp; Nearly 300 competitors from 9 schools competed, with NPHS coming away with the third place team trophies in both the Boy's Division and the Co-Ed Division.&nbsp; Seth Penn and Grace Wilke were individual champions in their respective weight divisions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the Boys' Division, medalists included:

Coach Arttie Parker said he was impressed with the effort from everyone. "Overall, the lifters set 47 personal records, with a lot of our kids competing in their very first meet. This is always an eye-opener for our new athletes, and I was very happy to see how they stepped up. There were a lot of top-notch competitors at this meet, with teams we don't always see when we travel to Creighton and Niobrara-Verdigre."&nbsp;

Coach Parker also expressed appreciation for the Lexington High Powerlifting team for putting on a great event.Up next, qualified lifters will compete at the State RAW Tournament in two weeks, before returning home to compete on February 8 in a dual against Niobrara-Verdigre. That will be at Adams Middle School starting at noon.

NPHS Powerlifting results from January 11th

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001difK5Tp3k9qPhVoPBNq6SOzHeNIkEFKCvEHqh7oUDDLjfV1LwIMpuRUjPTyG-gypJSlLzYEfxZa6tQhg7Q1R_y_Qbf7EEuvUsRbZHendJcWCqfIexssFEYtNSZvMR72DiCP0H1OZKVt2PxVH55dCteB2WSG2ZHjgtKfA1tmkKGW_fH55gMaSyBGE503v0wWh&amp;c=-V9Ovm98TIL5Vou197VkuYNNyoMsB5d4yRYWfyjCk-vsDc2cbuhpCw==&amp;ch=ZRYRS1S9hokF8F5hCo3_pjoN7T9vI-K1DYQpHiLegxfTWPWR3PnvEw==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, Nebraska's professional volleyball team and first pro volleyball champions, used team grit and superb performances from its pins to complete a 25-21, 25-23, 25-22 sweep over the Grand Rapids Rise (0-2) Sunday night at Van Andel Arena in a Rise record crowd of 8,706.

The trio of&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson, Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;and&nbsp;Reagan Cooper&nbsp;spearheaded an improved Omaha (2-0) offense from opening night that hit .253, compared to a .187 hitting percentage on Friday against Atlanta. Valentín-Anderson — Puerto Rico's starting setter in the 2016 Rio Olympics — dished out 42 assists, 11 digs, four kills and an ace in an all-around performance despite worse passing from two nights ago.

She also recovered from a hard face-to-face collision with Nuneviller in the second set. Both her and the Oregon product shook it off as Nuneviller went on to finish with 15 kills on a .353 hitting percentage with 19 digs. Cooper recovered from a rough opening night to end with a match-high 16 kills (.273) and 12 digs with an ace.

Kayla Caffey&nbsp;led all Omaha middle blockers with seven kills on a .235 clip with five digs.&nbsp;Kaitlyn Hord&nbsp;was limited offensively with three kills, but came up with a pair of blocks to move her season total to nine in two matches.&nbsp;Kelsie Payne&nbsp;tallied seven kills on the night while&nbsp;Ally Batenhorst&nbsp;killed three balls on five swings in the place of Nuneviller in the second set.&nbsp;Libero Camila Gómez&nbsp;recorded 12 digs and three assists.

2024 Greek League MVP Sherridan Atkinson led the Rise with 12 kills on a .344 clip with eight digs and one block. Erika Pritchard came off the bench for 12 kills on a .417 hitting percentage with 11 digs in two sets.

Full stats can be found<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001difK5Tp3k9qPhVoPBNq6SOzHeNIkEFKCvEHqh7oUDDLjfV1LwIMpueoeT5B5oburk7OfrsdEKA5NryWzup9PSdbzHHUfyZepY0SfotOkucD25CuAcuVRTfuD0a5FvUv8AOuj5p9ro24_heuAX2h2l5b6rsO4UQqbGklhig_vhhOVjRzZayoD9I194TbHZBwOoaoCwRHMvSS6qU7a6XpYs8yT6E7pAkcA&amp;c=-V9Ovm98TIL5Vou197VkuYNNyoMsB5d4yRYWfyjCk-vsDc2cbuhpCw==&amp;ch=ZRYRS1S9hokF8F5hCo3_pjoN7T9vI-K1DYQpHiLegxfTWPWR3PnvEw==">&nbsp;here.</a>

Set 1:&nbsp;The Rise took an early 3-2 lead, but a Cooper kill and ace resulted in a 3-0 run for a 5-3 lead. That advantage grew to 8-5 with a trio of kills from Nuneviller, Payne and Caffey. Grand Rapids kept within arm's reach with a few errors from Omaha and an Atkinson termination. After being tied at 12, a 3-0 run from the Supernovas off a pair of Nuneviller kills kept the momentum rolling. An extended rally ending in a Cooper kill snowballed into a 4-1 run for Omaha to take a commanding 21-15 lead. Cooper succeeded on her second swing of a rally to give Omaha set point before a net violation ended the opening set with a 25-21 Supernovas victory. Cooper teed off for seven kills on a .353 hitting percentage while Nuneviller and Caffey tallied four of their own.

Set 2:&nbsp;The second set began like the first with tight back-and-forth action, but Omaha gained the early advantage with a 4-0 run jump started by two Rise hitting errors and kills from Batenhorst — who came in for an injured Nuneviller after the collison with Valentín-Anderson — and Cooper. The Supernovas were startled from the hard impact with its two core players as Grand Rapids middle blocker Ali Bastianelli came off the bench to serve a 6-0 run to give the Rise an 11-9 lead. Cooper followed up with two kills and an ace from Valentín-Anderson to regain the edge. Neither team would gain a lead larger than two points for the rest of the set, and Grand Rapids took the upper hand with a kill from Carli Snyder to give the Rise a 23-22 lead. Then Nuneviller went into overdrive, terminating on her next three swings for a trio of points to give Omaha a 25-23 win and a 2-0 match lead.

Set 3:&nbsp;Trailing 4-2 early, the Supernovas rallied off a 4-0 run from two Nuneviller kills, a Valentín-Anderson tally and a Payne ace to take a 6-4 lead. Cooper extended her match-leading kill total with two more to put the score at 9-6 Omaha. Pritchard found an offensive groove off the bench for the Rise with two kills and a block from rookie setter Camryn Turner and Alyssa Jensen for Grand Rapids to take a 15-14 advantage. Tied at 21 in the redzone, the Supernovas once again elevated its play in crunch time as Caffey and Cooper executed on swings to give Omaha match point. A Cooper attack set up a tough out-of-system set for Jensen — a middle blocker — who's effort resulted in a four-hit violation, giving Omaha a 25-22 set win and a second consecutive sweep of the Rise.

After finishing a perfect opening weekend, the Supernovas continue its two-match road swing with a visit to the Vegas Thrill on Friday, January 17 with first serve set for 9 p.m. CST. The match will be streamed live on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001difK5Tp3k9qPhVoPBNq6SOzHeNIkEFKCvEHqh7oUDDLjfV1LwIMpuU7YbPfm4SiX28BIWNFdwEeDE8dWg3bASawtE_cQbkgtbIHXqSFBa7_ZqOdKSZNMs42lVvO62RIVjU3y9fUbQJwCc9HaWozLzWM6ZAOdPnoWm1B09k3avNo=&amp;c=-V9Ovm98TIL5Vou197VkuYNNyoMsB5d4yRYWfyjCk-vsDc2cbuhpCw==&amp;ch=ZRYRS1S9hokF8F5hCo3_pjoN7T9vI-K1DYQpHiLegxfTWPWR3PnvEw==">PVF's YouTube Channel.</a>

Omaha returns home two days later to face the San Diego Mojo on Sunday, January 19 at 3 p.m. CST with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001difK5Tp3k9qPhVoPBNq6SOzHeNIkEFKCvEHqh7oUDDLjfV1LwIMpueoeT5B5obur--QXXHpkKH0seIemsaxLU6zgSfOw8nbq4eVWTDv7EH0-ysFTeDNP-qnHxKujzle4RIHCvrtoyMudpBxsRgUeiY6VrlBiXX63FByi17DMqE4=&amp;c=-V9Ovm98TIL5Vou197VkuYNNyoMsB5d4yRYWfyjCk-vsDc2cbuhpCw==&amp;ch=ZRYRS1S9hokF8F5hCo3_pjoN7T9vI-K1DYQpHiLegxfTWPWR3PnvEw==">Nebraska Public Media&nbsp;</a>providing television coverage.

Every match this season can be heard on the&nbsp;Supernovas Radio Network, led by its flagship station&nbsp;KCRO 660 AM&nbsp;as part of Walnut Media. The SRN can be heard in five states with the support of its affiliates in&nbsp;KXCB Bluffs Country 106.5 FM, Boomer Radio 106.7 FM, ESPN Tri Cities, KNCY in Nebraska City, KGMT in Fairbury&nbsp;and&nbsp;KSID-AM in Sidney.

ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas are the premier home of professional volleyball, boasting the No. 1 Pro Volleyball average attendance in the world. The Supernovas 2025 season will begin in January. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneur Danny White, Co-Founder of&nbsp;City+Ventures, an&nbsp;investment&nbsp;and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with&nbsp;cutting-edgeproduction and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.

Supernovas Grind Out Sweep of Rise to Cap Perfect Opening Weekend

Area Girls Basketball Scores from Friday, Jan 10

Hitchcock County 58 @ Wauneta-Palisade 43

North Platte St. Patrick's 38 @ Perkins County 64

Area Boys Basketball Scores from Friday, Jan 10

North Platte St. Patrick's 56 @ Perkins County 51

Wauneta-Palisade 23 vs Hitchcock County 65

Area High School Basketball Scores from Friday, Jan 10

OMAHA, Neb. -&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first pro volleyball champions, began its 2025 title defense with a victory over the Atlanta Vibe in a five-set thriller (22-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-22, 15-13) Friday at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;in downtown Omaha.&nbsp;

The Supernovas reset its own&nbsp;U.S. Pro Volleyball record Friday night,&nbsp;witnessing&nbsp;13,486 fans&nbsp;pack into CHI, surpassing their previous attendance record of 12,090 set last season. In less than two years of existence, the Supernovas franchise owns the top-eight U.S. Pro Volleyball attendance records with six of those having at least 11,000.&nbsp;

The Supernovas’ victory was fueled by 2024 PVF All-League First Team pick&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;who led the charge as Player of the Game. The third-year pro delivered an impressive 22 kills and 17 digs showcasing her dominance on both offense and defense. Middle blocker and former Husker&nbsp;Kaitlyn Hord&nbsp;also made Supernovas history, breaking the franchise’s single-match blocking record with seven stuffs. Hord added 10 kills and recorded a .555 hitting percentage on the night.

Libero&nbsp;Camila Gómez,&nbsp;who signed with the Supernovas over the offseason from Grand Rapids, added another franchise record in her Omaha debut, tallying a single-match record 31 digs. Puerto Rico Olympian&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;dished out 48 assists and 17 digs with three kills to start out her second season in a Supernovas uniform.&nbsp;Reagan Cooper&nbsp;(8),&nbsp;Kelsie Payne&nbsp;(6) and&nbsp;Ally Batenhorst&nbsp;(6) all added offensively in a night where Omaha hit .187 as a team, but limited the Vibe to .155 hitting percentage.&nbsp;

Former Nebraska first team All-American&nbsp;Merritt Beason&nbsp;led Atlanta with 17 kills and a .347 hitting percentage in her professional debut. Middle blocker and Stanford product McKenna Vicini posted 11 kills on a .435 hitting percentage. Pia Timmer reached 11 kills while reigning PVF MVP Leah Edmond equaled that total with 11 of her own.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;The match began with Beason making an immediate impact for the Vibe, securing three of the team’s first five points with two kills and a block to give Atlanta a 5-3 advantage. The opening set was filled with errors from both teams, but the set remained competitive with the Vibe keeping an arm’s reach out front. Shelly Fanning mustered a kill, and a Payne error gave Atlanta a four-point edge at 18-14. A reversal on a block touch swung the momentum and killed a Supernovas comeback as Fanning closed the door for a 25-22 set win. Cooper led Omaha with four kills while Beason had four on her own.&nbsp;

Set 2:&nbsp;The Supernovas came out strong in the second set, jumping to an early 5-2 lead. Beason followed up with a key kill, tying the score at 8-8. Valentín-Anderson quickly responded with a setter dump and an ace to regain the lead for the Supernovas. The Vibe kept the pressure but Nuneviller’s back-to-back kills shifted control to a 16-13 Omaha lead. Hord’s sixth kill of the night followed by a Timmer hitting error extended the lead to 21-16. Back-to-back blocks from Aiko Jones and rookie Khori Lewis cut the Supernovas lead to 21-19, but a block from Hord and back-to-back stuffs from Payne led Omaha to close out the set with a 25-19 victory.

Set 3:&nbsp;The set started off tight with a 6-6 tie as points were traded back and forth. Tied at 10, Atlanta mounted a rally with a pair of blocks from Vicini and two kills by Edmond to give the Vibe a 15-11 advantage. Trailing 18-13, A string of four-straight points and three consecutive blocks helped the Supernovas close the gap at 18-17. Another Nuneviller kill tied the set at 20, but a 5-1 Atlanta run – highlighted by two Vicini blocks – gave the Vibe a 2-1 set advantage with a 25-22 game win.&nbsp;

Set 4:&nbsp;The Supernovas made a key adjustment in the fourth set, bringing in Batenhorst for Cooper, to fuel a 7-1 lead to start the set. Batenhorst secured her second kill of the match to help the Supernovas extend its advantage to 11-6. The momentum continued as Omaha extended the score to 15-9 off a Payne kill and block, forcing the Vibe to call a timeout. For the remainder of the set Batenhorst and Nuneviller took charge offensively, leading the Supernovas with four kills each. The Supernovas closed out the set 25-22 to force a decisive fifth set.&nbsp;

Set 5:&nbsp;The Vibe took control early in the fifth set, jumping out to a 4-2 lead. Nuneviller quickly responded with two kills to tie the score. Batenhorst helped jumpstart a run with a kill that pushed the Supernovas ahead 8-5. Beason kept the Vibe in the game with back-to-back tallies, which narrowed the gap to 11-9, but Nuneviller answered with two more kills to extend Omaha’s lead to 13-11. The match ended with another decisive kill from Nuneviller, who recorded six kills on seven swings in the set to seal a 1-0 start to the season for the Supernovas.

The Supernovas hit the road for the first time in 2025 on Sunday, January 12, to take on the Grand Rapids Rise. The match is set for a 5:00 PM CST first serve at Van Andel Arena.

Sunday’s match will be the first-ever Pro Volleyball Federation showdown on&nbsp;FS1&nbsp;with Paul Sunderland and Holly McPeak on the call.&nbsp;

Every match this season can be heard on the&nbsp;Supernovas Radio Network, led by its flagship station KCRO 660 AM as part of Walnut Media. The SRN can be heard in five states with the support of its affiliates in KXCB Bluffs Country 106.5 FM, Boomer Radio 106.7 FM, ESPN Tri Cities, KNCY in Nebraska City, KGMT in Fairbury and KSID-AM in Sidney.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with&nbsp;cutting-edgeproduction and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.&nbsp;

Supernovas Triumph Over Vibe in Five-Set Epic, Shattering U.S. Pro Volleyball Attendance Record

Trinidad, Colo. - Nariah Golden notched all her points in the second half, as the Knights erased a seven-point halftime deficit for a 63-59 win against Trinidad State on Friday night.

Nariah Golden’s 12 points came on 3-of-11 shooting from the field. Kateria Gooden added 12 points, while Nevaeh Golden rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points.

“We battled through some adversity, but we found a way to win,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “Now we must get prepared for a very good Lamar team tomorrow.”

Gooden opened the scoring, but the lead changed hands three more times throughout the opening ten minutes. The Trojans took a two-point lead on a free throw from Rachel Stewart, but three straight points from Nevaeh Golden tied the game up at 11-11 at the quarter break.

Neither team wanted to back down while exchanging blows in the second quarter. Trailing 23-21, Nevaeh Golden connected on two free throws to knot the game up, before a 7-0 run gave the Trojans a 30-23 lead at halftime.

Trinidad stretched their lead into double digits to begin the third quarter. North Platte did not back down and used a 14-5 run to even the game on a three by Madison Cheleen. Dezirae Gonzales put the Knights back out front by connecting on the front end of two free throws, before Candela Roy knotted the game up again.

Trinidad State managed to stretch their lead to six on a bucket by Violeta Rojas with 7:50 remaining in the fourth quarter. North Platte countered with a 14-4 run over the next 3:50 to regain control for the final time. Trojans managed to cut the deficit to 61-59, but a pair of free throws from Nariah Golden sealed the win for North Platte.

Knights (10-8) return to the hardwood on Saturday against Lamar Community College. Tip is scheduled for 2 p.m. inside the Wellness Center in Lamar, Colo.

Knights knock down Trojans on the road

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001piBUMXdO9Zr1VJlPLCmvrTsNQhaNGFMv6CcVbaanwBsdxqLaiwZRIC3c_5c7g6IBl2mjfTBez9ghDUGojnz9H8H-1RLZ5j6dj3Et4xOE-v64lFixoUjwYBk9vCHWo0y-Mn0NBDghiZAeq08lgP_ehlAKZ3Yevqn7&amp;c=aeMvlk3hvvYIL3vrfuVMTSFr1WFVtKzSUUA2oQrTmxFh0XpBZvCS3w==&amp;ch=jUdgSIchkxEJrhu3YwpT__HI4IqX2lqskVP7PUuFLI2CtVO2M5XZeA==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, continue to show the growing interest and passion of pro volleyball, resetting the&nbsp;U.S. Pro Volleyball Attendance Record&nbsp;with&nbsp;13,486&nbsp;cheering on the Supernovas for the 2025 season opener at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;against the Atlanta Vibe.

Omaha broke its own attendance record from a season ago when 12,090 packed into CHI on March 16, 2024, to see the Supernovas beat the Orlando Valkyries 3-1. The franchise&nbsp;has now hosted the top eight most attended Pro Volleyball matches in U.S. history&nbsp;with nine of the top ten taking place in Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In less than two seasons of existence, the Supernovas have hosted six crowds of 11,000 or more and eight with more than 10,000&nbsp;in attendance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During its championship run in the&nbsp;inaugural&nbsp;2024&nbsp;PVF season, Omaha and the Supernovas became the league's shining&nbsp;star, hosting 134,969 fans across the 14 matches held at the CHI Health Center.&nbsp;That includes a whopping 9,656 average mark for the 12 Supernovas’ home matches,&nbsp;which was No. 1 in the world&nbsp;in&nbsp;pro volleyball&nbsp;average&nbsp;attendance. Plus, there&nbsp;were&nbsp;19,094&nbsp;spectators who attended the PVF Semifinals and Championship&nbsp;in May.&nbsp;

"The unwavering support and enthusiasm of Omaha fans continue to set the gold standard in professional volleyball,"&nbsp;Supernovas Owner Danny White said. "Resetting the U.S. Pro Volleyball record is another testament to the incredible energy of&nbsp;NovasNation&nbsp;and their unmatched passion for the sport.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;not just about the numbers —&nbsp;it's&nbsp;about the community&nbsp;we've&nbsp;built together and the milestones we will continue to achieve. As we look ahead, we remain committed to raising the bar and delivering a major league volleyball experience that inspires the next generation athletes and fans."&nbsp;

"NovasNation&nbsp;has shown the world that professional volleyball has a bright future,"&nbsp;Supernovas Partner Kirk Thompson shared. "Breaking another U.S. Pro Volleyball record underscores the growing hunger for this sport and the impact it's making on a major-league level.&nbsp;We're proud to be at the forefront of this growth, showing what's possible when passion meets opportunity, and we're excited to keep elevating the game for our fans and the sport as a whole."&nbsp;

“The entire Metro area, Nebraska and our region has embraced the Supernovas with open arms since our first match one year ago.”&nbsp;Supernovas Team President Diane Mendenhall.&nbsp;“This achievement highlights the passion, dedication and growth of&nbsp;NovasNation&nbsp;since the Championship Match last May. It's a reminder of the limitless potential of our sport and our responsibility to keep pushing what's possible by delivering a major-league experience in a world class arena that inspires even more people to join this movement."&nbsp;

Supernovas Make History Again with New U.S. Pro Volleyball Attendance Record

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

The Nebraska women’s basketball team shoots for its first true road win of the season when the Huskers collide with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Sunday in Piscataway, N.J.Tip-off between Nebraska (12-4, 3-2 Big Ten) and Rutgers (8-8, 0-5 Big Ten) at Jersey Mike's Arena is set for 1 p.m. (CT).A live video stream will be available to B1G+ subscribers with Dom Savino and Dominique Patrick on the call.Nebraska fans can listen across the Huskers Radio Network, including 107.3 FM in Lincoln and 590 AM in Omaha, the Huskers App and Huskers.com. Matt Coatney and Jeff Griesch will be on the radio call with pregame beginning at 12:30 p.m. (CT).Nebraska extended the Big Ten's longest active home winning streak to 14 games with an 85-80 victory over AP No. 20 Michigan State on Wednesday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. Alexis Markowski erupted for a career-high 28 points while adding eight rebounds to power the Huskers to their first win over a ranked foe this season.The performance by the All-America candidate against the Spartans followed her sixth double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds in a 72-61 win over Penn State last Sunday. Markowski, a 6-3 center from Lincoln, continues to lead Nebraska in scoring (14.4 ppg) and rebounding (8.0 rpg). She heads into Sunday's game with a school-record 46 career double-doubles. She has pushed her career totals to 1,594 points and 1,084 rebounds. The Naismith, Wooden and Lisa Leslie Award candidate is one of just four Huskers in history to achieve the combined career milestones of 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds - joining only first-team All-Americans Karen Jennings (1993), Kelsey Griffin (2010) and Jordan Hooper (2014). All three of those Huskers have their jerseys retired and are in Nebraska’s Athletic Hall of Fame.Big Ten Freshman of the Year candidate Britt Prince added 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals in the win over No. 20 Michigan State. Prince ranks second among the Huskers in scoring (12.3 ppg) while leading the team in assists (3.1 apg) and steals (1.7 spg). She also has added 4.1 rebounds per game. The two-time Nebraska High School Player of the Year has put up double figures in 11 of her 15 games. She is shooting 46.2 percent from the field, including 40 percent from three-point range and 90.9 percent at the free throw line.Fellow freshman Amiah Hargrove, sophomore Jessica Petrie and graduate forward Kendall Coley have split starting duties at power forward in place of 2024 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Natalie Potts, who was lost to a season-ending knee injury against North Alabama (Nov. 19). Potts was Nebraska's leading scorer (17.5 ppg) and rebounder (8.0 rpg) through four games. She underwent surgery on Dec. 4 and is expected to regain the season of eligibility.Allison Weidner, who missed 55 consecutive games the past two seasons while recovering from back-to-back ACL tears in both knees, produced her best game of the year by matching her season highs with 11 points and six assists off the bench in the win over No. 20 Michigan State.Nebraska Cornhuskers&nbsp;at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsSaturday, January 12, 2025, 1 p.m. (CT)Jersey Mike's Arena - Piscataway, New JerseyLive Video:&nbsp;B1G+&nbsp;(Dom Savino, Dominique Patrick)Live Radio:&nbsp;Huskers Radio Network (12:30 p.m.)Matt Coatney (PBP), Jeff Griesch (Analyst)Lincoln (107.3 FM), Omaha (590 AM), Huskers.com, Huskers AppLive Stats:&nbsp;Huskers.com (statbroadcast - public)

Nebraska Cornhuskers&nbsp;(12-4, 3-2 Big Ten)12 - Jessica Petrie - 6-2 - So. - F - 4.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg40 - Alexis Markowski - 6-3 - Sr. - C/F - 14.4 ppg, 8.0 rpg2 - Logan Nissley - 6-0 - So. - G - 6.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg14 - Callin Hake - 5-8 - Jr. - G - 7.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg23 - Britt Prince - 5-11 - Fr. - G - 12.3 ppg, 4.1 rpgOff the Bench5 - Alberte Rimdal - 5-9 - Sr. - G - 6.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg44 - Petra Bozan - 6-3 - Fr. - F/C - 5.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg33 - Amiah Hargrove - 6-2 - Fr. - F - 4.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg15 - Kendall Moriarty - 6-1 - Sr. - G - 3.4 ppg, 1.7 rpg3 - Allison Weidner - 5-10 - RJr. - G - 3.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg32 - Kendall Coley - 6-2 - Gr. - F/G - 2.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg22 - Natalie Potts [Out] - 6-2 - So. - F - 14.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg4 - Kennadi Williams - 5-4 - Fr. - G - RedshirtHead Coach:&nbsp;Amy Williams (Nebraska, 1998)Ninth Season at Nebraska (149-115);&nbsp;18th Season Overall (342-224)

Rutgers Scarlet Knights&nbsp;(8-8, 0-5 Big Ten)14 - JoJo Lacey - 6-1 - Gr. - F - 8.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg54 - Chyna Cornwell - 6-3 - Gr. - C - 7.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg1 - Destiny Adams - 6-3 - Sr. - G/F - 18.2 ppg, 10.2 rpg2 - Lisa Thompson - 5-9 - So. - G - 4.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg11 - Awa Sidibe - 5-11 - Gr. - G - 5.4 ppg, 3.4 rpgOff the Bench32 - Kiyomi McMiller - 5-8 - Fr. - G - 19.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg3 - Mya Petticord - 5-9 - Jr. - G - 6.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg22 - Zachara Perkins - 6-3 - Fr. - F - 4.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg5 - Deja Young - 5-9 - Jr. - G - 1.0 ppg, 0.7 rpg44 - Janae Walker - 6-3 - So. - F - 0.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg33 - Kennedy Brandt - 5-10 - So. - G - 0.6 ppg, 0.3 rpgHead Coach:&nbsp;Coquese Washington (Notre Dame, 1993)Third Season at Rutgers (28-52);&nbsp;15th Season Overall (237-221)Scouting The Rutgers Scarlet Knights

• Coquese Washington brings her most talented Rutgers team into Sunday's game against Nebraska. The third-year Scarlet Knights coach is 2-0 against Nebraska but just 5-34 against the rest of the Big Ten since taking the reins of the Rutgers program.• Freshman Kiyomi McMiller has been an explosive scorer for the Scarlet Knights this season, averaging 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and a team-best 3.1 assists per game. However, McMiller did not play in last Sunday's 92-42 home loss to No. 4 USC or in Wednesday night's 76-50 loss at Minnesota.• Graduate Destiny Adams has been extremely productive. The 6-3 forward is averaging 18.2 points and a team-best 10.2 rebounds while leading the Scarlet Knights with 17 blocked shots and 35 steals on the year. She has been even better in league play, averaging 21.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.4 steals. She had 11 points and six rebounds last season against the Huskers.• JoJo Lacey has added more production inside. The 6-1 graduate forward from Boston College has contributed 8.1 points and 5.4 rebounds as the only Scarlet Knight to start all 16 games.• Newcomer Zachara Perkins, a 6-3 freshman forward, has pitched in 4.9 points and 2.5 rebounds while making 11 starts on the season. She sat out Wednesday's loss at Minnesota alongside fellow freshman Kiyomi McMiller.• Sophomore guard Lisa Thompson (4.7 ppg) has been a part-time starter in the RU backcourt, while veteran Awa Sidibe (5.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg) made her first starts of the season in McMiller's absence in losses to USC and Minnesota. Sidibe has only appeared in five games this season, but had eight points, three rebounds, three assists, three blocks and four steals at Minnesota. Two years ago in a 57-45 Rutgers win over NU, Sidibe had seven points, five rebounds and five assists in 37 minutes as a starter.• Another veteran with a history of success inside against Nebraska, 6-3 graduate center Chyna Cornwell has been one of the top Scarlet Knights off the bench with 7.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game but made her sixth start of the year at Minnesota on Wednesday. Cornwell has hit a team-best 57 percent of her field goals. She had seven points and eight rebounds in last year's Rutgers win in Lincoln, after getting eight points and 12 rebounds in a 57-45 win over the Huskers at the RAC (Jan. 7, 2023).• Junior Mya Petticord (6.2 ppg), sophomores Janae Walker and Kennedy Brandt and junior Deja Young round out the likely contributors in the Rutgers lineup. Petticord had five points off the bench in last season's Scarlet Knight victory in Lincoln.• As a team, Rutgers is averaging 69.8 points per game, while allowing 69.6 points per contest. RU has been nearly even on the glass and the turnover department (15.3 pg). The Scarlet Knights are shooting 41.1 percent from the field, but just 28.6 percent from three-point range. Rutgers is also hitting just 63.7 percent of its free throws.• Rutgers has faced one of the Big Ten's toughest opening schedules beginning with a 66-64 loss at Wisconsin (Dec. 8), before facing three consecutive top 10 opponents in Ohio State (L, 77-63), at Maryland (L, 78-61) and USC (L, 92-42). Most recently, the Scarlet Knights fell at 16-1 Minnesota, whose only loss came at Nebraska (Dec. 8).Nebraska vs. Rutgers Series History

• Rutgers leads the all-time series with Nebraska 8-5, including three consecutive wins at Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway. The last time the Huskers traveled to New Jersey, the Scarlet Knights produced a 57-45 victory (Jan. 7, 2023). Rutgers also notched a 78-62 win over the Huskers at the RAC (Feb. 7, 2021) and a 69-65 victory (Jan. 12, 2020).• The Huskers have not won in Piscataway since defeating the No. 25 Scarlet Knights, 52-42, on Jan. 21, 2018. It marks the only win for the Big Red in New Jersey since the two teams met for the first time as Big Ten foes on Feb. 5, 2015 - a 46-43 victory for the No. 21 Scarlet Knights over the No. 19 Huskers in one of the lowest-scoring games in Nebraska history.• Nebraska owns a 4-2 series edge at Pinnacle Bank Arena against Rutgers, but the Scarlet Knights escaped from Lincoln with a 71-70 win (Feb. 3, 2024). It marked the first conference win of the season for the Scarlet Knights, snapping an 11-game overall losing streak to league foes. Rutgers finished last season with a 2-16 Big Ten mark in an 8-24 overall record. It was the only true road win of the season for Rutgers.• In the only neutral site game between the teams, Rutgers defeated NU, 66-63, at the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis (March 3, 2016).• Seven of the 13 games in the history of the series have been decided by two possessions or less. The largest margin of victory in the 13 games in the series is 16 points (78-62 Rutgers win, Feb. 7, 2021, Piscataway).Markowski In NU's 1,500-Point/1,000-Rebound Club

• Alexis Markowski has increased her career totals to 1,594 points and 1,084 rebounds. She is just the fourth Nebraska player to achieve the combined career milestones of 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds.• The quality of that short list is undeniable. Karen Jennings (2,405 points/1,000 rebounds, 1990-93) won the 1993 Wade Trophy, was a first-team All-American and the 1993 Big Eight Player of the Year.• Kelsey Griffin (2,033 points/1,019 rebounds, 2006-10) won the 2010 Senior CLASS Award, was a first-round WNBA Draft pick, a first-team All-American and the 2010 Big 12 Player of the Year.• Jordan Hooper (2,357 points/1,110 rebounds, 2011-14) was a first-team All-American, the 2014 Big Ten Player of the Year and the first pick of the second round in the 2014 WNBA Draft.

Markowski Joins Elite Rebounders in NU History• Nebraska All-America candidate Alexis Markowski joined one of the most elite groups in Husker history by pulling down her 1,000th career rebound in the fourth quarter at Creighton (Nov. 22).• The 6-3 center from Lincoln became just the sixth Husker women’s basketball player and just the eighth Nebraska men’s or women’s player to reach the 1,000 milestone on the boards.• Markowski finished the game with 1,001 career boards to push past 1993 Wade Trophy winner Karen Jennings into the No. 5 spot on the Husker women’s basketball career chart.• Markowski has pushed her career rebound total to 1,084, passing first-team All-American Kelsey Griffin at No. 4 on Nebraska’s career rebound list. Markowski enters the Rutgers game 36 rebounds behind first-team All-American and 2014 Big Ten Player of the Year Jordan Hooper (1,110) at No. 3 on the Nebraska all-time rebound list. Hooper grabbed her rebounds in 4,030 career minutes (11.0 rp40), while Markowski’s boards have come in just 3,008 minutes (14.4 rp40).Prince Battling for Big Ten All-Freshman Honors

• Britt Prince is off to one of the best starts by a freshman in the Big Ten Conference in 2024-25. The 5-11 point guard from Omaha ranks second among the Huskers with 12.3 points, while adding 4.1 rebounds and team bests with 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals.• The two-time Gatorade and MaxPreps Player of the Year has scored in double figures 11 times, including a career-high 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting in Nebraska’s record-setting 113-70 win over South Dakota (Nov. 16). She added four assists and two steals in front of a sellout crowd at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.• She added her second 20-point effort with 20 points and six rebounds in a career-high 37 minutes in the loss at Creighton (Nov. 22).• Prince produced a game-high 19 points to go with five rebounds in a low-scoring win over Tarleton State (Dec. 11). She hit a career-high three threes against the Texans while also going a career-best 6-for-6 at the free throw line.• Prince contributed 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting in a win over Kansas City (Nov. 26), before notching her fifth straight double-digit performance with a game-high 14 points in a win over Lindenwood (Dec. 3). She also had 13 points and a career-high six assists against North Alabama (Nov. 19) during the five-game stretch. Prince added a career-high two blocks against the Lions.• Prince notched her 11th double-figure scoring performance with 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals in NU's win over No. Michigan State (Jan. 8). It was her third straight double-digit effort, joining 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and a career-high four steals in a win over Penn State (Jan. 5) and 10 points, a career-high-tying eight rebounds and four assists at No. 4 USC (Jan. 1).• She became the first Husker freshman point guard to reach 100 points in her first eight games, when she put up seven points and seven boards in a win over Minnesota (Dec. 8). The only other Husker point guard to score 100 points in 10 or fewer games is Nicole Kubik (10 games, 1996-97).• One of Nebraska’s most efficient players, Prince is shooting 46.2 percent from the field, including 40 percent (20-50) from three-point range, and 90.9 percent (30-33) at the free throw line.• Prince, who won four consecutive Nebraska Class B state high school championships at PBA while playing for her mother, Ann Prince at Elkhorn North (2021-22-23-24), was the No. 16 recruit in the country according to Prospects Nation and No. 28 according to ESPN.• An honorable-mention high school All-American last year by the Naismith award and MaxPreps, Prince produced one of the best senior seasons in Nebraska high school history in 2023-24. She averaged 27.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.9 steals. She led the state in both scoring and assists as a senior on her way to finishing with a Class B record 2,491 points, surpassing Husker All-American Jordan Hooper’s previous mark of 2,078.• Prince also matched Hooper for No. 2 in state tournament history with 271 career points.• In addition to being a four-time Super-State selection in basketball, Prince was a six-time gold medalist and two-time silver medalist at the Nebraska State Track &amp; Field Championships.• She was the 2024 Nebraska Girls Athlete of the Year across all sports.• Prince missed Nebraska’s win over Southeastern Louisiana (Nov. 9) with a lower leg injury, but returned for six points, four assists and three steals as a starter in a win over Southern (Nov. 12).Husker Freshmen Featuring Efficiency• Britt Prince is the leader of a talented freshman trio for Nebraska. While Prince has earned headlines by starting at point guard and putting up some of the best numbers in history by a Big Red rookie, fellow freshmen Amiah Hargrove and Petra Bozan have been dynamic inside.• Hargrove erupted for a career-high 13-point effort in a career-high 21 minutes in the win over Tarleton State (Dec. 11). Hargrove hit 5-of-6 shots from the floor, including a three-pointer, while adding three rebounds and a steal. Most recently, she led Nebraska with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting at No. 1 UCLA (Dec. 29). It was Hargrove’s fourth double-digit scoring effort, including a 10-point performance that included a career-high eight rebounds in a Big Ten-opening win over previously unbeaten Minnesota (Dec. 8). The 6-1 forward from Christopher, Ill., added 10 points and seven rebounds in a win over Kansas City (Nov. 26). She made back-to-back starts against Chattanooga (Dec. 15) and No. 17 Georgia Tech (Dec. 21). Hargrove also played a major role in NU's win over No. 20 Michigan State (Jan. 8) with seven points and six rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench.• Bozan, a 6-5 center from Croatia, also owns three-double digit scoring efforts early this season, including 12 in an opening-day win over Omaha and 11 against Southeastern Louisiana (Nov. 9). She went a combined 9-for-11 from the field, including 4-for-4 from three-point range in those two games. Bozan added 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting in a win over Lindenwood (Dec. 3), before getting nine points and five rebounds in her Big Ten debut against Minnesota (Dec. 8). She added seven points at UCLA (Dec. 29), as the Husker freshmen provided three of NU's top four scorers against the top-ranked Bruins. Bozan pitched in eight points and six rebounds in just 11 minutes to help the Huskers push past Penn State (Jan. 5).• On the season, Bozan has produced per 40 minute averages of 18.1 points and 11.5 rebounds while hitting 48.6 percent of her shots from the field, including 33.3 percent (5-15) of her threes.Weidner Earns Bachelor's Degree Dec. 21

• Allison Weidner returned to the court as a starter in Nebraska’s season-opening victory over Omaha (Nov. 4) in front of the Pinnacle Bank Arena crowd after missing 55 consecutive regular-season games over the past two seasons because of leg injuries.• Weidner made her triumphant and hard-fought return with 11 points, three rebounds, two steals and one assist in 24 minutes of Nebraska’s 88-48 win over the Mavericks.• She was even better in Nebraska's win over No. 20 Michigan State on Wednesday night, matching her season highs with 11 points and six assists off the bench to help the Huskers to an 85-80 victory.• The 5-10 redshirt junior guard from Humphrey, Neb., averaged 10.2 points and 6.2 rebounds through 13 games as a starter for the Huskers as a sophomore in 2022-23, before suffering a left leg injury early in the fourth quarter of Nebraska’s triple-overtime victory over Kansas (Dec. 21).• Weidner had started 21 consecutive games before missing the first game of her career in the loss to No. 14 Michigan (Dec. 28). She underwent successful surgery on her left leg on Jan. 10, 2023.• She was on track to return for the Huskers ahead of the 2023-24 season before suffering a right leg injury in practice on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. She underwent successful surgery on Oct. 25.• In 61 career games with 25 starts, Weidner has averaged 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists.• Weidner earned her bachelor's degree as a child, youth and family studies major at Nebraska on Saturday, Dec. 21.Husker Roster Filled with State Players of the Year

• The 2024-25 Nebraska women’s basketball roster features four state players of the year in basketball, who won their respective awards from their home states from 2021 to 2024.• The quartet of Alexis Markowski (Nebraska, 2021), Natalie Potts (Missouri, 2021, 2023), Logan Nissley (North Dakota, 2021, 2022, 2023) and Britt Prince (Nebraska, 2023, 2024) combined for eight total state basketball player-of-the-year honors, while adding a pair of state volleyball player-of-the-year awards (Nissley, North Dakota, 2021, 2022).&nbsp;• In addition, Allison Weidner was the Nebraska Girls Athlete of the Year across all sports in 2021, while Britt Prince added a Nebraska Girls Athlete of the Year award over all sports in 2024.• Prince (2,491), Weidner (2,282) and Markowski (1,485) combined for 6,258 points during their Nebraska High School careers.&nbsp;• While freshman Amiah Hargrove was not the overall Illinois state player of the year, she was the Illinois Class 1A Player of the Year in 2023 and was named the Southern Illinois Player of the Year three times (2022, 2023, 2024).• Hargrove (2,774), Potts (2,108) and Nissley (1,664) combined for 6,546 points in their high school careers, while Hargrove and Potts each added more than 1,000 career rebounds.Hake Heads Huskers as SAAC President• Callin Hake has proven herself a leader on and off the court in her three seasons at Nebraska, and the junior from Victoria, Minn., was elected President of the Nebraska Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for 2024-25.• She has earned 13 starts to open 2024-25 for the Huskers and is averaging career bests of 7.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.4 steals, while scoring in double figures six times. Hake was NU's leading scorer with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists in last Sunday's win over Penn State.• Hake produced a career-high 17 points to go with five rebounds, two assists and two steals in a win over North Alabama (Nov. 19). She followed with 16 points on a career-high five three-pointers to go with four rebounds, four assists and two steals in a win over Kansas City (Nov. 26).• She put up 11 points on 3-of-5 three-point shooting in a Big Ten win over Minnesota (Dec. 8), after a strong 12-point, six-rebound effort that included three assists and a career-high four steals in a win over Lindenwood (Dec. 3).• Hake had 10 points, five rebounds and three assists in a win over Chattanooga (Dec. 15).• The 5-8 guard averaged 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists while competing in all 35 games with five starts to help the Huskers advance to the Big Ten Championship Game and the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.• Hake was also the Nebraska women’s basketball Lifter of the Year in 2023.• Hake was an Academic All-Big Ten selection while double-majoring in management and marketing at Nebraska. She was also a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District VII choice in 2024.• She also earned a prestigious Nebraska Sam Foltz 27 Hero Leadership Award in 2024 and was a two-time Tom Osborne Citizenship Team member. • Nebraska has put at least five players in double figures in four of the first 16 games. In three other games, NU has put four players in double figures with the fifth-highest scorer adding nine points.Big Red Spread Scoring• Nebraska has put at least five players in double figures in four of the first 16 games. In three other games, NU has put four players in double figures with the fifth-highest scorer adding nine points.• Perhaps the most amazing part of the double-figure scoring performances for the Big Red through 16 games, is that all four games have featured a different group of scorers that have ultimately included all 12 players on the active roster at the start of the season.• In the opener with Omaha (Nov. 4), six Huskers produced double-digit points, including Alexis Markowski-14, Natalie Potts-14, Petra Bozan-12, Logan Nissley-12, Allison Weidner-11 and Britt Prince-10.• In a win over South Dakota in Sioux Falls (Nov. 16), five Huskers finished in double figures, including Britt Prince-23, Natalie Potts-22, Alexis Markowski-14, Kendall Moriarty-13 and Kendall Coley-12.• In a victory over North Alabama (Nov. 19), five Huskers scored in double figures, including Callin Hake-17, Jessica Petrie-14, Britt Prince-13, Alberte Rimdal-13 and Alexis Markowski-10.• Nebraska put five players in double figures in its second straight home game in a win over Kansas City (Nov. 22), including Callin Hake-16, Alberte Rimdal-15, Britt Prince-13, Alexis Markowski-10 and Amiah Hargrove-10.• The only Huskers to score in double figures in each of the four games with at least five players in double figures were Alexis Markowski and Britt Prince.

Huskers hunt Big Ten Road win at Rutgers Sunday

South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 29, Sandhills/Thedford 61

South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 47 vs Sandhills/Thedford 32

Area NSAA Basketball scores from January 9th

&nbsp;PALM BEACH —The Presidential inauguration is January 20.&nbsp; On Tuesday night, the Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Company, James Quincey presented President-elect Trump the first ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke bottle.

Coca-Cola gives Trump commemorative inaugural Diet Coke bottle

Lincoln, January 14, 2025- The Nebraska Public Service Commission has approved an Order(<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/state911/2025-01-14%20911-075%20PI-248%20911-077%20C-5581%20PI-252%20Order%20Issuing%20Findings%20and%20Closing%20Investigation.pdf" target="_blank">911-075/PI-248, 911-077/C-5581/PI-252</a>) closing its investigation and issuing its findings into three separate 911 outages/disruptions involving telecommunications carrier Lumen.

The three separate Lumen outages/disruptions occurred on August 31, 2023, April 17 &amp; July 9,2024, impacting 911 service over a wide area of Lumens’ Nebraska network.

“Lumen guaranteed, and we expect Nebraska’s 911 system to be available 99.999 percent (five-nines) of the time, and that didn’t happen,” said Commission Chair Tim Schram.

Through its investigation and hearings, the Commission finds that Lumen’s level of performance was not acceptable for Nebraska’s 911 system and that the carrier failed to meet the level of service provided within its state contract.

Commission Chair Schram said, “While Lumen has engaged in substantial work to improve its network, the carrier’s lack of redundancy and diversity remains a concern.”

The Commission directed the State 911 Department to identify potential changes to the state’ scurrent 911 system. To support the process, Commission consultant 911 Authority will conduct an independent verification and validation of the Next Generation 911 system provided by Lumen.

State 911 Department Director, David Sankey said, “This independent testing is important to determine whether Lumen is capable of fulfilling its contractual obligations to provide the level of service the Commission expects and demands moving forward.”

Additional information to include the Order can be found on the PSC website at &lt;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/lumen-affiliates-911-outage-investigation" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/lumen-affiliates-911-outage-investigation</a>&nbsp;&gt;

PSC Closes Lumen Investigation, Issues Findings

Lincoln, January 14, 2025- The Nebraska Public Service Commission approved an Order(<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/telecom/2025-01-14%20C-5561%20Order%20Issuing%20Grant%20Awards.pdf" target="_blank">C-5561</a>&nbsp;) awarding 22 grants totaling more than $20 million from the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program (NBBP), the 4th&nbsp;grant cycle administered by the Commission through the program.

“The Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program has proven to be an effective tool to help bring broadband to unserved and underserved Nebraskans,” said Commission Chair Tim Schram.

Created by the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act (Neb. Rev. Stat § 86 -301 to 86-1310), the NBBP provides approximately $20 million dollars annually for the development of broadband networks capable of at least 100/100 Mbps (down/up) in unserved and underserved areas of the state.

During the 2024 grant cycle, the Commission received, 27 applications for funding through the NBBP. Upon review of the applications and the challenges received the Commission determined22 submissions would be funded. The grants awarded, submitted by five providers, total$20,270,725. The deadline for projects funded through today’s awards is July 14, 2026.

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