North Platte Post/Sandhills Post&nbsp;

Crazy week of weather has hit the state of Nebraska with high temperatures earlier in the week, than a winter storm and now heading back to spring temperatures. While temperatures may be on the rise again, the National Weather Service, North Platte Office (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning will be in effect today from 12:00pm (MT)/1:00pm (CT) and will end at 7:00pm (MT)/8:00pm (CT).&nbsp;

The NWS states the areas in the effect is across Western Nebraska and Central Sandhills into Southwest Nebraska. North Platte, Curtis, Brady, Maxwell, Hershey, Sutherland, Paxton, Ogallala, Imperial and Oshkosh are just a few of the many towns in our listening area that will be under this warning.&nbsp;

Critical fire conditions with rising temperatures and northwest winds of 20 - 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. If any fire develops, it may spread quickly due to the fast wind speeds. Fires have hit across Nebraska over the past few weeks and many local fire departments have issued fire bans during this time. Around this time last year, two major fires occurred outside of North Platte. &nbsp;

The NWS says that critical fire conditions may be possible for Saturday during the afternoon hours and also Sunday.&nbsp;

Red Flag Warning in effect for much of the listening area beginning Friday afternoon

North Platte, Neb. - People's Health in North Platte is back again to education young adults with their focus this time around on high school students with the annual Wild Night. This event is taking place Friday at Wild Bills from 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

Students have the opportunity to attend the event and earn a passport card and attend all the different agencies to learn. The event is geared around health. After students complete their passport, they will get a card and that card can get them free laser tag, bowling and pizza. Their will be raffles and giveaways. Students are asked to bring their HS ID with them

POST Canon Rath chatted with Elizabeth Thayer about the upcoming event. To learn more, checkout the podcast below.

(Audio) People's Health gearing up for Wild Night at Wild Bills this Friday

North Platte, Neb. - The North Platte city council held a regular meeting on March 18th and different agendas were discussed amongst the council. Topics this session included adopt resolution to approve the one and six road plan for 2024-2030, accept the certification of completion for street improvement district No. 362 (Willow Street Bridge over UPRR) and more.&nbsp;

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 March 18th, North Platte City Council meeting check out the podcast below or check out the video below the podcast.

(Audio) North Platte City Council Meeting, March 18th recap

North Platte, Ne - March is National Agriculture Month, and Eagle Media is spotlighting businesses and organizations giving back to agriculure this month. For years, homeschool students either had to take a minimum number of classes at public schools to participate in Future Farmers of America, or missed out entirely. Now a new Nebraska Agriculture Acadamy has entered the picture over the last few years. It started with former public school teachers Breann Zimmer, and Ann Dvorak in 2022 and they ave since been joined by Katie Shadbolt who are all Nebraska Certified Agriculture Educators. The three teamed up to create an online agriculture education academy for homeschool students.

Zimmer, who joined Derek Beck this week on Sandhills Spotlight on Z 93.5 Country says, "The Nebraska Agriculture Academy provides hybrid education to students grades 7-12. Our goal is to make it possible for homeschool students across Nebraska to participate in FFA and learn about agriculture."

Get more information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neagacademy.com/">here</a>. Enjoy the conversation with Zimmer and Derek Beck.

(Podcast) Homeschool Students can get agriculture classes and join FFA in Nebraska

The spring semester is here and People's Health is once again making their way over to NPCC for this semester STD and Tacos. The event is for college students only and runs from 11:00am - 1:00pm in the NPCC Health Building room #25. 

Students can get tested for STD's, learn educational facts about sexual activity and more. West Central District Health Department will be on location to provide vaccines.

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Elizabeth Thayer about the upcoming event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) People's Health STD and Taco event for NPCC students on Wednesday

POST news director had the chance to talk with North Platte native and Saturday's main even Jayson Scott about this weekends fights. The pair discuss training preparation, Scott's background and more. To learn more check out the podcast below.

(Audio) MCF 28 St. Paddy's Beatdown XIII - Jayson Scott

North Platte, Neb. - It's the time of the year when the Sandhill Cranes migration journey begins with plenty of them stopping in North Platte, Lincoln County and you can venture out to see the Sandhill Crane Migration. This year, Dusty Trails is offering tours with different parts of the day to check out this yearly migration. During the tour, you will learn about the birds and so much more. <a href="https://www.dustytrails.biz/sandhill-crane-tours">To sign up for a tour click here</a>. You can also check out the Prairie Chickens during this time and tours are available as well.&nbsp;

Nominations are now open for the North Platte Area Excellence in Tourism Awards but not a whole lot of time is left to get your nominations in. You can nominate someone in the following categories:&nbsp;

If you would like to nominate someone,<a href="https://form.jotform.com/250224323569151"> click here.</a>&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Lisa Burke, the Executive Director of Visit North Platte about the Sandhill Cranes, Prairie Chickens, Excellence in Tourism awards and more! To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Sandhill Cranes migration coming to the area, prairie chickens and nominations for Excellence in Tourism Awards!

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with Jacob Brandl, the Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss last week's end-of-season games against Otero and Trinidad State while getting you prepared for Postseason Basketball.

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #10 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;POST Derek Beck sat down with Holly Carlini from the Prairie Arts Center to chat about the Carousel Horses Project Carlini has been working on. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Carousel Horses Project with Holly Carlini

North Platte, Neb. - Brave the icy cold water by taking a plunge in this year's 2025 Polar Plunge at Iron Horse Park in North Platte to benefit the Special Olympics Nebraska. The event is Saturday March 8th with registration beginning at 10:00am and the plunge begins at 11:00am. &nbsp;

A minimum of $50 is needed per person before plunging in the water but you can raise more money to earn more cool swag. You can also do the plunge in teams and even wear costumes! You can register at the event, but you can also register online by <a href="https://www.classy.org/campaign/north-platte-polar-plunge-2025/c648957">clicking here.</a>&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Nathan Veal about the upcoming Polar Plunge. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Registration now open for the 2025 Polar Plunge!

Ogallala, Ne - Grant Jones, owner of Chundy Land &amp; Cattle south of Imperial came on Sandhills Spotlight on February 27 and spoke with Derek Beck about the Jones' SimAngus Bull sale that is coming up on March 15 at Ogallala Livestock. <a href="https://www.chundylandandcattle.com/2025-sale">CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON SALE</a>

Grant, along with his parents Shawn and Julie formed Chundy Land &amp; Cattle in 2016. This was also the year that the family purchased Bob and Randy Martin’s cow/calf pairs. The following year we had our first production sale in February at Imperial Auction Market. <a href="http://www.npkubota.com">(POST PODCAST sponsored by North Platte Kubota)</a>

Today, the operation consists of Stan and Phyllis Jones, Shawn and Julie Jones and Grant Jones, the sixth generation. Together, they work to maintain and grow this beautiful ranch we call home. The ranch is situated along the Chase and Dundy County lines (Chundy) in southwest Nebraska. They raise corn, soybeans and hay along with their commercial and registered cows. They also operate a small backgrounding lot and finish cattle at yards in Nebraska and Kansas. &nbsp;

Chundy Land & Cattle Company moves 9th Annual Bull sale to Ogallala on March 15

Omaha, Neb. - Union Pacific Railroad has announced the appointment of Christina Conlin as senior vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary succeeding Craig Richardson, who is set to retire at the end of March.

Conlin will oversee all aspects of the company's legal affairs, including commercial transactions and litigation, labor and employment and regulatory matters. She will also lead the company's claims management team.

“Christina is a wonderful addition to the Union Pacific team,” said Union Pacific Chief Executive Officer Jim Vena. “She brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of leadership that will enhance operational efficiency and drive long-term value.”

Conlin joined Union Pacific in Dec. 2024 as senior vice president and deputy general counsel. In this role, she served as a steward of legal affairs, protecting the railroad's reputation, mitigating risk and providing strategic counsel to the senior leadership team. Before joining Union Pacific, she led Goodyear's Legal Enterprise Risk group, which included legal oversight for labor and employment; regulatory affairs; environmental, health and safety; compliance and ethics; and sustainability reporting. She also served as partner at Baker McKenzie in its International Commercial group and held multiple roles at McDonald's Corporation, including European chief compliance officer. Conlin started her career as a private practice trial lawyer.

“Over the past decade, Craig has led Union Pacific through a dynamic legal and regulatory landscape,” said Vena. “I am grateful for his contributions and look forward to seeing Christina continue to help us navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead as we deliver safe and reliable service for our customers.”

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

Union Pacific Announces Appointment of Christina Conlin to Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary

Ogallala, Neb. - Governor Jim Pillen will make a stop in Ogallala on Monday, March 24 for a town hall meeting. The meeting will take place at the Petrified Wood Gallery. The meeting is set to begin at 11:00am (MT) and will last until 12:00pm (MT).&nbsp;

Governor Pillen will talk about property taxes, the state budget and his main priorities as Governor of Nebraska. Since taking office, Governor Pillen has made trips around Nebraska to host town hall meetings. Governor Pillen made an appearance in Ogallala for a town hall meeting back in March of 2024.&nbsp;

Following the town hall meeting, Governor Pillen will be in North Platte with local, state and federal leaders of Nebraska for the ribbon cutting of North Platte's new beef plant, Sustainable Beef.&nbsp;

Governor Jim Pillen to be in Ogallala on Monday for town hall meeting

North Platte Community College hosted 295 students from 12 area middle schools Thursday as part of the Expanding Your Horizons Conference.

The students spent the day listening to speakers and participating in hands-on-activities designed to generate interest in a variety of fields, including microbiology, computer coding, physical therapy, outdoor education, law enforcement and radiology among others. Sessions were led by volunteers from 20 businesses.

The following schools were represented: Adams, Callaway, Eustis-Farnam, Gothenburg, McCook, Mullen, Ogallala, Paxton, St. Pat’s, Sutherland, Wallace and Wauneta-Palisade.

EYH Conference offers middle school students a look at career options

Jason Petik, Sidney Regional Medical Center’s CEO, was awarded the 2024 AHA Grassroots Champion Award at the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) Advocacy Day for his incredible service and efforts. The American Hospital Association (AHA) Grassroots Champion Award was created to recognize hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on both the national and state level on how major issues affect hospitals’ vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital, and who are tireless advocates for hospitals and their patients. Annually, one individual from each state is recognized as a “Grassroots Champion” by the AHA in consultation with state hospital associations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to David Slattery, the NHA Senior Director of State &amp; Rural Advocacy, “This award goes to an individual who has a strong track record in grassroots advocacy for their hospital and community. The NHA appreciates Jason’s work and involvement with the provider assessment and EMS guidance in the legislature over the past year.”&nbsp;

SRMC is proud to have a CEO who advocates for our community, provides support for our organization and patients, and who educates officials on the important role SRMC has in Sidney and the surrounding areas. We appreciate all his hard work, dedication, and determination to make Sidney Regional Medical Center one of the best Critical Access Hospital in the Nebraska Panhandle. His leadership and vision drives our organization to fulfill our mission by providing extraordinary care for every patient, every time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidney Regional Medical Center CEO Jason Petik awarded the 2024 AHA Grassroots Champion Award

The Hot Sheets: March 21st, 2025

During its annual celebration on March 28, Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation will present David Pederson with its “Above &amp; Beyond Award” for his extraordinary contributions to the Community Foundation and other community causes.

Dave Pederson has distinguished himself by his personal characteristics, the impact of his legal talents and by persistently working to make the North Platte area an even better place to live.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dave Pederson cares about people and important organizations in this part of the world.&nbsp; He looks for opportunities to serve and to make valued contributions.&nbsp;

Our community has benefited by his involvement in important matters, his good judgment and his considerable problem-solving and communication skills.

David has distinguished himself by providing well-regarded professional legal services since 1980 in the North Platte area.&nbsp; The practice of law gave Dave many chances to help people with important situations in their life.

Dave has an extraordinary record of elected and volunteer leadership and service for many vital community organizations.

For almost 30 years, Dave has provided legal service without charge to Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation.&nbsp; He has brought exceptional effort and problem-solving skills to each situation and has helped the Community Foundation grow and increase its philanthropic impact.

Along with his wife Judy, Dave has been generous in charitable giving to many worthy local causes through the Community Foundation.

Dave has served as Board member and as Board chair of Mid-Plains Community College, North Platte Chamber of Commerce, North Platte Public Schools and Great Plains Health.&nbsp; He has played key roles in many major community advances, such as a new high school and expanded hospital facilities and services.

David Pederson receiving Community Foundation Above and Beyond Award

Nebraska Department of Transportation

March 20, 2025 (North Platte, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin March 24 on N-2, from reference post 277.89 to reference post 280.41, and on N-21 from reference post 73.08 to 73.59, and on N-70 from reference post 75.01 to 75.24 according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. 

Paulsen, Inc., of Cozad, is the contractor for this project. Work includes concrete pavement repair, storm sewer, lighting, concrete paving, milling, and asphalt overlay. Traffic will be maintained with traffic shifts, temporary traffic signals, and a pilot car and flaggers. On-street parking will be affected during construction and a 10-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Sept. 2025. 

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

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

Work will begin on N-2, N-21, and N-70 in Broken Bow

March 20, 2025 (North Platte, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will resume March 25 on Jeffers Street in North Platte, near the Francis Street, and B Street intersections, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. 

Paulsen, Inc., of Cozad, is the contractor for this project. Finish work to complete the project includes concrete pavement, sidewalk and ADA ramps, seeding, and sodding. Traffic will be maintained with single lane closures. Anticipated completion is May 2025. 

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

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

Work will resume on US-83, Jeffers Street in North Platte 

UNK H.S. Class D Track Meet Results

Story by NU Athletic Communications

PHILADELPHIA - The Nebraska wrestling team ends day one of the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships second in team standings, with 28 points. The Big Red sent five Huskers to the quarterfinals, while all nine qualifiers continue tournament action on Friday, March 21.&nbsp;

In front of over 18,000 fans at both sessions, No. 1 Brock Hardy (141), No. 2 Ridge Lovett (149), No. 3 Antrell Taylor (157), No. 12 Christopher Minto (165) and No. 12 Silas Allred (184), are headed to the NCAA quarterfinals after their 2-0 first day efforts.

The tournament began bouts at the Wells Fargo Center at 125, No. 9 Caleb Smith up first on the mat for the Big Red. The four-time NCAA qualifier faced No. 24 Nick Babin (PITT), and the pair went scoreless through three periods. With :03 left in SV-1, Smith struck with a takedown, starting his 2025 tournament campaign with a win.

At 133, No. 17 Jacob Van Dee met No. 16 Ryan Miller (PENN) in the first round. Van Dee had a 4-1 lead heading into the second period, but Miller rallied and came back for an 8-4 win. No. 1 Hardy’s round one bout took on No. 32 Nash Singleton (ORST), and the 141 lb Husker notched bonus points for NU. Hardy used three takedowns, two escapes and the ridetime point to win with a 12-3 major decision, his eighth of the year.

At 149, No. 2 Lovett and No. 31 Sam Cartella (NW) were both on the board early, as Lovett led 5-4 after the first period. The pair got tied up at 8-8 to start period three, and Lovett secured the 10-8 win with a reversal. No. 3 Taylor faced No. 30 James Conway (MIZZ) at 157 and the Husker was quick to score. Taylor kept striking for 6-1 and 12-3 leads after periods one and two respectively. The sophomore notched a 19-4 (5:55) tech. fall, his seventh of the season, to claim his spot in the round of 16.

In his NCAA Tournament debut, No. 12 Minto met No. 21 Joey Bianchi (UALR) on the mat at 165. The two-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week stumped Bianchi, grabbing his fifth major decision in the 13-1 victory. At 174, No. 8 Lenny Pinto took on No. 25 Dalton Harkins (ARMY), and fought to score. Harkins won with a 6-1 decision.

No. 12 Allred (184) got a tough start up against No. 21 Malachi DuVall (GMU), down 10-1. The junior battled back to take the 14-13 lead in the third period, but used a pin in 6:38 to claim the comeback victory. It was the Husker’s fifth pin this year, and third of the post-season. At 197, also making his NCAA Tournament debut, No. 20 Camden McDanel faced No. 13 Trey Munoz (ORST) in the first round. The true freshman kept it close against two-time All American Munoz, but lost in a 4-2 decision to close the first session.

Session two action began with Smith’s round of 16 at 125. The No. 9 Husker met No. 8 Sheldon Seymour (LEH), and had a scoreless first period. Seymour struck in the second, and took a 7-2 lead late into the third period to claim a 7-3 win. At 133, No. 17 Van Dee faced No. 32 Hunter Leake (CBU) in wrestlebacks. The sophomore racked up points quickly, opening the first period with back points. Van Dee finished strong and notched a 13-2 major decision.

Top-seed Hardy (141) took on No. 16 Wyatt Henson (LH) in round two, and made a 19-3 statement to claim his spot in the quarterfinals. Hardy notched his 12th-consecutive win with the tech. fall in 6:17. No. 2 Lovett was on the mat next at 149. The Husker put up a dominant 6:09, which is all he needed for the shutout tech. fall over No. 15 Ty Whalen (PRIN).

At 165, No. 12 Minto faced No. 5 Julian Ramirez (COR). Minto came out firing, and led 7-1 to start the third period. The Husker closed the bout at 11-1 to claim a major decision over top-five Ramirez, and his spot in the quarterfinals. The win was also Minto’s 15th bonus-point victory of the season, and third over a top-10 opponent. In the 174 wrestleback bracket, No. 8 Pinto took on No. 9 Carson Kharchla (OHST). The Buckeye grabbed an early lead, but Pinto fought back to send the bout to SV-1 at 7-7. The junior struck a five-point sequence to claim the top-10 matchup, 11-7.

Another No. 12 and No. 5 round two feature, Allred met Bennett Berge (SDSU) at 184. The Husker had a 4-1 lead into the third period, but shot and scored for his second pin of the day. The fall was Allred’s second of the day, fourth of the post-season, and he secured his quarterfinal spot with the upset victory. No. 20 McDanel (197) closed out the session again for NU, facing No. 29 Tucker Hogan (LH). The freshman closed out his first NCAA tournament day with a 13-2 major decision, his 18th bonus-point win.

The Big Red notched two upset victories on day one, and 11 bonus-point wins. All nine Huskers return to tournament action, while five head to the quarterfinals.

141: No. 1 Brock Hardy vs No. 9 Jacob Frost (ISU)

149: No. 2 Ridge Lovett vs No. 7 Kannon Webster (ILL)

157: No. 3 Antrell Taylor vs No. 11 Matty Bianchi (UALR)

165: No. 12 Christopher Minto vs No. 4 Terrell Barraclough (UVU)

184: No. 12 Silas Allred vs No. 4 Dustin Plott (OKST)

The 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships continue Friday, March 21, with Session III to start at 11 a.m. (CT). The quarterfinals and consolations round will be broadcast on ESPNU. Action resumes at 7 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2 for Session IV, semifinals and consolation bouts.

Champ. Round 1 - Caleb Smith (Nebraska) 20-6 won in sudden victory - 1 over Nick Babin (Pittsburgh) 13-11 (SV-1 3-0)

Champ. Round 2 - Sheldon Seymour (Lehigh) 21-3 won by decision over Caleb Smith (Nebraska) 20-6 (Dec 7-3)

Champ. Round 1 - Ryan Miller (Pennsylvania) 23-7 won by decision over Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 15-10 (Dec 8-4)

Cons. Round 1 - Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) 15-10 won by major decision over Hunter Leake (California Baptist) 7-10 (MD 13-2)

Champ. Round 1 - Brock Hardy (Nebraska) 25-3 won by major decision over Nash Singleton (Oregon State) 13-10 (MD 12-3)

Champ. Round 2 - Brock Hardy (Nebraska) 25-3 won by tech fall over Wyatt Henson (Lock Haven) 27-5 (TF-1.5 6:17 (19-3))

Champ. Round 1 - Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) 22-2 won by decision over Sam Cartella (Northwestern) 16-12 (Dec 10-8)

Champ. Round 2 - Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) 22-2 won by tech fall over Ty Whalen (Princeton) 21-4 (TF-1.5 6:09 (15-0))

Champ. Round 1 - Antrell Taylor (Nebraska) 24-4 won by tech fall over James Conway (Missouri) 18-17 (TF-1.5 5:55 (19-4))

Champ. Round 2 - Antrell Taylor (Nebraska) 24-4 won by fall over Jude Swisher (Pennsylvania) 24-8 (Fall 2:16)

Champ. Round 1 - Christopher Minto (Nebraska) 21-5 won by major decision over Joseph Bianchi (Little Rock) 13-6 (MD 13-1)

Champ. Round 2 - Christopher Minto (Nebraska) 21-5 won by major decision over Julian Ramirez (Cornell) 21-2 (MD 11-1)

Champ. Round 1 - Dalton Harkins (Army West Point) 20-10 won by decision over Lenny Pinto (Nebraska) 23-6 (Dec 6-1)

Cons. Round 1 - Lenny Pinto (Nebraska) 23-6 won in sudden victory - 1 over Carson Kharchla (Ohio State) 14-5 (SV-1 12-7)

Champ. Round 1 - Silas Allred (Nebraska) 21-6 won by fall over Malachi DuVall (George Mason) 19-6 (Fall 6:38)

Champ. Round 2 - Silas Allred (Nebraska) 21-6 won by fall over Bennett Berge (South Dakota State) 27-6 (Fall 6:42)

Champ. Round 1 - Trey Munoz (Oregon State) 10-4 won by decision over Camden McDanel (Nebraska) 21-12 (Dec 4-2)

Huskers second after day one, send five to Quarters

Nebraska rifle athletes Emma Rhode and Maddy Moyer earned All-American honors from the College Rifle Coaches Association (CRCA) on Thursday.&nbsp;

Rhode was named a first-team all-American in aggregate and in smallbore, while earning honorable-mention honors in the air rifle.&nbsp;

Moyer, who competed in the NCAA Championships and took 37th place in the smallbore, earned honorable-mention accolades in smallbore.&nbsp;

“It’s a great honor to be named an All-American athlete, and it’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication given by both Emma and Maddy this season,” Head Coach Richard Clark said. “I could not be more proud of the way these girls worked and represented Nebraska on the firing line throughout the season, capping it off with NCAA appearances for both. I am extremely excited to watch these two push the ceiling higher for our program with their continued efforts next season!”&nbsp;

Moyer posted an average of 584.07 in the smallbore, the second-highest mark on the team. She grabbed four second place and two third-place finishes throughout the season. She shot a season high of 591 against UTEP on Nov. 10.&nbsp;

Rhode’s junior season featured nine first-place finishes in both smallbore and aggregate, while adding three first-place finishes in the air rifle.

Rhode averaged 591 in the smallbore, 595.08 air rifle and 1,186.08 in the aggregate. Her averages led the team in all three disciplines. Her aggregate score of 1,193 at the Withrow Invitational and at Army broke the school record, previously held by Cecelia Ossi, who shot a score of 1,191 during the 2022-23 season.

Moyer, Rhode earn All-American Honors

Joplin, Mo. – A long first quarter run helped Illinois Central earn the 82-67 win over North Platte in the consolation bracket of the NJCAA DII Women’s National Championship on Wednesday.

Jada Thompson&nbsp;led the Knights with 22 points and five rebounds, while Nariah Golden chipped in 13 points. EmmaJo Locks rounded out the Knights double-digit scorers with 12 points and six assists.

"We battled against a very good Illinois Central team," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "We just didn’t make enough plays on both ends to win."

A 12-2 run midway through the first quarter helped the Cougars build a 17-6 lead. A Madison Cheleen three halted the rally, but the Knights faced a ten-point deficit at the quarter break.

Illinois Central continued to extend their lead as a jumper from Madison Jobe pushed their lead to 46-23 with 3:01 remaining. Nariah Golden found a crease in the Cougars defense to trigger a 7-0 run over the closing minutes to cut the margin to 46-30 at the halftime break.

Illinois Central outscored the Knights 11-5 in the opening five minutes to stretch their lead to 57-35 on a three by Kamryn Heider. Knights chipped away at the deficit with a 6-0 burst, before the Cougars stretched their lead to 67-47 headed into the final ten minutes.

A 15-4 run to open the fourth quarter helped North Platte close the gap to nine points on a layup by Nariah Golden with 4:31 to play. The Cougars limited the Knights to just one more field goal down the stretch, while connecting on 5-of-6 free throws to close out the game.

“To say I am proud would be an understatement,” Thurman said. “What this group of student-athletes accomplished this year is phenomenal.”

Knights finish the 2024-25 campaign with a 21-14 overall record and a perfect 4-0 record against Region IX opponents.

Knights season ends with loss to Illinois Central

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Rudy Sautron posted his fourth individual top-10 finish of the season, tying for eighth with a 139 (-1) at The Johnnie-O at Sea Island in St. Simons Island, Ga., on Tuesday.

Sautron, a sophomore from Reunion Island, France, closed the weather-shortened 36-hole tournament with a final-round 69 (-1) on the 6,933-yard layout of the Sea Island Resort on Tuesday, including an eagle on the par-five 583-yard seventh hole. High winds were strong enough to halt play on Monday, but Sautron still managed an even-par 70 in a single round.

Brody Cunningham added a top-15 finish of his own with a two-round total of 141 (+1), including an even-par 70 on Monday, before adding a 71 (+1) on Tuesday. The true freshman from Glasgow, Scotland tied for 13th in an 80-player field.

As a team, Nebraska tied for fifth with Kansas at 564 (+4), just five strokes behind the tournament champions from Cincinnati, which finished at 559 (-1). Marquette and Florida Gulf Coast tied for second at even-par 560, while UNC Greensboro took fourth at 562 (+2).

The Huskers finished ahead of Big Ten foes Michigan State (566), Rutgers (572) and Penn State (580) in the 13-team tournament field.

Gunnar Broin from Kansas captured medalist honors with a 132 (-8) that included a final-round 64 (-6). Broin finished one shot ahead of Noah Kumar from Rutgers at 133 (-7). Marquette's Max Lyons took third at 134 (-6).

Evan McDermott put together Nebraska's No. 3 individual finish by tying for 31st at 143 (+3), including an even-par 70 on Tuesday. The redshirt sophomore from Spring Lake, Michigan opened with a 73 (+3).

Hamish Murray and Reed Malleck completed Nebraska's five-player lineup in a tie for 38th at 144 (+4). Malleck, a graduate student from York, Neb., opened with an even-par 70, before closing the tournament with a 74 (+4) Tuesday. Murray, a senior from Sydney, Australia, produced a 71 (+1) Tuesday after opening with a 73 (+3).

Grant Jabenis rounded out the Husker contingent at The Johnnie-O in a tie for 68th at 151 (+11), including a final-round 73 (+3) while playing as an individual outside Nebraska's lineup. The senior from Omaha opened the tournament with a 78 (+8).

The Huskers return to action next week at the Bell Bank "Pay It Forward" Collegiate at Wigwam Resort in Litchfield, Ariz., March 24-25.The Johnnie-O at Sea IslandHosted by RutgersMarch 17-18, 2025St. Simons Island, GeorgiaSea Island Resort (Par 70, 6,933 Yards)Final Team Results1. Cincinnati - 288-271=559 (-1)T2. Marquette - 280-280=560 (E)T2. Florida Gulf Coast - 284-276=560 (E)4. UNC Greensboro - 285-277=562 (+2)T5. Nebraska - 283-281=564 (+4)T5. Kansas - 287-277=564 (+4)7. Michigan State - 287-279=566 (+6)8. Georgia Southern - 288-281=569 (+9)9. Princeton - 288-282=570 (+10)10. Rutgers - 294-278=572 (+12)11. West Virginia - 295-281=576 (+16)12. Memphis - 292-285=577 (+17)13. Penn State - 299-281=580 (+20)

Final Individual Results1. Gunnar Broin, Kansas - 68-64=132 (-8)2. Noah Kumar, Rutgers - 68-65=133 (-7)3. Max Lyons, Marquette - 65-69=134 (-6)T4. Alex Creamean, Penn State - 70-67=137 (-3)T4. Nolan Harper, Florida Gulf Coast - 72-65=137 (-3)T6. Connor McNeely, Cincinnati - 70-68=138 (-2)T6. Caleb Bond, Michigan State - 72-66=138 (-2)T8. Rudy Sautron, Nebraska - 70-69=139 (-1)T8. Kaleb Wilson, West Virginia - 70-69=139 (-1)T10. Riccardo Fantinelli, Princeton - 71-69=140 (E)T10. Jack Marcotte, UNCG - 72-68=140 (E)T10. Jake Lewis, UNCG - 72-68=140 (E)

Nebraska IndividualsT8. Rudy Sautron - 70-69=139 (-1)T13. Brodie Cunningham - 70-71=141 (+1)T31. Evan McDermott - 73-70=143 (+3)T38. Reed Malleck - 70-74=144 (+4)T38. Hamish Murray - 73-71=144 (+4)*T68. Grant Jabenis - 78-73=151 (+11)*competed as an individual outside Nebraska's lineup

Sautron leads Huskers to Top-Five finish at Johnnie-O

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

Joplin, Mo. – No. 4 Johnson County defeated North Platte in the second round of the NJCAA DII Women's National Championship on Tuesday, 53-42.

EmmaJo Locks led the Knights with 11 points, while Nariah Golden chipped in 10 points and three steals.

"We battled all game against a very good Johnson County team," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "The second quarter really hurt us both offensively and defensively."

Three players joined in the scoring frenzy while the Knights jumped out to a 6-3 lead. Tamia Smith connected on the first Cavalier three to tie the game at 6-6 with 3:29 to play.

Johnson County stretched a 7-3 run into the second quarter, before a Dezirae Gonzales baseline jumper cut the deficit to 13-11. The Cavaliers showcased their offensive ability using a 16-2 run over the final seven minutes to take a 29-13 lead into the halftime break.

Knights continued to fight as a 12-2 rally capped off by a Nariah Golden three cut the deficit to 35-27 with 3:18 to play in the third. Kara Stricklin answered with back-to-back threes to stretch the Cavalier lead back into double digits, where it would stay for the remainder of the second half.

“We will regroup tonight and focus on what we have to do tomorrow against a very good Illinois Central team," Thurman said.

North Platte (21-13) will continue play in the consolation bracket on Wednesday against the Cougars of Illinois Central. Tip is scheduled for 1 p.m. with local broadcast coverage on FM 98.1/AM 1410 in North Platte. A stream of the game is also available on the NJCAA Network.

Knights fall in second round to #4 Johnson County

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Sophomore&nbsp;Daniella Morillas(pronounced Dan-kneel-uh&nbsp; Mor-ill-us)&nbsp;tossed a two-hit complete game shutout in game one and Nebraska Kearney scored runs in four consecutive innings in game two to take a double header from Mary,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/softball/stats/2025/mary/boxscore/8285">8-0</a>&nbsp;(6 innings) and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/softball/stats/2025/mary/boxscore/8284">7-4,</a>&nbsp;Monday at Dryden Park.

These games capped "13 games in nine days" for the Lopers (15-14). They get two days’ rest before visiting Metro State (21-7) Thursday in Denver.

To start the day, Morillas (Newcastle, Calif.) gave up a single, double and walked three as UM (7-18) stranded five. She fanned four in throwing 92 pitches and improves to 3-4. At the plate, UNK finished with eight hits and drew five walks. The Lopers scored in all six innings with senior second baseman&nbsp;Rylyn Nelson&nbsp;(Sterling, Colo.) and sophomore DP&nbsp;Gianna Galli&nbsp;(Stockon, Calif.) each knocking in two with junior shortstop&nbsp;Mary Chvatal&nbsp;(Wahoo) going 2 for 2 with two runs and two walks.

In the night cap, the Marauders bounced back as they scored four-runs with two down in the top of the second. Nine-hole hitter and catcher Katelyn Falk (2 for 3, one run) delivered a two-run single as center fielder Emma Kimberling.

However, UNK struck for three in the third, one in the fourth, two in the fifth and another in the sixth to rally. Starter&nbsp;Madeline Janssen&nbsp;(Earlham, Ia.) struck out five over three innings of work with freshman lefty&nbsp;Jerzie Schindler&nbsp;(Central City) blanking UM for four straight innings to earn her sixth victory. Galli (1 for 1, two RBI's), Chvatal (3 for 4, one run), and Arizona junior left fielder&nbsp;Alivia De La Cruz&nbsp;(2 for 3, one run) paced the offense.

Weather permitting, the games Thursday in Denver start at 2 and 4 p.m. Central.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UNK Softball: Lopers Sweep UM

Joplin, Mo. – A 21-point third quarter carried the Knights to a 69-62 win over #13 seeded Schoolcraft College to open the NJCAA DII Women’s National Championship on Monday.

Jada Thompson&nbsp;tallied a career high 28 points and nine rebounds to lead the Knights. Neveah Golden scored 13 points, while Madison Cheleen chipped in 12 points off the bench.

"To be able to make history with this group, I am honored to be a part of this program," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "We can enjoy this accomplishment, but we still have work to do to prepare for a really good Johnson County team tomorrow."

Sharon Smith tallied six of the Ocelots first eight points to double up the Knights with 5:54 remaining in the first quarter. A quick burst tied the game up at 8-8, before three straight points gave the Knights the lead inside the final three minutes.

Sienna McNitt connected on a pair of free throws to halt the momentum, but a 7-2 rally over the next minute pushed the North Platte advantage to 17-12. Schoolcraft shook off the pressure and cut the margin to three at the end of the first quarter.

Despite the Ocelots cutting the margin to one three times in the opening 2:50, the Knights continued to respond on the offensive end. A short 5-0 run, capped off by four straight points from Nevaeh Golden built a 30-24 lead with 3:21 remaining. Schoolcraft closed out the half with four straight points from Mia Wright to narrow the margin to 30-28 at the halftime break.&nbsp;

Out of the break, the Ocelots knotted the game up on a runner by Garyana Overton. A Thompson three gave the Knights back the lead with 8:21 left in the third quarter. The margin stayed tight until a North Platte 9-1 run put the black and gold up 42-33. Knights continued to stretch their lead into the late stages of the quarter, as they built a 51-38 lead headed into the final ten minutes.

A Dezirae Gonzales layup gave the Knights their largest lead of the game, but Schoolcraft would not hang out in the double-digit deficit for long. A 7-1 run cut the margin to six on a layup from Nevaeh Cable with 5:02 remaining. North Platte was able to outlast the Ocelots down the stretch to earn their first win in the national tournament in school history.

North Platte (21-12) advances to the second round of the tournament to play Johnson County Community College on Tuesday. Tip against the Cavaliers is set for 9 a.m. with local broadcast coverage on FM 98.1/AM 1410 in North Platte. A stream of the game is also available on the NJCAA Network.

Knights upset #13 seeded Schoolcraft in first round

North Platte, Neb. – The Knights softball team earned their first two wins of the season by defeating the Lumberjacks of Dakota State at Bottineau in a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. In the win, Mark Franzen earns his first two wins of his collegiate coaching career.

Knights exploded for five runs in the first and second innings, before holding off the Lumberjacks in the fourth inning to claim their first win of the season.

Sheena Smith earned the start in the circle where she pitched four innings, allowing six runs on four hits. Sarah Perez came on in relief and allowed only two hits and struck out three batters in three innings of work.

Dakota State tacked on the first run in the top of the first inning, before the Knights loaded the bases with two walks and a single by Victoria Arellano. A Perez sacrifice plated the first run of the inning as the Knights went on to add four more runs in the frame.

The Lumberjacks retired the first two batters for North Platte in the second inning, before a single by Arellano helped trigger the Knights offense. Heaven Hutchison continued the hit parade and was followed by RBI singles from Perez, Samantha Seger, and Smith. North Platte tallied their final run of the inning on a walk to take a 10-1 lead.

Trailing by nine runs, Dakota State recorded five runs in the fourth inning and looked poised to cut into the deficit with the bases loaded and no outs in the fifth. Perez went to work in the circle and kept the Lumberjacks off the scoreboard, as the Knights put the finishing touches on their win.

North Platte continued their dominance in the second game as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Dakota State cut into the deficit with two runs in the top of the second inning.

A sacrifice bunt by Alieze Moreno plated Callie Klemenz in the bottom half of the frame to double up the Lumberjacks. Dakota State knotted the game up with a run in the fourth and fifth innings before the Knights blasted four runs in the fifth and sixth innings.

Moreno took the first pitch of the fifth inning and sent it over the center field fence to break the deadlock. North Platte put two runners on the basepaths, before a sacrifice bunt and error by the Lumberjacks third baseman plated two more runs. Back-to-back singles by Wren Herrick and Byanka Tyan plated the final run to make the score 8-4.

North Platte held off the Lumberjacks in the top of the sixth and continued to add four more runs in the bottom half of the frame to lock up the 12-4 win.

Perez earned the start in the circle allowing two runs on one hit, before Moreno came on in relief allowing two runs on four hits and two strikeouts.

North Platte (2-10) returns home next Saturday to take on the Trojans of Colby Community College. First pitch is set for noon at the Dowhower Softball Complex.

Knights take two from Lumberjacks over the weekend

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The top-ranked Nebraska Kearney wrestling team scored 115.0 points to win the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/predefinedtournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=855049132">2025 NCAA Division II National Championship</a>&nbsp;Saturday night in Indianapolis.

The Lopers qualified all 10 starters for the two-day meet with eight ending up as All-Americans (top eight finish). UNK basically wrapped up the team trophy with a strong second session showing Friday night and then greatly padded its point total throughout Saturday's third session.

UNK previously placed first in 2008 (108.50 points), 2012 (107.0), 2013 (108.0) and 2022 (127.0) with this being the program's 23rd consecutive top eight finish. The 52-point margin of victory is the sixth best in the meet's 53-year history with Augustana (63.0) second and St. Cloud State third (57.50).

Sixth-year team member&nbsp;Nick James&nbsp;(149 lbs.), redshirt senior&nbsp;Jacobi Deal&nbsp;(174 lbs.) and redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Zach Ourada&nbsp;(125 lbs.) each reached the finals and finished as National Runners Up. They are the 23rd, 24th and 25th Lopers to finish second at a D2 national meet with James now a two-time runner up.&nbsp;

Ourada (Omaha Skutt) took on top-seed and fellow Omaha native Jakason Burks of Central Missouri in his finals match. Unfortunately, Burks recorded a takedown 12 seconds in and prevailed, 5-2. The story was the same at 174-pounds where Maryville's Cole Ritter moved ahead 3-0 by the 1:58 mark of the opening period. Deal (Durham, N.C.) had several nice attacks throughout but Ritter fought off each one to win, 5-1. 

Finally, James (Kearney H.S.) was seemingly poised to go into overtime against Cael Larson of Augustana. However, Larson managed a takedown and four-near fall points in the final 10 seconds to come out on top, 8-1.&nbsp;

UNK Wrestling: #1 Lopers Score 115 Points to Easily Win 5th National Title

Acting United States Attorney Matt Molsen announced that Jolene Armentrout, 50, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced March 20, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.&nbsp; United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Armentrout to 94 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Armentrout is released from prison, she will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.

On January 30, 2024, Armentrout and co-conspirator Lonnie Mason flew from Omaha to Los Angeles, California, and purchased 25 pounds of methamphetamine. Meanwhile, co-conspirator Robert Burkhardt drove Mason’s car from Omaha to Las Vegas, Nevada, with co-conspirator Stephanie Cummings. Burkhardt and Cummings met Armentrout and Mason in Las Vegas.

Mason and Cummings then flew back to Nebraska while Armentrout and Burkhardt drove to California from Las Vegas and picked up the 25 pounds of methamphetamine purchased by Armentrout and Mason. Armentrout and Burkhardt then drove the 25 pounds of methamphetamine back to Nebraska and arrived on February 4, 2024. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and located the 25 pounds of methamphetamine contained in a hidden compartment.

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