Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Third-ranked Nebraska Kearney has placed seven players on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://themiaa.com/news/2024/11/20/womens-volleyball-2024-all-miaa-volleyball-teams-and-postseason-awards.aspx">2024 All-MIAA volleyball team</a>&nbsp;and won five special awards.

The league's 14 head coaches choose award winners, and they cannot vote for their own players. &nbsp;First, graduate&nbsp;Alli Wiese&nbsp;(Mattawan, Mich.) is the Co-Defensive Player of the Year and the Libero of the Year. Next, graduate&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;(North Platte) is the unanimous choice for Setter of the Year with sophomore middle&nbsp;Mia Berg&nbsp;(Eureka, Mo.) the Hitter of the Year. Finally,&nbsp;Rick Squiers&nbsp;is named MIAA Coach of the Year for the fourth time.&nbsp;

Wiese and Neff were two of the six unanimous first-team selections with Berg and senior outside&nbsp;Asha Regier&nbsp;(Newton, Kan.) also on the top squad. Junior outside&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;(Hays, Kan.) made the second team with graduate right side&nbsp;Lauren Taubenheim&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius) and junior middle&nbsp;Abby Rose&nbsp;(Lindsborg, Kan.) named honorable mention.

Taubenheim joins libero Ellie McDonnell and middles Anna Squiers and Tara Ziegelbein as the only Lopers to be a 4-time All-MIAA pick. Neff could join that group next fall with Regier and Berg now two-time honorees.

A two-time All-American at Hilldale (Mich.) College, Wiese has shined brightly in her lone year in Kearney. A four-time MIAA Defensive Player of the Week winner, she is averaging 5.67 digs per set while also having 78 assists and 31 service aces. One of three Lopers that has appeared in all 97 sets, Wiese has a team-best high 644 serve receive attempts (.970 pct.) and is closing in on 3,000 career digs.

​Next, Neff runs an offense that is averaging 14.8 kills per set and hitting .260. UNK is among the Division II leaders in several offensive categories with five players having registered at least 150 kills. Neff enters the MIAA Tournament averaging 12.5 assists, 2.7 digs, 0.6 blocks, and 0.6 kills per set with 15 service aces. She also is closing in on 4,000 career assists and 1,000 career digs.

In the middle, Berg leads the Lopers in points (346.0) and points per set (3.89) while ranking second in kills (282), kills per set (3.17) and attack percentage (.326). She has had 16 matches with a double digit kill total and leads UNK in blocks (1.12 per set) as well.

Squiers is now 786-109 (.878 win pct.) in his Loper tenure which began in 1999. In addition to his four MIAA COY awards, he was an 8-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) COY.&nbsp;He previously won the MIAA award in 2019, 2016 and 2012.

Among the other all-league selections, Regier is UNK's leading attacker with 292 kills and a 3.28 set average. Hitting .254, she's had 17 matches with a double digit kill total including the last seven and provides 0.7 digs and 0.4 blocks pet set as well. Next, Rose leads the Lopers in attack percentage (.332) while supplying 2.1 kills and 0.6 blocks per set with Lane third on the team in kills per set (2.8) as she's had a double digit kill total 12 times. Finally, Taubenheim is one of UNK's top passers, posting a .984 serve receive percentage. She also is at 2.7 digs, 1.3 kills and 0.5 blocks per set with 18 service aces and 19 assists.

The Lopers (28-1) face Fort Hays State Thursday at 5 p.m. in the first round of the MIAA Tourney in St. Joseph.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte native Peyton Neff tabbed as the 2024 MIAA Setter of the Year for Volleyball

North Platte, Neb. - The North Platte city council held a regular meeting on November 19th and different agendas were discussed amongst the council. Topics included adopt the resolution offering the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center for an opportunity to borrow funds to repay USDA loan, first ordinance readings on No. 4187 and No. 4188 and more.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Post News Director 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 November 19th North Platte City Council meeting check out the podcast below or check out the video below the podcast.&nbsp;

(Audio) North Platte City Council Meeting, November 19th recap

North Platte, Ne - The Prairie Arts Center in North Platte is gearing up for the Carousel Tour of Homes this Saturday in conjunction with the North Platte Community Playhouse. The tour will feature the homes of Jane &amp; Daren Wilkinson, Rachelle &amp; Mitch Huebner, Ashlee &amp; Josh Beckmann, Jennifer &amp; Adolfo Prieto, the Golden Spike Tower and the Prairie Arts Center. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Prairie Friends and Flowers, Westfield Floral, The Flower Market, The Quilt Rack, North Platte Community Playhouse, the PAC and at the Golden Spike Tower. The tour itself will take about 5 hours.&nbsp;

Holly Carlini, the Executive Director of the Prairie Arts Center spoke with Eagle Media about the tour, and how the PAC has all four floors decorated. She also spoke about the annual Festival of Trees on December 7th where there will be a brunch with Santa, a Christmas Market, and more. Listen to our North Platte Kubota Podcast.

Prairie Arts Center gears up for Carousel Tour of Homes & Festival of Trees (PODCAST)

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 teams first three game losing streak of the season and, get you prepared for another home game on Friday.

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #2 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

North Platte, Ne - The Eleventh annual Guardians of the Children (Flatrock Chapter) toy drive is under way in North Platte. GOC's "Tuna" spoke with Eagle Media about this years drive. He said when he moved back to North Platte years ago, the Guardians had delivered gifts to his children at the time; he made a commitment at the time to get involved with the GOC and years later he's helping promote this annual event that is looking for donations, now through December 7.

The Guardians gift these toys to family's of children the GOC is helping, any gifts left over are shared with Santa Cop, the Salvation Army and Bridge of Hope.&nbsp; (LISTEN TO FULL COVERSATION with TUNA &amp; Derek Beck, sponsored by North Platte Kubota)

They have over 30 drop off boxes at some of our generous local businesses listed on the flyer. If you want to help make a child smile this Christmas, drop a new, unwrapped toy in one of the drop off boxes at the locations listed on the flyer. You can also send monetary donations to Guardians of the Children, PO Box 1633, North Platte, NE 69103. As always, thank you for supporting our mission.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=967745295394687&amp;set=pb.100064776756757.-2207520000" target="_blank">FLYER</a>

Guardians of The Children Toy Drive underway (PODCAST)

As we near the end of the year, MPCC is still offering many courses for everyone to enjoy at the college. Even Holiday courses are starting to pop up as the holiday season is quickly approaching. POST Derek Beck chatted with Jeff Smeltzer from the college about all the upcoming courses. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) MPCC: Sign up for the many fun courses at the college!

North Platte, Ne - Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren stopped by the Eagle Media studios Friday. Warren was in North Platte all week, she spoke at two North Platte Elementary Schools earlier in the week in collaboration with the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. Thursday evening Warren picked up the dress she's wearing in the Miss America Pageant from Hirshfeld's.&nbsp;

Saturday she is in Alliance for the Miss Alliance and Miss Panhandle's Teen contest. Raechel Warren will be back in North Platte on Saturday, December 7 at Venvue 304 for her send-off party before the Miss America Pageant. The Public is invited to that event.

Enjoy the full conversation with Derek Beck sponsored by North Platte Kubota.

Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren spends day in North Platte, in Alliance Saturday (PODCAST)

The North Platte Community College and the North Platte Community Playhouse is excited to present "Little Shop of Horror" which kicks off tonight at the Historic Fox Theatre in Downtown North Platte. Showtime for tonight and tomorrow are 7:30pm and Sunday is at 2:00pm. If you can't make it this week, more showtimes will be available Nov. 22nd-24th.

POST news director chatted with Caleb Allen and Anja Tejral both members of the play. To learn more, check out the podcast below or c<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/d32d9cf6-5f36-4562-8364-675225a76b09">lick here.</a>

***Interview originally aired on 11/14/24.

(Audio ) Little Shop of Horror premieres tonight! 

The Salvation Army in North Platte is gearing up for the 2024 Holiday Season with the ringing of the bells beginning on Monday. If you would like to sign up to ring, click here. Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Camon Landry from the Salvation Army about the upcoming holiday season. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Salvation Army gearing up for the 2024 Holiday season

North Platte, Neb. - Registrations are now open until November 17th for the upcoming 3rd-6th grade Kwik Stop Youth Basketball League in North Platte. Those who are interested in signing up can sign as an individual or as a team. Many area teams have already signed up. The league starts on December 7th. You can register at the Rec Center or at Sports Shoppe.&nbsp;

Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Travis Klein about the upcoming league. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Registrations open for the 3rd-6th grade Kwik Stop Youth Basketball League

Gothenburg, Neb. - Gothenburg Health is excited to announce a new podcast called "Gothenburg Health's Health &amp; Wellness Podcast" to educated listeners about hospital in Gothenburg and also anyone who lives in a body and want to learn about health. Gothenburg Health has released the second episode of season 1 of their new podcast. Hosting the podcast is Andrew Knust, CFO and Dr. Brady Beecham, CMO.&nbsp;

Join Knust and Dr. Beecham for this second episode is Kayla Knauss, a Family Practice Physician and on this episode the trio talks about a wide range of health topics that affect women of all ages. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

PODCAST/VIDEO: Gothenburg Health's Health & Wellness Podcast Episode #2:

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/19/nebraska-sues-four-major-semitruck-manufacturers-nationwide-for-antitrust-violations/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska is seeking to “tear up” a national legal contract among four major manufacturers of semitrucks that seeks to increase electric vehicles and comply with California emissions rules.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=59-801" target="_blank">state-level</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=59-1603" target="_blank">antitrust</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/semitruck-manufacturers-CTP-antitrust-lawsuit.pdf">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;Tuesday against Daimler Truck North America, International Motors Inc. (formerly Navistar Inc.), PACCAR Inc., and Volvo Group North America, as well as the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association. The lawsuit was filed in Lincoln County District Court, in North Platte, which Hilgers described as “the epicenter for transportation” in Nebraska.

The Energy Markets of America and Renewable Fuels Nebraska joined Hilgers in the challenge.

“This isn’t about cars,” Kent Grisham, president and CEO of the Nebraska Trucking Association, said Tuesday. “This is about a political agenda. This is about a movement that has developed a following and has backed companies into a corner that we simply cannot allow to be sustained.”

Ford Motor Company and Cummins Inc. also joined the July 2023 “<a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2024-10/Final%20Clean%20Truck%20Partnership%20Agreement_CARB%2C%20EMA%2C%20and%20Ford%202023_07_05.pdf" target="_blank">Clean Truck Partnership</a>,” which Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board, described as an “unprecedented collaboration” that “marks a new era in our zero-emission future.”

“This agreement makes it clear that we have shared goals to tackle pollution and climate change and to ensure the success of the truck owners and operators who provide critical services to California’s economy,” Randolph said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/carb-and-truck-and-engine-manufacturers-announce-unprecedented-partnership-meet-clean-air" target="_blank">July 6, 2023, statement</a>.

Jed Mandel, president of the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, said at the time that the partnership reaffirmed a longstanding commitment to reduce emissions and move to a “<a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/california-standards#/tab-zev" target="_blank">zero-emissions commercial vehicle future</a>,” with necessary lead time for manufacturers.

The challenged manufacturers are all organized in Delaware, with their principal places of business in Portland, Oregon; Lisle, Illinois; Bellevue, Washington; and Greensboro, North Carolina. The trade association, which negotiated the agreement, is based in Chicago.

Hilgers argued the partnership is unlawful because the four semitruck manufacturers have an “oligopoly” on manufacturing Class 8 trucks (defined as trucks over 33,001 pounds), including:

Together, the four manufacturers produce 99.9% of the market share for Class 8 trucks, so a move to electric vehicles could increase the cost of internal combustion engine vehicles, the lawsuit argues.

The partnership spurred from regulations under the California Air Resources Board, which Hilgers also&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/13/multistate-nebraska-led-lawsuits-target-california-and-epa-emission-regulations/">sued in federal court</a>&nbsp;in May. At that time, Hilgers also sued the Environmental Protection Agency under President Joe Biden for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-other-attorneys-general-challenge-california-regulation-on-big-trucks/">electric vehicle mandates and regulations</a>.

“Unfortunately, it’s not just states and it’s not just the Biden administration,” Hilgers said Tuesday. “It is also companies, like these four defendants, who are working together to try to dictate national policies for Nebraskans and Americans.”

The newest lawsuit alleges that the manufacturing partnership would be harmful to Nebraska, as&nbsp;<a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/california-standards#/tab-act" target="_blank">10 states other than California</a>&nbsp;have adopted an “Advanced Clean Trucks” rule to reduce emissions and increase electric vehicles. The manufacturers agreed to comply with the standards in those states and any that will adopt the standards, regardless of legal challenges.

As part of the California standards, the manufacturers agreed in summer 2023 to reduce heavy-duty vehicle emissions and sell as many zero-emission trucks “as reasonably possible,” annually increasing sales as a percentage of overall medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

“The foregoing requirements make it likely that Defendants will treat Nebraska as a state that ‘will adopt’ or ‘may choose to’ adopt the [Advanced Clean Trucks] rule,” Hilgers’ office wrote.

The lawsuit points to two examples important to Nebraska: the livestock and grain industries.

As Nebraska is the nation’s top beef exporter, and second in the nation for number of cattle, at 6.25 million head, it would be dangerous to utilize electric trucks, according to the lawsuit. That’s in part because the state doesn’t have a charging infrastructure, and charging takes more time than refueling.

Many cattle are transported from the Nebraska Sandhills or South Dakota to feedlots in southeast Nebraska, well over 500 miles.

“Cattle feeders could never utilize Class 8 ZEV [zero-emission vehicle] trucks to transport these animals, as the livestock would be stranded at a station in excessive heat or freezing temperatures waiting for the truck to charge its batteries, leading to untold death and injury,” the lawsuit states.

Grain producers also already work 12-16 hours per day using Class 8 internal combustion engine vehicles to haul products to market. Should they need to charge their trucks, twice per day at 3-5 hours each, that would be impractical or lead to increased costs for current trucks.

Grisham said that charging a single Class 8 truck requires the same amount of electricity as what the Empire State Building uses in an entire day. Hilgers added that could be more than a small Nebraska community.

Grisham said the “tsunami effect” will mean Nebraska truckers have “no choice” but to accept the status quo if the brakes aren’t put on the mandates.

No charging stations for Class 8 trucks currently exist in Nebraska, Grisham said, and he’s unaware of any electric Class 8 truck moving through Nebraska, particularly as there are no charging stations along Interstate 80 or other major corridors.&nbsp;

“We’re still at ground zero,” Grisham said.

Grisham estimated it would cost $624 billion to install charging stations nationwide and about $370 billion to improve the national distribution of electrical power. It would cost about $9 billion to improve Nebraska’s distribution network.

Those figures don’t include billions more in operational costs, the costs of the trucks or changes to labor, such as more frequent stops for recharging, Grisham said, and there remain major concerns over whether the nation can produce enough power for the new demand.

He added that the Nebraska Trucking Association isn’t against battery-powered vehicles, which can help reduce emissions, Grisham said, but so can technological advancements leading to fewer emissions for new fleets.

“We want an ‘everything’s on the table’ approach so that we can continue to make the great progress that we have in controlling emissions,” Grisham said.

Hilgers’ office is seeking the following action:

“At the end of the day, what we’re trying to do is tear up this agreement and allow the free market and the nation’s elected representatives to determine the pace and scope of any change in our national logistics policy,” Hilgers said.

Nebraska sues four major semitruck manufacturers nationwide for antitrust violations

Ogallala, Neb. - The Ogallala Police and Tri County Crimestoppers are seeking public assistance in a car vs pedestrian incident that occurred Sunday.&nbsp;

The Tri County Crimestoppers posted on face that on November 17th, around 5:00pm, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. The incident occurred at East A and 5th.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The vehicle left the scene&nbsp;travelling West on West 5th to approximately G or H St. when the vehicle turned North. The vehicle is identified as a possibly dark colored SUV.&nbsp;

Tri-County Crime stoppers will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000.00 for your anonymous information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this or any other crime.&nbsp;

&nbsp; If you have any information, contact&nbsp;(308) 284-4600, the Ogallala Police Department or submit a tip online by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=616&amp;CX=172459" target="_blank">clicking here.</a>&nbsp;

Ogallala Police/Tri County Crimestoppers seeking public assistance in a car vs pedestrian incident

NORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– Nebraska Extension Beef Educator, T.L. Meyer is celebrating 25&nbsp; years at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Through her 25 years at the university, Meyer has served in a variety of roles that each played a&nbsp; unique part in her career.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beginning at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, Meyer started her&nbsp; career at UNL as a communications associate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I was originally drawn to the role at West Central because I wanted to return to the Sandhills of&nbsp; Nebraska that I was familiar with growing up,” Meyer said.&nbsp;

She served in the communications role for four years before becoming a research technologist at&nbsp; the center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Transitioning to the research role brought Meyer many opportunities. She was able to return to&nbsp; the hands-on work with cattle that she enjoyed and finish working on her master’s degree in&nbsp; animal science from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Pursuing a master’s degree was one of the greatest perks that I could work on while being an&nbsp; employee at the university,” Meyer said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Continuously learning new things is one aspect of her career that Meyer enjoys the most. Yet,&nbsp; Meyer has still found unique ways to utilize her academic degrees in different ways.

Page 2: Nebraska Extension’s Sandhills Beef Educator has dream position in Nebraska&nbsp; Sandhills&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the start of her career, Meyer took advantage of her animal science and ag journalism degrees&nbsp; from Kansas State University while serving in the communications and research technician roles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In her role as a beef educator for Nebraska Extension in the Central Sandhills area, Meyer&nbsp; continues to utilize her knowledge of animal science and ag journalism to serve and act as a&nbsp; resource to ranchers in the Nebraska Sandhills.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While her two degrees in animal science help serve ranchers in Nebraska, her degree in ag&nbsp; journalism helps reach them through her unique approach to social media.&nbsp;

Meyer uses Facebook, Instagram, and X to reach her audience and continuously update them on&nbsp; changes in the industry and opportunities that could help them strengthen their operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While only serving in her most recent role for five years, Meyer hopes to continue impacting&nbsp; ranchers in the Nebraska Sandhills and beyond by providing them with valuable sources of&nbsp; information.&nbsp;

Accepting a communications role to return to the Nebraska Sandhills has now led Meyer to serve&nbsp; an industry she is passionate about in a place that feels like home.&nbsp;

“The Beef State is the best place you can be a beef educator,” Meyer said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To find T.L. Meyer on social media, search Central Sandhills Beef Educator on Facebook,&nbsp; Instagram, or X.&nbsp;

Nebraska Extension’s Sandhills Beef Educator has dream position in Nebraska Sandhills  

NORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– A free four-part virtual program to help adults over 40 organize their&nbsp; legal and financial documents will be held in 2025.&nbsp;

“Organize this: Legal and Financial Must-Haves” aims to help participants organize important&nbsp; documents and prepare them to ask another person to serve as their power of attorney or personal&nbsp; agent. There will be four virtual sessions via Zoom from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Central time on Jan. 14,&nbsp; April 8, July 8 and Oct. 14, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Registration is required by Dec. 31, 2024, to receive the Zoom link. Registration is available&nbsp; here, via South Dakota State University.&nbsp;

“We know that navigating this topic can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to understand,”&nbsp; said Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist. “That’s why we’re&nbsp; committed to creating a supportive learning environment where you can turn your plans into&nbsp; action.”&nbsp;

Over a 10-month period, participants will learn about legal situations and outcomes related to&nbsp; family caregiving and probate (e.g., incapacitation, dying without a will), duties and&nbsp; responsibilities of a personal agent and power of attorney, relevant documents and information,&nbsp; organization strategies, security issues and options for professional support.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our program is designed to give you the space and time you need to tackle your personal&nbsp; organization tasks at your own pace,” Brown said. “Whether you need to replace important&nbsp; documents like divorce decrees or Social Security cards, or maybe you want to review your&nbsp; credit report, we’re here to help you focus on what matters most to you.”&nbsp;

Participants will also have homework between each meeting to help them work through&nbsp; organizational tasks like replacing important documents. Through hands-on education,&nbsp; participants will be able to decide which organizational tasks are right for their specific situation.&nbsp;

Page 2: Virtual Series Planned on Organizing Legal and Financial Documents&nbsp;

“In our group sessions, you’ll have the chance to connect with others who are on similar&nbsp; journeys, all while benefiting from the expertise of our guest speakers,” Brown said. “Together,&nbsp; we’ll navigate your questions and challenges, ensuring you leave each session feeling more&nbsp; empowered and organized. Let’s take this journey together—you’re not alone in this.”&nbsp;

The program is a collaboration between South Dakota State University Extension, Nebraska&nbsp; Extension, and North Dakota State University Extension to offer the program, which is being&nbsp; developed with support of a grant provided by the American Association of Family and&nbsp; Consumer Sciences.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information, contact Shannon Sand, agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension,&nbsp; at ssand2@unl.edu.&nbsp;

Virtual Series Planned on Organizing Legal and Financial Documents 

The Hot Sheets: November 20th, 2024

November 19, 2024 (North Platte, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— During the evening hours of Friday, November 15, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol conducted alcohol compliance checks in Lincoln and Logan counties.

In total, 12 businesses were checked. One of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor for a non-compliance rate of 8%. All of the businesses checked the minor’s ID. The business that sold alcohol to a minor was:

Hub Bar – North Platte (sold to minor, checked ID)

The businesses included convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.

Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.

This project is funded 100% by the Region II Human Services SUPTBG ($427,899.00, 6B08TIO85820-01M002) through SAMHSA, contracted through the NDHHS, Division of Behavioral Health.&nbsp;

Alcohol Compliance Checks Held in Lincoln, Logan Counties

&nbsp;North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp; The North Platte Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a stolen vehicle that was taken from North Platte sometime between November 11th and November 12th.  The vehicle is a Maroon 1997 GMC Sierra K1500, which had Nebraska license plate, 15-835J, attached at the time of the theft.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of this vehicle, please contact the North Platte Police Department by calling 308-535-6789 or your local law enforcement agency. You may also submit your information with the Lincoln County Crime Stoppers by placing your tip online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FLincolncountycrimestoppers.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3e4WT4cvldfuOcYhO4aPzPMW-woiDM7-OtGzRXnKcrfrq0ZC1eaU6CzfI_aem_v6EhPdvWcUivZpF9k_L5rg&amp;h=AT10PPA0aOWMMbJA5fKJv-PEII4hHsxysdk_3WUyC6WQXaPL1i7HNQAHxmwwwZGRD-7F-5ekAtp9_NjbRnjFMkxopB-8yLLI-GDamAZTFCTtjJDaaESqKGe16CtMScBYOMQ0&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0Od-zjx2Qs20eBiWJEvga_cLIbVnVVzZpYwXxPg47-oMF7vc9GNEBFNhultJj0C5k3kx1zXzM06HLOyyPtB4THHypRO2Fo-_WZ-_WJ6DguXFnkdqBfXJ0eW4kPFf49UoiSNsSTuolCuQDjkhYy6_95GL_V36_rd9z2-LuQuinKC0iw2K1REKwyjuBvFhdQi8J4y6Qksc6t4g_9O92BXoGXhw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lincolncountycrimestoppers.com</a> or by calling 1-800-933-TIPS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte Police looking for stolen truck

Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game information during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public meetings this winter.

These 2½-hour meetings are scheduled in each Game and Parks district. All in-person meetings, begin at 6:30 p.m. local time.

The first 30 minutes will be an open house with time to talk with wildlife biologists, conservation officers and staff. Biologists will make a presentation at 7 p.m. and discuss big game harvest results and season structure. Then they will take questions on topics such as big game management, depredation, permits, antlerless harvest, trophy management and diseases.

Dec. 9 – Valentine, Niobrara Lodge, 803 E. Hwy. 20

Dec. 11 – O’Neill, Community Center, 501 S. 4th&nbsp;St.

Dec. 16 – Columbus, Central Community College, Science and Technology Building, Room 330, 4500 63rd&nbsp;St.

Dec. 18 – North Platte, North Platte Community College, North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive

Jan. 2 – Geneva, Public Library, 1043 G St.

Jan. 6 – Arapahoe, Ella Missing Center, 411 6th&nbsp;St.

Jan. 7 – Kimball, Fairgrounds 4-H Building, 415 S. High School St.

Jan. 8 – Kearney, Kearney Outdoor Education Complex, 10945 Poole Ave.

Jan. 13 – Superior, Country Club, 3628 Road E

Jan. 15 – Ashland, Public Library, 1324 Silver St.

People who cannot attend a meeting can watch an online big game informational session via Zoom. Two Zoom meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time Jan. 12 and Jan. 14. See the calendar event entries at&nbsp;<a href="https://calendar.outdoornebraska.gov/events/month/2025-01/">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for the registration links for each meeting.

Big game meetings scheduled across Nebraska

NORTH PLATTE, NE. - The Matt Rambo Lacrosse Experience will be held in North Platte November 23-24 and will feature coaches and instruction from around the country as well as the USA National Team and current Professional Lacrosse League star Matt Rambo. 

The weekend will also include tryouts for the nationally recognized Crabs Lacrosse Club. This weekend kicks off a new initiative in North Platte to make the area a central location when it comes to the sport.&nbsp;

“We are excited to embark on this new initiative in making North Platte a premier destination for the sport of the lacrosse, our central location is key for making this partnership work.” said Lisa Burke, Executive Director of Visit North Platte. “Sports tourism is important to our economy and making lacrosse a central theme will only elevate our commitment to our event partners. We are excited to welcome Matt, Tom and the entire lacrosse community to our city.”&nbsp;

The event will be held at Centennial Park on both Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, 24th. Players of all ages will receive instruction from some of the best minds in the sport of lacrosse, along with playing games to further increase the competition. PLL superstar Matt Rambo will also share his insights on the sport and

share with players ideas and advice on playing in college and even professionally. Players and teams can learn more about the weekend and sign up at floridapreplax.com.&nbsp;

“The City of North Platte and Visit North Platte have welcomed us with open arms and we are thrilled to begin this sports tourism initiative,” said Tom West, Florida Crabs Director and event organizer. “With the help of Aland and Airstream Ventures, Matt and I couldn’t be more excited to build this event but to also share in the coming weeks how North Platte is going to become central to the sport of lacrosse in the region. Simply put, there is some huge stuff on the horizon with the partnership between North Platte and the sport, professionally, collegiately and youth.”&nbsp;

The sport of lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States and Visit North Platte has seized a big opportunity. In the coming weeks, Rambo and West have said a few announcements are upcoming that will continue to further the area as a hub for the sport. Details will be upcoming, but in the words of West “the governing bodies of the sport have marked North Platte as a strategic destination for the sport.”&nbsp;

North Platte to Host Lacrosse Experience Featuring USA and PLL Superstar Matt Rambo 

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

North Platte, Neb. – Three members of the North Platte Community College volleyball team earned postseason recognition to conclude the 2024 season.

Sophomores Jaelyn Dicke, Aubrey Grant and EmiLee Walnofer etched their name on the Region IX postseason award list.

Dicke, an outside hitter from Waverly, appeared in 38 matches totaling 439 digs, 427 kills, 50 aces, 43 assists, 36 assisted blocks and eight solo blocks. At the conclusion of the 2024 campaign, Dicke led the league in kills per set and total kills, while finishing fifth in digs per set. During her two-year stint with the black and gold, Dicke posted 754 kills to move into tenth place all-time in career kills.

Aubrey Grant, a setter from Richfield, Utah, recorded 938 assists, 271 digs, 64 aces and 59 kills in her final season for the Knights. The sophomore finished the year second in the league in assists per set. She rounds out her two-year stint with 111 aces to move into tenth place all-time on the Knights career list.

EmiLee Walnofer, a defensive specialist from Atkinson, appeared in 38 matches compiling 505 digs, 86 assists, 44 aces and six kills. She finished second in total digs and third in digs per set in the region. Walnofer finishes her career with 971 digs and 70 aces in two seasons in North Platte.

Knights land three on Region IX postseason award list

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney has placed eight players on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://themiaa.com/news/2024/11/19/2024-all-miaa-football-teams-and-postseason-awards.aspx">2024 All-MIAA football team</a>&nbsp;led by unanimous first-team pick&nbsp;Quillan&nbsp;(pronounced key-lin)&nbsp;Felton.The league's 10 head coaches vote on the makeup of the squad and cannot vote for their own players.&nbsp;

Felton (Lithonia, Ga.) repeats as an All-MIAA pick and made the first team along the defensive line The d-end was one three unanimous 10 selections (three on defense and seven on offense). He led the MIAA in tackles for loss (17.5) and was tied for first in sacks (7.0) while also having six QB hurries, three pass breakups, 66 total tackles, a blocked kick and forced fumble. He ranked second on UNK in tackles despite playing most of the year with a protective wrap on his hand.

Making the second-team was senior safety&nbsp;Jamere Jones&nbsp;(Maryland) with running back&nbsp;Isaiah Harris&nbsp;(Millard South),&nbsp;offensive lineman&nbsp;Wyatt Marr&nbsp;(Lincoln Lutheran) and linebacker&nbsp;David Lilly&nbsp;(Wahoo Bishop Neumann) on the third-team. Finally, those named honorable mention were offensive lineman&nbsp;Carter Klein&nbsp;(Pleasanton), d-lineman&nbsp;Stephen Matina&nbsp;(Lansing, Kan.) and outside backer&nbsp;Anthony Hebert&nbsp;(Corona, Calif.). This is the first All-MIAA honor for all seven.

Jones led UNK in tackles (72) and PBU's (nine) while also having two interceptions and a forced fumble. He and Felton were part of one of the MIAA's top defenses as the Lopers allowed just 21.5 points and 363 yards per game while forcing 23 turnovers and registering 22 sacks. Finally, UNK held four teams under 15 points.In his first year in Kearney, Harris was one of the MIAA's top backs, running 825 yards and seven touchdowns. Averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 75.0 yards per game, Harris had five 100-yard games, caught 19 balls for 195 yards and had a team-best 1,020 all-purpose yards. Marr and Klein helped pave the way for Harris and were part of a line that had to do some shuffling throughout the fall due to injuries. Marr settled in a left guard with Klein at center and each played in all 11 games.&nbsp;

Back on defense, Lilly (62) and Hebert (48) were right behind Jones and Felton in tackles. Lilly had seven PBU's, a league-best three fumble recoveries, two picks, two blocked kicks and five tackles for loss in his final go-around as a Loper&nbsp;with Hebert averaging six tackles per game. His 8.5 TFL's ranked second behind Felton and he also managed four PBU's and one interception. Finally, Matina was the run stuffer in the middle of the line. Starting all 11 games, he was one big reason why the Lopers allowed just 92.6 rushing yards per game. The 6-5, 385-pounder totaled 17 tackles with a PBU.

UNK begins off-season conditioning soon with signing date set for Feb. 5. Spring practice begins in late March with the 2025 schedule yet to be announced.

UNK Football: Felton Leads Eight All-MIAA Selections

Ogallala, Ne - The C1-7 All District Football teams were announced on Tuesday.

C1-7 District Football Player of The Year – Quinn Bailey-Sr
(Chadron)

C1-7 District Football Offensive Player of The Year – Landon
Riddel-Sr (Sidney)

C1-7 District Football Defensive Player of The Year – Keian Kaiser-Jr
(Sidney)

C1-7 District Football Newcomer of The Year – Caysen Robertson-Fr
(Alliance)

Ogallala – Sawyer Smith-Jr, Zach Plasch-Sr, Edan
Cain-Jr, Blake Robb-Jr (Honorable Mention – Kolby Nowak-So, Leon Sybrant-Jr,
Tai Le-So, Jacob Fanning-Jr)

Alliance – Trini Trejo-So, Luke Weems-Sr (Honorable
Mention - Caysen Robertson-Fr, Espen Lanik-Jr)

Chase County – Zach Tarin-Sr, Tristan Jablonski-Sr,
Tuck Hubbard-Sr (Honorable Mention – Luis Co-Sr, Tucker Mollendor-Jr, Carson
Terryberry-Sr)

Sidney – Landon Riddle-Sr, Keian Kaiser-Jr, Patrick
McCartney-Sr, Alek Doty-Jr, Reid Fiscus-Sr, Owen Gillham-Sr (Honorable
Mention – Shane Lilley-Sr, Austin Christensen-Sr, Ben Monheiser-Jr)

Chadron – Quinn Bailey-Sr, Caden Buskirk-Sr, Lanye
Davidson-Jr, Bryson Bickel-Sr, Bricen Wright-So (Honorable Mention – Braden
Wright-So, Owen Wess-Sr, Talon Jelinik-Sr)

C1-7 All District Football Teams Announced (2024)

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte cut the deficit to one early in the second half, but Cloud County Community College never relinquished the lead to earn the 73-63 win inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Saturday.

Alex Harper paced the Knights with 15 points on 6-of-18 shooting from the field, while Trey Summers chipped in 14 points off the bench.

Daniel Nwauzu connected from downtown to help the Knights take a 4-2 lead inside the opening minute of the first half. Cloud County countered with a 12-2 run to stretch their lead into double digits with 14:01 to play.

North Platte slowly cut into the deficit using a 10-2 rally to narrow the margin to four. The Thunderbirds went back to work using a 12-4 run to help take a 30-18 lead into the halftime break.

Knights made the most of their offensive possessions to open the second half on a 12-4 run. A layup halted the rally, but North Platte continued to challenge the Thunderbirds. A 7-4 spurt over the next 2:37 cut the margin to one on a jumper by Harper.

Cloud County countered with a 14-0 run over the next four minutes to reclaim a double-digit lead. Over the final nine minutes the Knights cut the deficit to seven twice, but the Thunderbirds held on to the momentum and closed the game out at the free throw line.

North Platte (2-5) returns to the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Nov. 22. Tip is set for 7 p.m. against the Comets of Western Iowa Tech Community College.

Knights fall to Cloud County at home

North Platte, Neb. –&nbsp;Madison Cheleen&nbsp;led the Knights with 11 points, but a fourth quarter rally helped lift the Hawks of Northeast Community College to a 51-44 win on Saturday.

Cheleen scored six of her 11 points in the first half, while&nbsp;Zaily Mazarin&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nariah Golden&nbsp;each finished the game with eight points apiece. North Platte forced 23 turnovers but managed only nine points in transition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trailing 35-32, Northeast outscored the Knights 19-9 in the final ten minutes to earn the come from behind win. The Hawks opened the quarter with an 8-0 run, before the Knights rallied back to knot the game up at 40-40 with 6:16 remaining.

Northeast used an 11-2 run over the next 2:35 to take their largest lead of the game, 51-42. North Platte went cold from the field until Mazarin connected on a baseline jumper inside the final minute. Northeast managed to maintain possession in the closing seconds to earn the win.

Knights finished the game shooting 22.4 percent (15-67) from the field, while connecting on 7-of-30 from long range. Northeast shot 40.8 percent from the field, while generating 22 bench points in the win.

The Knights jumped out to an 8-0 lead on back-to-back three pointers from Cheleen. Mia Wiederin broke up the run with an inbound jumper from the baseline, but the Knights lead stretched to 13-2 with 4:08 remaining in the first quarter. Hawks closed the period on an 8-2 run to cut the margin to five at the quarter break.

Hawks stretched their run into the early minutes of the second quarter to knot the game up at 17 on a three from Aaliyah Jones. The black and gold traded baskets with the Hawks over the final six minutes as teams remained deadlocked at the halftime break.

Knights (3-3) return to the road for the Iowa Central Community College Classic beginning on Friday. North Platte will open with the Tritons of Iowa Central at 5 p.m.

 Fourth quarter surge lifts Hawks past Knights

Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;– The 23rd/27th-ranked Fort Hays State Tigers scored 24 first half points and broke up a 26-yard Hail Mary to hold off Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/football/stats/2024/fort-hays-state/boxscore/7879">27-20</a>, Saturday afternoon at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium.

This was the 70th all-time meeting between the two longtime rivals as well as the 2024 season finale for both. Hays (8-3) came in ranked eighth in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/football/d2/regional-rankings">NCAA Region rankings</a>&nbsp;but its best chance at the postseason is likely a Texas bowl game. With their third straight win, the Tigers also beat the Lopers (5-6) for the 11th time in the last 12 meetings. Finally, UNK went 3-3 in one-score games this season; they were 1-3 in such contests in 2023.&nbsp;On "Senior Day" things did not go well for UNK in the first half. The Tigers had three long touchdown drives (85, 75, and 75 yards) as well as booting a 30-yard field goal right before half. Meanwhile the Lopers first four drives resulted in three punts and a lost fumble at the Hays 25-yard line.&nbsp;

"Obviously we didn't play very well in the first half in any phase. We were teetering and on the brink of getting run out of the gym," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Ryan Held. "At halftime, we talked about how hard we've fought all year. These guys just kept fighting … we easily could've folded but our 26 seniors did a great job. It came down to the last play so what more can you ask for."

The Lopers more than got off the mat in the second half as they outscored Hays 20-3, out gained the Tigers by 75 yards and returned a block punt 16 yards for six points. That all setup a "Hail Mary" on the&nbsp;final play. Unfortunately, a scrambling&nbsp;Reagan Jones&nbsp;(Wichita) saw his pass into the back of the end zone broken up as Lopers and Tigers were bunched together near the end line.&nbsp;

"Gosh, we're so close. That the hardest part … how close we are. Because this league is really, really good," said Held. "I think we've earned the respect of people in this league. We got picked last and didn't finish last."

The comeback started on the first drive of the second half as UNK marched 60 yards in 11 plays. Jones converted 4th &amp; 1 from the Tigers 34-yard line with a short run and then hit senior receiver&nbsp;Stephen Lewis&nbsp;(Gardendale, Ala.) from nine yards out four plays later. The deficit was then cut to 10 when senior linebacker&nbsp;David Lilly&nbsp;(Wahoo) blocked a punt by Grand Island senior Parker Janky and returned it 16 yards for another TD. It marked the Lopers sixth blocked kick of the fall.

On the Tigers very next play from scrimmage, a scrambling Caleb Heavner tossed a pass to tight end Cale Formaney near midfield. Senior safety&nbsp;Jamere Jones&nbsp;(Frederick, Md.) managed a pass breakup as they were falling to the ground with junior safety&nbsp;Chandler Brown&nbsp;(Whittier, Calif.) Johnny on the spot for his second pick of the fall. However, UNK's drive stalled when a "trick play" was blown up right away and resulted in a 12-yard intentional grounding penalty.&nbsp;

"We tried a couple of trick plays and almost hit on one of them. We were trying to be aggressive. I didn't want to leave anything on the shelf," said Held.

The Lopers next three drives didn't yield any points either as they resulted in two punts and a failed fourth down conversion. However, the defense got another three-and-out with senior backer&nbsp;Devin Guggia&nbsp;(Santa Clarita, Calif.) recording a 16-yard sack. That helped UNK set up at the Tigers 48-yard line with Jones rushing from four yards out and a 24-20 deficit with 6:31 remaining.

The Tigers then had its best drive of the second half, going 60 yards in 11 plays that featured six straight runs by MIAA rushing leader Shane Watts. Using its final two timeouts, UNK forced Carson Ardnt to make a 33-yard field goal with 59 seconds left. The Tigers also could've gone for it on 4th and 4 from the Loper 15-yard line.

On the final drive of 2024, Jones completed passes of 13, 18, seven and 21-yards to give the Lopers a chance. The completions were sandwiched around a holding call. After senior&nbsp;Reggie Anderson&nbsp;(Gaithersburg, Md.) got a first down, UNK "clocked it" to setup the Hail Mary. Safety Mason Perez was one of several Tigers around a bunch of Lopers to break up the pass.

"I'm just so happy these guys kept fighting. Because as a head coach, that's all you can ask for," said Held. "It didn't look good there for a minute. We gave ourselves a chance in the end."

Watts finished with 175 yards on 30 carries while also having four grabs for 43 yards and a score. Next, receivers Jayden Horace (10 recep., 113 yards) and Ryan Allen (eight recep., 108 yards) reached the Century mark as Heavner was 25 of 36 for 294 yards, two TD's and that one INT. He also rushed for 26 yards and a score.

For UNK, Jones was 16 of 29 for 178 yards and totaled 33 yards on nine carries. Junior back&nbsp;Isaiah Harris&nbsp;(Millard South) ran hard and had 63 yards on 15 totes with graduate receiver&nbsp;Shane Dailey Jr.&nbsp;(Bellevue) at 92 yards on seven grabs. Finally, junior back&nbsp;Zane Schawang&nbsp;(Waverly) had nine touches for 35 yards. Defensively, junior backer&nbsp;Anthony Hebert&nbsp;(Corona, Calif.) and Guggia had nine tackles apiece, Jones finished with eight with Lilly at seven and senior end&nbsp;Quillan Felton&nbsp;(Lithonia, Ga.) at six.

"We're not down. The resolve was great today, and we'll move forward. We have a lot of good players returning," said Held.

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