GERING, Neb. — Human remains found on the north side of Scotts Bluff National Monument have been sent to Omaha for forensic testing, as investigators work to determine whether there may be a connection to the 2019 disappearance of Chance Englebert.

Officials have not identified the remains or released information regarding cause of death. The discovery was made over the weekend, prompting a coordinated response from local agencies.

Family members confirmed they were notified early Saturday morning following the discovery. Items recovered at the scene have been reported by the family to be consistent with belongings previously associated with Englebert.

Englebert, originally from Wyoming, went missing in 2019 after visiting family in Gering, Nebraska. The case has drawn attention in both states over the years, as family members and volunteers have continued to search for answers.

The remains are being transported to Omaha for examination through the Douglas County Coroner’s Office. Local and state law enforcement continue to coordinate on the investigation.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

Remains Found Near Scotts Bluff National Monument Could Be Linked to Missing Man Chance Englebert

A 24-year-old man from Cozad has been charged with felony theft and criminal mischief following an incident at a Gothenburg convenience store Friday morning.

Gothenburg police were called to the store around 6:30 a.m. after a report that no employees were present. Officers arrived and confirmed the store was unattended, prompting them to contact the store manager.

Inside, a skills game had been broken into, with tools nearby. The employee who was scheduled to be on duty returned and reported that $4,000 had been deposited into two bitcoin machines, even though he still had more than $14,909 in his possession.

Christian Joyce was taken into custody and arraigned Tuesday in Dawson County Court. His bond was set at 10% of $10,000, and his next court appearance is scheduled for next week, October 28, 2025, at 11 a.m.

Joyce is also facing a shoplifting charge from an earlier incident at a Lexington store this month. He had been released on his own recognizance in that case.

$18,909 Bitcoin and Cash Theft Leads to Arrest of Cozad Man in Gothenburg

The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Lincoln County is preparing for a busy fall season with two upcoming community events — and a renewed call for volunteers to help support local children in the court system.

CASA Director Janet Vath announced that the organization will co-host a Halloween Party with the Lincoln County Children’s Museum on October 26 at AXIS and ACES. The event will run from 2 to 5 p.m. and feature games, a costume contest, and family-friendly activities. A $5 donation is suggested at the door, though Vath said anyone is welcome to attend regardless of ability to pay.

“It should be a lot of fun,” Vath said. “We just want families to come out and enjoy the afternoon together.”

Next month, CASA will host “Soups, Sips, and Stand Up for CASA” on November 14, featuring a soup supper, entertainment by a comedian, and both wine and whiskey pools. Guests can also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of two quarter beefs, with tickets priced at $25 each. Tickets are available from any CASA board member, at the CASA office on the second floor of the FBNO building, or by calling 308-386-8393.

Vath said details for both events will be shared soon on CASA’s Facebook page and new website, which is expected to launch within the next week.

Alongside these community events, CASA continues its ongoing mission to recruit new volunteers to serve as advocates for children in the court system. Currently, 52 families — representing 93 children — in Lincoln County are waiting for advocates.

“Usually when you advocate, you advocate for the whole family,” Vath explained. “These children are in desperate need of voices in court.”

CASA advocates act as a consistent presence in a child’s life, gathering information about schooling, health, and home visits, and then reporting back to the court. Volunteers commit five to ten hours a month and complete a 30-hour training program that includes both classroom learning and court observation.

Vath emphasized that volunteers are not left to navigate cases alone: “I walk with you through your first case or two until you feel confident. We want advocates to feel supported every step of the way.”

She added that CASA’s role has become even more vital amid recent changes in the North Platte court system, including shifts in judges, attorneys, and caseworkers.

“Sometimes we’re the only constant person in these children’s lives,” Vath said. “Judges change, attorneys change, foster homes change — but CASA stays.”

Those interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or supporting the organization’s efforts can call 308-386-8393, stop by the office in the FBNO building, or visit CASA’s Facebook page for updates on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

🎙️CASA of Lincoln County Hosting Fall Events, Seeking New Advocates for Local Children

The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors met Wednesday night at McCook Community College, covering topics ranging from international art and student engagement to new academic programs and facility improvements.

The meeting began with a special work session featuring the American Watercolor Society’s International Traveling Show, now on display at the Wrightstone Gallery in McCook through October 27. The exhibit includes between 40 and 50 pieces from artists around the world and is the only stop for the show in Nebraska. MPCC President Ryan Purdy noted that the college has already secured the exhibit’s return for fall 2026 and 2027.

During the meeting, board members were introduced to several members of the MPCC community, including advisors of the International Club, which currently includes students from more than 22 countries. The board also met residence life assistants and student trustees Vernon Graham and Jackson DeLaveau, who are helping lead student engagement efforts on campus this year.

New hires were recognized as well, including Dr. Evan Olson, a Gothenburg native and new math instructor in McCook, and Caleb Taylor, the new Business and Community Education administrative assistant. The board also honored Karen Haller, assistant to President Purdy, who is retiring after 26 years with the college.

Among action items, the board approved the creation of a Pickleball Club, reflecting growing student interest in the sport. Purdy said the club will begin at the student level but could expand into a competitive athletic program in the future.

The college also approved the purchase of two 2022 semi-trucks for the CDL training program, expanding the fleet to five vehicles. The additions will allow students to train on both automatic and manual transmissions, preparing them for a wider range of driving opportunities.

In other business, the board accepted a bid from Beverage Construction for just under $85,000 to complete soil work and site preparation on the North Platte campus. The project will prepare space for future student housing, a need driven by rising enrollment.

Enrollment continues to trend upward across all MPCC campuses. Overall enrollment has increased by 8.5% compared to last year — the college’s highest total since 2013–2014. Dual-credit enrollment is up 23%, highlighting the success of partnerships with area high schools.

Students and community members are also encouraged to take advantage of upcoming registration opportunities.

In community news, the North Platte campus will host a Trunk-or-Treat event on October 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at South Campus. The event is free and open to the public.

MPCC will also celebrate its 60th anniversary this Saturday with a special volleyball game against Otero. A recognition ceremony begins at 1:55 p.m., followed by the first serve at 2 p.m. Admission is free.

College officials say they’re encouraged by the momentum heading into the new year, pointing to growing enrollment, student engagement, and community involvement across all MPCC campuses.

🎙️ MPCC Board of Governors Highlights Art Exhibit, Enrollment Growth, and New Additions

The Hot Sheets: October 16, 2025

Fort Dodge, Iowa – The Mid-Plains Community College rodeo teams wrapped up their fall competitions with strong performances at the Triton Stampede last weekend.

The men’s team finished atop the team standings with 1135 points, while the women’s team finished third behind Dickinson State and Black Hills State.

Kahiwa Augustiro earned the all-around cowboy title with a second place finish in bareback, a third place finish in steer wrestling and a fifth place finish alongside teammate Jace Richter in the team roping event.

Matt Miller earned the right to be called the reserve all-around champion with a third place finish in tie down roping and a seventh-place finish in team roping, competing alongside Kaden Haake of Southeast Community College.

In the bareback event, Jackson Lunn claimed the top spot earning 145 points over the two-day event. Koy McAllister earned the gold buckle in saddle bronc, while Trace Scarlavai returned to the top of the podium with a first-place finish in bull riding.

On the women’s side, Laynee Ohm led the charge with a first-place finish in goat tying and also placed tenth in team roping with partner Laysha Cottrell. Whitney Lake contributed valuable points with a second-place finish in breakaway roping, posting a time of 3.1 in the short go.

With the fall regional rodeos now complete, the MPCC rodeo team shifts focus to its annual fall timed event fundraiser. The event will take place on Nov. 8 at the Kiplinger Arena in McCook.

Bareback Riding1. Jackson Lunn2. Kahiwa Augustiro

Steer Wrestling3. Kahiwa Augustiro9. Koy McAllister

Breakaway2. Whitney Lake10. Kaehu Dejesus-Beaudet

Saddle Bronc Riding1. Koy McAllister

Tie Down Roping3. Matt Miller4. Zach Miller

Team Roping5. Jace Richter &amp; Kahiwa Augustiro7. Matt Miller &amp; Kaden Haake (SECC)10. Laynee Ohm &amp; Laysha Cottrell

Bull Riding1.&nbsp;Trace Scarlavai2. Brock Fry6. Kahiwa Augustiro

MPCC rodeo teams finish fall season at Triton Stampede

The Hot Sheets: October 15, 2025

North Platte, NE — What began as a small garage project in Georgia has become one of North Platte’s newest downtown success stories. Hide Park Apparel celebrated its official ribbon cutting this week, drawing a packed crowd that filled the shop and spilled onto the sidewalk outside—marking another milestone for the creative small business that’s turning old footballs into game-day fashion.

Owners Josh and Katelyn Sperle were joined by friends, family, and community leaders for the ceremony, hosted by the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation. The event highlighted both the business’s rapid growth and its deepening local roots.

“It’s just such a cool place for them to be downtown,” said Chamber President and CEO Gary Person. “They’ve fixed it up beautifully. It’s a production facility, but it’s also a space that really reflects their story. What started as a part-time hobby has grown into a full-time business and now a brick-and-mortar shop. It’s the kind of American dream story we love to see come true.”

Person noted that Hide Park Apparel was recently named Entrepreneur of the Year, selected from dozens of new businesses in the area. “They really springboarded the whole thing through our Big Idea competition,” Person said, referring to the local pitch contest where winners earn investment money for their business ideas. “To see them go from that idea stage to what they’ve built now—it’s really inspiring.”

Sperle recalled that journey with a mix of humor and humility. “We repurpose game-used footballs and make really cool game-day gear out of them—mostly hats, but also keychains and earrings,” he said. “We’re on pace to repurpose about 700 footballs this year and sell 10,000 hats. It’s grown way beyond what we imagined when we started.”

Hide Park’s path began in 2019 as a passion project in Atlanta. When the Sperles moved back to Katelyn’s hometown of North Platte, they continued building the business, eventually pitching at the Big Idea competition, where they earned second place and a $5,000 award to reinvest in equipment and inventory.

“This community has really believed in us,” Sperle said. “Winning the Entrepreneur of the Year award was humbling. We didn’t even know we were in the running. To see so many people show up today, wearing our hats and supporting what we’re doing—it’s just overwhelming in the best way.”

During the ribbon cutting, Sperle also took time to thank those who helped make their downtown location possible, from local contractors to the Prairie Arts Center’s Public Art Fund, which led the creation of a vibrant canteen-themed mural along the building’s wall. “We wanted something the whole community could be proud of,” Sperle said. “They absolutely nailed it.”

Mayor Brandon Kelliher congratulated the couple during the ceremony for their investment in the community. “The more small businesses we have, the better off we are,” Kelliher said. “You’ve taken a risk to build something here, and we’ll all be telling this story for years.”

Hide Park Apparel now ships to over 30 states, and the Sperles say they plan to keep expanding while maintaining their North Platte home base. “We want this to be a place the whole community can be proud of,” Sperle said. “We’re so grateful for the support—and the prayers—as we keep growing.”

Hide Park Apparel Celebrates Ribbon Cutting and Entrepreneurial Success

Lincoln County, Nebraska – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Lincoln County announced plans to illuminate county buildings green from November 4-11 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans. The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

Now in its fifth year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. In 2023 and 2024, over 450 counties participated in Operation Green Light.

Lincoln County residents, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by changing one light to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.  “Operation Green Light is an opportunity to thank veterans for both their service to our nation and their contributions to our communities,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light up everything from courthouses to bridges, we know veterans will see and feel our gratitude for their selflessness and courage.”

Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/operationgreenlight?__cft__[0]=AZXAZnTExlU2BQtHXekd1mdTD2qaO-zJ8_cYbcCz5RnbcSuzETUEmXbZ7AqpoDL_IsoV3KLvFb68re6yDMZjesF3qx8hXhkK0NdWtlrK3EgkNtZndvpjgFZcwSNGA-p9Yi22DhSsMjUHRH1ICH9jMYR8ZlmaN9uud5R9ZHutkhqhMQ7sNHIotxiQGmoEAbK-h-0&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#OperationGreenLight</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Lincoln County to Participate in 2025 Operation Green Light for Veterans

The North Platte Community College Theater Department will present “The Haunting of Hill House” Oct. 29–31 in the McDonald-Belton Theater on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd., North Platte. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30, and 5 p.m. Oct. 31.

Based on Shirley Jackson’s classic novel and adapted by F. Andrew Leslie, this chilling play brings Hill House to life. When Dr. Montague invites a group of strangers to explore the mansion’s haunted halls, curiosity quickly turns to dread as the house begins to awaken.

As unexpected guests arrive and the house’s dark energy grows, Hill House draws its visitors into a night of fear, madness and deadly consequence.

The cast includes Gianna Tejral as Eleanor Vance, Ady Hastings as Theodora, Tyler Stewart as Luke Sanderson, Dustin Cartmill as Dr. Montague, Lexi Walker as Mrs. Dudley, Angel Chua as Mrs. Montague and Daniel Manning as Arthur Parker.

Admission is $5 per person. NPCC students, faculty, and staff are admitted free with ID.

NPCC Theater Department to present “The Haunting of Hill House”

The Hot Sheets: October 14, 2025

On today's first episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, and discussed the opening days of the preseason, how this young team is reacting to the early stages of the season, and what to expect in the opening games of the season.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #1 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

The North Platte Public Schools Foundation and KIDS Klub are inviting the community to enjoy a night under the stars at this year’s Movie on the Field event. Sponsored by NebraskaLand Bank, the annual fall tradition allows families to watch a family-friendly movie while supporting local afterschool programs.

This year’s featured film, Moana 2, was chosen by the community through a social media vote. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with the movie starting at 6 p.m. 

Families are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks, and enjoy tailgate-style concessions including hamburgers and hot dogs. Admission is free, with a suggested donation supporting KIDS Klub.

The event also coincides with National Lights On Afterschool, a nationwide celebration of afterschool programs keeping their “lights on” for students.

 Carrie Lineman of KIDS Klub said, “We want everyone in our community to know that they're invited...just a great way for us to give back to the community that supports us.”

Attendees can also receive stadium blankets featuring the KIDS Klub logo, available to the first 100 families. Organizers ask that guests respect the field, avoiding sunflower seeds or gum, as the event takes place on the school’s athletic field.

Now in its third year, Movie on the Field offers families a fun, free, and safe evening while supporting afterschool programs in North Platte.

🎙️Movie on the Field Returns to Support KIDS Klub

On today's special edition episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss how the preseason games of the season at the All-American Showcase in Wichita went, and thoughts going into another round of preseason games.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #2 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The North Platte City Council worked through a full agenda Tuesday night, approving bond authorizations, new city equipment financing, and forwarding an annexation study for future review.

Mayor Brandon Kelliher recapped the meeting Wednesday morning on Good Morning North Platte on FM 98.1/AM 1410, KOOQ-AM, calling it “a pretty good meeting” — one without conflict and full of progress on ongoing city projects.

<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">LISTEN TO INTERVIEW WITH MAYOR KELLIHER, SPONSORED BY NORTH PLATTE KUBUTA</a>

Among the consent agenda items, the council approved several liquor licenses, reappointed Joe Staroska to a second term on the Community Redevelopment Authority Board, and renewed a paramedic ride-along agreement with Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado. Kelliher said the partnership helps with firefighter and paramedic recruitment while giving students hands-on experience.

The council also approved a contract with Routeware, a company providing route-optimization software for sanitation trucks. The technology helps drivers create more fuel-efficient routes and documents collection stops with timestamped photos — a feature Kelliher said helps resolve occasional missed-trash disputes.

Another consent item involved a subdivision realignment on East 11th Street, allowing the Lincoln County Community Development Corporation to prepare lots for future housing construction.

Council members also discussed a property acquisition grant used to purchase and demolish unsafe structures. The city voted to counter an owner’s offer at half the asking price — a move Kelliher said likely means the deal won’t go through.

On the regular agenda, the council held a first reading for Ordinance 4228, authorizing up to $19.5 million in general obligation bonds to cover paving and water district projects completed in recent years. Kelliher explained that the bonds convert short-term “warrants” — essentially one-year construction loans — into longer-term municipal debt with fixed interest rates.

“Municipal bonds lock in the rate for five years,” Kelliher said. “After that, we can refinance or pay them off early if conditions improve.”

Council members also corrected a clerical error in the city’s salary schedule tied to last month’s budget approval. The change did not alter the overall budget amount.

The council approved lease financing for a new Elgin Pelican NP street sweeper, which recently arrived in North Platte. The $277,000 piece of equipment replaces one of the city’s older units, which will remain in service as backup.

Kelliher joked that before his term ends, he hopes to “drive the street sweeper” himself, calling the machine “pretty exciting.”

The council also ratified actions by City Administrator Lane Gross in his role with the League Association of Risk Management, which handles insurance matters for municipalities across Nebraska.

Council members voted to forward the 2025 Annexation Study for East Sixth Street to the city’s Planning Commission for review and public hearing. The study identifies small unincorporated “islands” surrounded by city property that could be annexed into North Platte.

The council also held a public hearing concerning property at Lakeview and Front Streets, where a company plans to expand equipment at an existing cell tower site. A lease agreement for the expansion is expected to come back for council approval later this month.

Finally, council members approved rezoning for property at 4684 and 4602 Rodeo Road, the site of the former drive-in theater on the west side of town. The area, currently zoned for agriculture, will shift to commercial zoning to allow for new business development.

The next North Platte City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, with possible follow-up discussion on the East Sixth Street annexation proposal.

“It’s been a busy stretch,” Kelliher said. “Between budget work, projects, and regular meetings, there’s a lot happening — but that’s a good thing for North Platte.”

🎙️​North Platte City Council Approves Bonds, Annexation Study, and New Street Sweeper Lease

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors approved the 2025-26 budget Wednesday during a meeting on the North Platte campus while also receiving updates on student life, faculty, and campus initiatives.

The meeting began with public hearings on setting the 2025 property tax requirement and adopting the college’s budget. No members of the public spoke during either hearing. MPCC President Ryan Purdy described the hearings as “pretty uneventful,” noting that most funding now comes from the state-funded Future Fund rather than property taxes.

“Our levy for the second year, our maximum, is $0.02,” Purdy said. “The board elected to stay with the $0.02 capital levy, which has been in place for about the last 10 years. That’s the funding we’re allowed to use for capital construction and facility renovation.”

The college’s total budget for all funds is just under $60 million, with $5.45 million funded through property taxes. MPCC maintains facilities across its 18-county service area, with a combined insurable value of $200 million.

Fall enrollment has increased 9.5%, and dual enrollment is up 24%, which Purdy said benefits students while supporting funding. “Right now in the fall of '25 compared to fall of '24, we’re experiencing about a 9.5% increase in enrollment, which is huge, and will help our funding. Dual enrollment has been fantastic…we’re seeing a 24% increase right now in dual enrollment across the service area,” he said.

Student trustees Vernon Graham of North Platte and Jackson Delevaux of McCook gave updates on intramurals, sports, concerts, and festivals. “It’s fun to hear the things that are going on—the intramurals, the student life, some of the concerts and festivals. Great to have students at the table to get their input,” Purdy said. 

Faculty representative Jesse Lovett highlighted English Department conferences and publications.

Other business included approving August bills totaling $1.4 million, settling a 22-year-old worker’s compensation claim, and carrying forward $18.6 million in unused budget authority. 

The next regular MPCC board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 15 at MCC East Campus in McCook.

🎙️MPCC Board Approves 2025-26 Budget, Reports Enrollment Growth and Campus Updates

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Lincoln County will soon roll out a new tool to help combat substance abuse: a real-time Opioid and Stimulant Monitoring System designed to track risk factors, protective factors, and community needs.

Erin Bone, coordinator for Substance Abuse Prevention with Community Connections, said the project is part of a regional effort funded through the Iowa State University Public Science Collaborative. Lincoln County was one of only a handful of counties in Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa selected to participate.

“This is a huge undertaking,” Bone said. “We’re getting a dashboard that helps us track risk and protective factors within our community. We’re really excited to launch it in the very near future.”

The dashboard will pull data from multiple partners, including Great Plains Health, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and Stop Overdose Nebraska. That information will allow prevention teams to identify trends—such as age groups, neighborhoods, or language demographics most affected by substance use—and tailor outreach accordingly.

Bone explained that the system won’t collect personal details but will instead provide broad demographic snapshots. “We’re not looking at specific names or addresses,” she said. “It’s very baseline data, but it will help us target how we talk to people and how we get information out there.”

One early finding is that areas north of the railroad in North Platte are underserved, and Bone hopes the dashboard will guide resources where they’re most needed. Data will also measure the effectiveness of local interventions, allowing organizations to adjust strategies in real time.

Community involvement has been central from the beginning. Listening sessions with nonprofits, law enforcement, schools, and health providers helped shape what the system should track and how it should be used. The goal, Bone said, is threefold: reduce overdoses, support at-risk populations, and strengthen local partnerships.

“We want to reduce harm, whether that’s lowering substance use overall or just getting more Narcan into the right hands,” Bone said. “At-risk populations need extra support, and that improves quality of life for everyone. And this is a great way to bring our community partners together.”

Lincoln County is also working to expand access to resources. While only two local pharmacies currently distribute free Narcan, a vending machine stocked with the overdose-reversing medication is expected to be available soon.

Bone encouraged residents to get involved by staying connected online and helping spread the word. “Support doesn’t have to be financial,” she said. “Go to our Facebook, like our stuff, share our stuff. If you want to be more involved, give us a call or stop by our office.”

For more information, visit communityconnectionslc.org or call 308-696-3358.

🎙️Lincoln County Launching New Dashboard to Track Opioid and Stimulant Risks

Gift of Hope Cancer Foundation to host 22nd annual fundraiser Sept. 16

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — A steak dinner, auctions, and live music will all be part of the 22nd annual Gift of Hope Cancer Foundation fundraiser Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds.

The evening begins with a social hour at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy a New York strip steak with baked potato, salad, dessert bar, and two complimentary drinks. Entertainment will be provided by the Flat Rock Irregulars, with a silent auction running from 5 to 7 p.m. and a live auction to follow.

Organizers Janet Cox and Kathy Hahn said the fundraiser plays a vital role in helping local cancer patients. The Gift of Hope provides financial assistance to families across western Nebraska — stretching as far as Lexington to the east, the Wyoming border to the west, and into South Dakota and Kansas. Support can include help with gas, utilities, and rent.

“All of our funding comes from donations and events like this banquet,” Hahn said. “Your donation means hope, relief, and strength for someone facing the fight of their life. No one should battle cancer alone.”

The foundation assists as many as 80 people each year, and every dollar raised stays in the region. Cox called the banquet “a really, really fun evening” and “a rewarding evening because we feel like we can help a lot of people.” She added that the community has been supportive across generations throughout the fundraiser’s 22-year history.

Organizers say the night promises not only good food and community spirit but also big-ticket auction items, including Husker volleyball tickets and Husker football tickets — with one package offering 50-yard line seats in the clubhouse.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Children 12 and under eat free. Tickets can be purchased by calling Jan at 308-539-4040, Sharon at 308-289-0985, or by visiting the Gift of Hope Facebook page.&nbsp;

Purchase tickets online&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/4kCX4q6">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙️Serving Hope: Inside the Gift of Hope’s 22nd Annual Fundraiser

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Get ready, North Platte! St. Patrick’s Church is rolling out two full days of food, games, music, and family fun for its annual Block Party this weekend.

The celebration kicks off Saturday, Sept. 13, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. with an evening designed for adults. Guests can enjoy live music from Kim Baxter, a free-will donation nacho bar prepared by parish volunteers, and a beer garden featuring local craft brews from Ape Ship. The party takes over the parking lot at 5th and Walnut streets, and everyone is welcome — no church membership required.

Sunday, Sept. 14, from noon to 3 p.m., shifts the spotlight to families. Kids can jump into bounce houses, play cornhole and pickleball, or join games run by local sports teams, while parents enjoy a barbecue luncheon featuring shredded beef, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and pies for $12 per plate or $40 per family. The street north of the church will be blocked off to create a safe, festive space for everyone.

Raffles add extra excitement this year. Prizes include $500 cash, gift cards, and coveted reserved pews for Christmas Mass. A special $50 raffle offers one lucky winner a full year of tuition at North Platte Catholic Schools — only 200 tickets will be sold.

“Part of our faith is where God makes us part of His family. And what do families do? They get together,” said Father Johnathan Sorensen. “This block party is a big old family party.”

Maddy Krebs, a member of the organizing committee, said, “We wanted to create something for everyone — adults, kids, families, and anyone in the community who wants to come out. Seeing people connect and have fun is what makes it all worth it.”

She added, “It takes a lot of planning and support from local businesses and volunteers, but the smiles on people’s faces make it all worth it. I love watching kids play and families enjoy the day together.”

The weekend format, introduced three years ago, gives adults a night out while keeping Sunday fun for families and children. Volunteers and parishioners spend months preparing, with support from local businesses that donate meals, prizes, and other essentials.

“Community is at the heart of this event,” Father Sorensen said. “Whether it’s sharing a meal, winning a raffle, or just laughing together, it’s about building relationships and celebrating together.”

Whether you’re there for the music, the nachos, or the chance to win free tuition, St. Patrick’s Block Party promises something for everyone — making it one of North Platte’s can’t-miss community events of the season.

🎙️Music, Games, and Raffles: St. Patrick’s Block Party Hits North Platte This Weekend

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — After years of running boards, hosting shows, and chasing stories across Nebraska, Allison Peck is now the news director North Platte didn’t know it needed — until now. Listeners quickly noticed her arrival on the airwaves, sending emails and texts praising the “new news lady” — articulate, clear, and engaging.

Peck is Eagle Media’s storyteller behind North Platte Post and Sandhills Post, bringing a mix of experience, energy, and a passion for local stories.

“Allison was the one we were waiting for,” said Operations Manager Derek Beck. “We had a lot of people that applied for this job. We were super picky about it, so this job’s been open since April I think. We really, really wanted to make sure that we didn’t hit a single or a double — we really wanted to hit a home run and we were very patient.”

Peck’s journey in radio began in McCook in 2016. Then a college student, she balanced her time between running the board for live sports broadcasts and serving as an unpaid intern. She managed summer remote events, hosted her own show, and even delivered weather forecasts. Within a year, she was promoted to paid intern while pursuing theater and media communications at Doane University.

When she returned to McCook in 2019, Peck took on a full-time role in sales. She also hosted a midday show, continued weather reports, and occasionally board operated. She worked closely with the operations manager daily, an experience that gave her a front-row seat to the complexities of running a station.

Those years gave her a reputation for versatility. “Which you can see, is why she was a really great candidate for this job, because [she's] kind of a Swiss Army knife that knows how to do a lot of things,” Beck said. “...but I kind of turned [her] loose after three days and said, hey, go do it.”

In fall of 2020, Peck left McCook to move to Lincoln. She worked as a client marketing coordinator in sales for NRG Media from May 2021 through September. That fall, her first daughter, Raegan, was born, and Peck stepped away from broadcasting and sales to focus on motherhood.

The next three years were a whirlwind of moves — a return to McCook, a short stay in Mitchell, then a year in Ogallala. Along the way, Peck and her husband, Joseph — a North Platte native and now EMT — welcomed their second daughter, Ryleigh, this past April.

“Being a stay-at-home mom was the most rewarding and the most overwhelming thing I’ve ever done,” Peck said. “I loved every moment with my girls, but I also felt like I was missing a part of myself.&nbsp; — My husband even says I come home happier. I feel like everyone gets a better version of me.”

For Beck, who worked with Peck years ago in McCook, seeing her return to radio was both exciting and natural. “You kind of have it in your head who that person might be or what they would sound like,” he said. “Literally when I saw [her] application come through, I’m like box checked, box checked, box checked.”

Listeners have echoed his confidence. “I don’t know how many texts and emails I’ve had saying hey, we like the new news lady. She sounds really good. She’s very articulate. The news is really good,” Beck said.

Now based in North Platte, Peck has taken on the dual role of directing news coverage and hosting Good Morning North Platte at 9 a.m. on 98.1 FM. She describes herself first and foremost as a storyteller — a passion rooted in theater from the age of five and carried through her years of writing, reporting, and broadcasting.

“You do, you kind of light up about the news stuff,” Beck told her during their on-air introduction. “You’re easy to listen to. We’re just gonna continue to let you do some of the things that you enjoy doing. But I think that morning show on 98.1 has got your name kind of written all over it.” That show airs from 6 a.m to 10 a.m. with news and interview focus from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Peck said she hopes the community will share stories with her. 

“There’s only one of me and there’s a very big town,” she said. “If there’s news out there that I don’t know about that I should know about, if there’s an event happening that should be a story — yeah, definitely reach out. Let me know. It’s allison.peck@eaglemedia.com for my email and I’d be happy to take all the news.”

Eagle Media and the North Platte community are excited to welcome Allison Peck to her new home and newsroom. With her extensive experience, versatility, and passion for local storytelling, she is poised to become a familiar and trusted voice on the airwaves and online. The newsroom encourages residents to share the stories that make North Platte unique — helping Allison continue her journey of shining a light on the people and events that define the community.

🎙️ From Button-Pusher to News Director: Allison Peck Finds Her Voice at Eagle Media

Nebraska high school students are once again setting the bar when it comes to the ACT.

According to the Nebraska Department of Education, the state’s class of 2025 earned an average composite score of 19.2 — slightly higher than last year’s 19.1 — and the highest in the nation among states that require all students to take the test.

The ACT measures college readiness in English, math, reading, and science. Nebraska is one of just a handful of states that require every high school junior to take the exam as part of the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System. Because every student participates — not just those planning to go to college — Nebraska’s average score gives a more complete picture of how students are performing statewide.

Nationally, the average ACT score stayed flat this year at 19.4. But that number can be misleading — only about a third of U.S. students actually take the test. In states where the ACT is optional, scores often skew higher because they mostly reflect college-bound students.

When looking just at states with 100% participation, Nebraska stands out. The average among those states was 18.2, a full point below Nebraska’s score.

State officials say the results show that Nebraska students continue to outperform their peers in similar testing programs across the country.

Nebraska’s students posted solid results across every subject area:

Those numbers mark small but steady gains in most subjects compared to last year.

Education leaders say the consistent performance reflects both the strength of Nebraska schools and the state’s commitment to preparing all students for life after high school — whether that’s college, career training, or entering the workforce.

However, the state has seen a gradual decline in ACT scores over the past few years, mirroring national trends. In 2021, Nebraska’s average was around 20.0 before dipping below 19.5 in recent years.

Experts point out that students who complete a full college-prep curriculum — courses like four years of English and three or more years each of math, science, and social studies — score several points higher on average than those who do not. That gap highlights the importance of making rigorous coursework accessible to every student.

While Nebraska’s scores may not top every state nationwide, they do lead among the group that tests every student — a strong showing that speaks to the state’s overall academic performance.

As Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher said in a statement, “Our students continue to show resilience and achievement that make Nebraska proud.”

Nebraska Students Lead Nation Among States That Test All Students on ACT

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>

WASHINGTON — A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Wednesday, blocking the Trump administration from moving forward with the thousands of layoffs it initiated after the government shutdown began Oct. 1, as well as any others that officials might want to carry out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The hearing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California took place at the same time White House budget director Russ Vought appeared on the conservative Charlie Kirk podcast to preview his next steps.

Vought warned the initial Reductions in Force, the technical term for a layoff notice, were just “a snapshot” and that as many as 10,000 federal workers would lose their jobs if the shutdown drags on.

“We’re going to keep those RIFs rolling throughout this shutdown because we think it’s important to stay on offense for the American taxpayer and the American people,” Vought said. “We want to be very aggressive where we can be in shuttering the bureaucracy, not just the funding, but the bureaucracy.”

Judge Susan Illston said during the hearing that she granted the temporary restraining order because Trump administration officials had “taken advantage of the lapse in government spending, government functioning to assume that all bets are off, that the laws don’t apply to them anymore and that they can impose the structures that they like on the government situation that they don’t like.”&nbsp;

Illston said laws and regulations still apply during a shutdown and that, by all appearances, the Trump administration’s actions in the case are politically motivated.&nbsp;

“Things are being done before they’re thought through — very much ready, fire, aim,” Illston said.

The ruling will put the approximately 4,000 layoffs noticed during the shutdown on hold as the court case proceeds.&nbsp;

DOJ unprepared to speak on merits of case

Elizabeth Hedges, a Justice Department attorney arguing the case on behalf of the Trump administration, said several times during the brief hearing she wasn’t prepared to speak about the merits of the case — a position that confounded the judge, who gave Hedges several chances to reverse course.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We may be able to address the merits at the next stage,” Hedges said, after telling Illston she would need to check with others before making any statements about why the administration believes its actions are legal.&nbsp;

Danielle Leonard, an attorney representing the labor unions that brought the lawsuit, urged the judge to grant a temporary restraining order for all the departments and agencies that make up the executive branch, not just those that have announced RIFs.

Leonard said she believes Trump administration officials have decided how many additional federal employees to lay off during the shutdown, but have opted not to share that information with the court.

“The decision has been made, it’s just a question of implementation and timing,” Leonard said, around the same time Vought was giving his podcast interview.&nbsp;

Illston, who was nominated by former President Bill Clinton, said at the end of the hearing she expected the attorneys to find a day in the coming weeks when they can attend a hearing on the next stage, which would be a preliminary injunction.

On the other side of the country, Republicans and Democrats continued to spar on Capitol Hill over the reasons for the shutdown, as the Senate failed for a ninth time to advance a short-term government spending bill.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00572.htm" target="_blank">51-44 vote</a>&nbsp;was nearly identical to the others that have taken place since mid-September, and neither side appeared inclined to make concessions or even try to negotiate.&nbsp;

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