Two new members were sworn onto the Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors Wednesday evening.

Molly Jeffres, of Ogallala, and&nbsp;Megan McGown, of Brady, both newly elected ran unopposed in the November General Election.

They join nine other members on the board including reelected members Matthew Broz, Kirk Crawley, Ted Klug, Jr. and Kent Miller who are continuing in their service. Among other things, they will be responsible for leading the college through policy creation and initiation and through articulation and evaluation of the college’s scope, mission, values and legislated priorities.

Jeffres replaces Jo Etta Brown, of Ogallala, in representing District 2.

Jeffres is the Community Development Coordinator for Keith County Area Development.

In her role at KCAD she works to enhance economic opportunities and strengthen community connections throughout Keith County fostering growth and collaboration.

Jeffres is an Ogallala native and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in management.

With a passion for creative placemaking and sustainable development, she works to shape projects that celebrate the region's cultural and historical assets.

Her community work includes leading the Keith County First Impressions committee and the Western Trails Creative District committee.&nbsp; Jeffres is also co-host of the regional Community Catalyst program.&nbsp;

As a new board member Jeffres said, “I am most looking forward to contributing to the success and growth of Mid-Plains Community College by supporting its mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and opportunities for students.”

McGown takes over the District 5 seat for Ernie Mehl.

McGown serves as the Chief Development Officer for Great Plains Health.

There she oversees strategic planning, the Health Care Foundation, marketing/public relations, outreach and initiatives to enhance access at consumer entrance points.

In her role, she also leads business development and service line growth efforts, driving the hospital's commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the region.

McGown, a Nebraska Sandhills native, spent 15 years in community and economic development. Her efforts focused on business recruitment, retention and downtown redevelopment, reflecting her dedication to fostering economic growth and vitality in the region.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and a graduate degree in organizational management with an emphasis in economic development from Peru State College.

McGown serves as the chair of the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Board of Directors and chairs the North Platte Community Recreation Foundation.

She is eager to contribute to advancing education and opportunity for the area.

“As someone deeply invested in the success of our communities, I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members to support innovative education and workforce development opportunities that drive growth and create lasting impact for the region,” McGown said.

MPCC Board of Governors adds New Members

Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Tuna from the Guardians of the Children (GOC) about the upcoming 11th annual "caller" chili/soup, rib/meat cook off and silent auction taken place this Saturday at the D&amp;N Event Center in North Platte.&nbsp;

The event runs from 11:00am - 2:00pm and costs $5 at the door to get in. That $5 paid will let you taste all the chili/meats being served. The event is in honor of Ed "Caller" Clafin. The Lil' Guardians will be on location selling drinks and cinnamon rolls. Attendees will have the chance to vote on the best chili/soup, rib/meat and best decorated booth.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Guardian of the Children preparing for 11th annual "caller" chili/soup, rib/meat cook off and silent auction

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with the Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, Jacob Brandl, to discuss the team's first few games back from break and what they need to do going forward into conference play.

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #5 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

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

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

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

(Audio) MPCC: sign up for fun courses 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deer season in Nebraska officially closed Jan. 15 when the late antlerless seasons ended.

The river antlerless season was shortened due to reduced deer numbers across much of the state. That season now aligns with the rest of the antlerless seasons, and all of them closed Jan. 15.

Final deer harvest results will be available late next month at&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>; search “wildlife surveys”.

Hunters interested in learning more about the 2024 season, big game research and management will be able to view a recording of the online big game informational session via Nebraska Game and Parks’ YouTube channel.

Find additional information about deer management, harvest success and other hunting opportunities at&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

ICYMI: Deer Season Closed in Nebraska

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

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

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

Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on January 21, 2025, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:00 A.M.

Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on January 21, 2025, at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:15 A.M.

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

Adjourn or recess to time certain as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

(This list is grouped by Commissioners as appointed in 2024)

North Platte Area Chamber &amp; Development

North Platte Senior Center Advisory Committee

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Management Committee (Changed to Predator Control)

Economic Development Task Force (No longer meets)

Mid-Nebraska Community Action Partnership

Appointees to receive drug testing reports (Chairperson &amp; Tyler Volkmer)

Fair Housing Representative (Rebecca Rossell)

South Central Planning &amp; Exercise Training Region (SCPETR) – Region 51 Emergency Management (Brandon Myers and Joanna LeMoine)

Closed session to discuss strategy with respect to pending or imminent litigation, real estate purchase, deployment of security personnel and devices or evaluation of job performance as to prevent needless injury to reputation (if necessary)

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

Lincoln County Board of Commissioners 01-21 Agenda

Holbrook, Neb.- A man was found deceased in a ditch outside of Holbrook, according to officials.&nbsp;

According to the Furnas County Sheriff's Office (FCSO), around 1:15pm on Friday, FCSO were dispatched to a report of a man lying in a ditch northwest of Holbrook.&nbsp;

The FCSO states the caller reported to the 911 dispatch that the male subject was deceased. Law enforcement on scene searched the surrounding area and found the man had stranded his car in a stubble field, about one mile from the location he was found.&nbsp;

The initial investigation indicates no foul play was involved. An autopsy has been ordered. The identification of the man is being withheld pending notification of family, according to a FCSO press release.&nbsp;

Man Found Deceased in a Ditch Outside of Holbrook 

Ainsworth, Neb. - Law enforcement, first responders were dispatched to the Grand Theatre in Ainsworth over the weekend for a bomb threat which turned out to be a hoax.

According to the Brown County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), The BCSO, Rock Co Sheriff’s Office, Ainsworth Volunteer Firemen, and numerous NSP officers responded to a report of a bomb that was placed in the Ainsworth Grand Theater Saturday evening.&nbsp;

The BCSO states the incident was the result of a false swatting call.&nbsp;

The BCSO would like to thank the volunteers of the  Ainsworth Grand Theater for their quick action to call 911 with details of what the caller reported.  As well as thank all agencies who responded to the call.

Ainsworth Grand Theatre Victim of "Swatting Call" 

The Hot Sheets: January 20th, 2025

Wilber Ariel Canales Elvir, 27, North Platte and Josie Irene May Davis, 25, North Platte

Jayson Ray Dunham, 42, North Platte and Maggie Mae Alvarado, 42, North Platte

Marriage Licenses For Lincoln County (Week of January 13th)

The Hot Sheets: January 19th, 2025

The Hot Sheets: January 18th, 2025

SPVA Girls' and Boys' Basketball brackets

OMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas (2-2)&nbsp;fell to the San Diego Mojo (2-2) in four sets (25-20, 19-25, 22-25, 22-25) Sunday afternoon at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;in front of&nbsp;12,723,&nbsp;ranking as the&nbsp;second-highest attendance match in U.S. Pro Volleyball history.

Third-year pro&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;continued her dominant start to the season with a match-high 24 points with 22 kills on a .236 hitting percentage while adding 11 digs for her sixth-straight double-double, which dates back to last season. Former Nebraska Cornhusker and USC Trojan&nbsp;Ally Batenhorst&nbsp;contributed 12 kills in her first career pro start while&nbsp;Reagan Cooper&nbsp;added nine kills.

Another Husker alum,&nbsp;Lindsay Krause, excelled off the bench, delivering six kills on an outstanding .750 hitting percentage. Setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;orchestrated the offense with 44 assists and added a match-high 21 digs on the defensive end.&nbsp;Libero Camila Gómez&nbsp;posted nine digs and eight assists.&nbsp;

Kayla Caffey&nbsp;led Supernovas middle blockers with eight kills on a .368 clip while recording one block.&nbsp;Kaitlyn Hord&nbsp;chipped in four kills of her own on a .444 hitting percentage while also adding two more blocks to her PVF-leading 16 stuffs.&nbsp;

The Supernovas finished the match with a .250 hitting percentage, five blocks and one ace.

The Mojo’s victory was powered by six-year veteran Kendra Dahlke, who delivered an impressive 18 kills on a .356 hitting percentage. Middle blocker and Oregon product Ronika Stone followed with nine kills on a .333 hitting percentage, while setter Da-yeong Lee made a significant impact with 46 assists and 14 digs.

Omaha takes a five-day break before traveling to Ohio to take on the Columbus Fury on Friday, January 24 at Nationwide Arena. First serve is set for 6 p.m. CST and will be broadcasted live on the PVF YouTube Channel. It can also be heard on the Supernovas Radio Network.

The Supernovas are back at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;on Friday, January 31 when they face the Fury for the second-straight match with first serve set for 7 p.m. CST in downtown Omaha.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;The match began with San Diego’s Regan Pittman delivering the opening kill. Nuneviller and Cooper answered with back-to-back kills, helping Omaha take an early lead at 2-1. Cooper followed with her team-leading fifth ace of the season. The Novas extended their advantage to 9-3 thanks to contributions from Nuneviller, Batenhorst, Cooper and a series of errors by San Diego. The Mojo got within three, Batenhorst and Hord went back-to-back with a kill and block to extend the advantage to 14-8. Lee posted a block on a Nuneviller attack before a Jenaisya Moore kill cut the lead to 17-15. Another service error by the Mojo, followed by a Nuneviller tally put the lead back to four at 19-15. Dahlke put away her third kill of the set to make it 22-20, but the Supernovas rallied for a 3-0 run to end the set, capped off by another Nuneviller kill for a 25-20 set win. Her and Cooper ultimately took control, both recording seven kills for the set while the team hit .250 compared to the Mojo’s .243.

Set 2:&nbsp;The set began with a Mojo hitting error, giving the Supernovas an early lead. Pittman followed with a kill of her own for San Diego. The set was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading kills. A quick 2-0 burst by a Mojo service error and a Hord block put the Supernovas up 10-8. Dahlke tied the set later at 12 with her fifth kill of the match. Tied at 14, San Diego put together a key 3-0 run thanks to back-to-back kills from Moore and Blackwell with a Batenhorst hitting error. The momentum continued to shift in the Mojo’s favor when Moore delivered two more crucial kills, Stone capitalizing on a slide attack, and a series of Supernovas errors, allowing the Mojo to pull ahead 19-16. Omaha couldn’t recover from the small deficit, as the Mojo ran off with a 5-2 run to secure the set at 25-19.&nbsp;

Nuneviller led Omaha with four kills while the team hit a high clip of .312, but San Diego was unstoppable with five kills from Dahlke and a .500 clip.&nbsp;

Set 3:&nbsp;The Supernovas started the third set with two kills by Batenhorst and one by Nuneviller, giving them an early 3-2 lead. The Mojo quickly answered with kills from Lauren Page and Ronika Stone to reclaim momentum. A series of errors by Omaha allowed San Diego to pull ahead 15-11, forcing the Supernovas to call a timeout. The stoppage didn’t help as the action continued with Stone recording another kill on a slide to complete a 6-1 run. The Mojo continued to extend their lead with another 5-1 run off a Stone kill, two from Dahlke and a kill from Rainelle Jones to go up 22-15. Omaha made an adjustment bringing in Krause late in the set, but San Diego maintained their edge. Stone, who hit an impressive .500 in the set, sealed the victory with a decisive kill, giving the Mojo a 25-22 victory.

Set 4:&nbsp;Lauren Page began the set with a kill, carrying the Mojo’s momentum from the previous sets. Batenhorst quickly responded with a kill to tie the score at deuces. San Diego extended its lead to 7-4 with a pair of kills from Dahlke. Nuneviller answered with two kills of her own to keep Omaha within striking distance, but another kill by Dahlke forced the Supernovas to call a timeout with the score at 15-11. Despite a late push by Omaha, with Nuneviller, Caffey and Krause each contributing two kills, the Supernovas couldn’t fully recover from the early deficit. The Mojo held their ground and closed out the set with a 25-22 victory, securing the match.

Dahlke was once again the leading attacker for the Mojo, delivering six kills on a .545 clip. Nuneviller matched that total with six while Krause hammered four kills on six swings for a .667 hitting percentage.

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

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

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

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

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

Supernovas Fall to Mojo in Four Sets, Host Second-Largest Crowd in U.S. Pro Volleyball History

RPAC Basketball Tournament Bracket Announcement 

Brady 51 @ South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 38

South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 73 vs. Brady 49

Area Basketball Scores from Saturday, January 18

Basketball - Sidney @ North Platte

GIRLS SCORES - Friday, January 17, 2025

Maywood-Hayes Center 50 vs Sandhills/Thedford 25

South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 27 vs Maxwell 63

BOYS SCORES - Friday, January 17, 2025

Maywood-Hayes Center 38 vs Sandhills/Thedford 49

South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 56 vs Maxwell 29

Area High School Basketball Scores from Friday, January 17

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The fifth-ranked Nebraska Kearney wrestling team fell to NAIA power Grand View, 27-12, Thursday night in Des Moines.

The top-ranked Vikings, who’ve won 12 of the last 13 NAIA national titles, move to 9-0 in the dual season while UNK falls to 7-5.

The Lopers were more than short-handed as starters&nbsp;Zach Ourada&nbsp;(125 lbs.),&nbsp;Trenton Munoz&nbsp;(165 lbs.) and&nbsp;Jackson Kinsella&nbsp;(197 lbs.) were out due to either injury or illness. All three should return to action soon. Ourada is ranked No. 1 in his class, Kinsella is third with Munoz having spent time in the 165-pound top 15.

At heavyweight, top-ranked&nbsp;Crew Howard&nbsp;(Clarinda, Ia.) bested top-ranked Greg Hagan, 5-2. To avenge a loss to Hagan last year, Howard used an escapes and takedown in third period. Next, North Carolina twins&nbsp;Jacobi&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jacari Deal&nbsp;won at 174 and 184 pounds. Jacari is now 4-0 after getting two takedowns, 7-2, with Jacobi, UNK’s former starter at 184 pounds, getting past top-ranked Alex Reynolds in sudden victory, 4-1. Both wrestlers record an escape in regulation before Deal’s winning takedown.

UNK’s other win also came by a 4-1 score in overtime as junior&nbsp;Hector Serratos&nbsp;(Wichita) got past second-ranked Jackson Cockrell. At the next weight, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Joseph Airola&nbsp;(Ward, Colo.) wasn’t as fortunate as he lost by just a 1-0 score to top-ranked Carson Taylor. Finally, GV had two falls and a major among its six wins.

UNK Wrestling: Short Handed Lopers Fall at Grand View, 27-12

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

Kearney, Neb. – Redshirt junior point guard Jillian Aschoff scored 19 points and senior wing Samantha Moore had her second straight double double to help lift Nebraska Kearney over Northwest Missouri State, <a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2024-25/northwest-missouri/boxscore/7999">71-64</a>, Thursday night at the Health &amp; Sports Center.

The Lopers (12-3, 5-1) sweep the season series from the Bearcats (9-8, 2-5) to now lead the all-time series, 18-9.

UNK trailed 30-26 at the break but used a big third quarter, 26-15, to move ahead. They shot 73% (8 of 11) in the first 10 minutes of the second half but couldn’t pull away as they sunk just 8 of 13 free throws.

“In the third quarter we created more flow in transition. We fouled them a few too many times in the quarter but we really created an up and down pace which is to our advantage,” said UNK head coach Drew Johnson. “We were able to drive it on a broken floor. When the floor is set, Northwest is one of the best defensive teams in the country. When it’s broken, you have some advantages you can try and take.”

Northwest hung around thanks to the heroics of fifth-year senior guard Molly Hartnett who went for 28 points, six assists and six rebounds. Down nine late in the third quarter, the ‘Cats trimmed the deficit to two midway through the fourth and then to three on two other occasions. However, the Lopers had a response each time, sinking six of their last eight free throws and getting two paint buckets from veteran post Kia Wilson (St. George, Kan.).

Aschoff (Lincoln Pius) reached her team-best point total by making 8 of 10 free throws and sinking five shots. She also had five rebounds and three assists with Moore (Mullen) at 11 rebounds and 18 points. She went 3 for 3 from deep with two of the shots helping UNK claw its way back into things.

“Those two threes Samantha hit were deep; it was 20-12 and we needed them,” said Johnson. “When she plays like that, with a chip on her shoulder, she’s a hard guard.”

Six others were between two and nine points including junior reserve point guard Saniya Simmons (Olathe, Kan.) and sophomore reserve post Bailee Sobczak (Rapid City, S.D.). The 5-2 Simmons blocked a late three-point attempt by Northwest with Sobczak having eight boards and eight points.

“Rotating out and getting that block was fantastic and I thought Saniya played well tonight. She played a bunch of minutes and was dynamic defensively against Emporia State (last Saturday night) and we’re going to need her a ton this season,” said Johnson.

Besides Hartnett, Northwest got 13 points from junior Emree Zars and 10 points from graduate guard Caely Kesten. She was one of three ‘Cats to foul out late. UNK finished 19 of 28 at the line and was plus 11 on the glass with NW having just six turnovers.

Aschoff & Moore help the Lopers down the 'Cats, 71-64

Kearney, Neb. – Three players scored in double figures and Nebraska Kearney took advantage of a rare five-point possession to get past Northwest Missouri State, <a href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25/northwest-missouri/boxscore/8018">74-69</a>, Thursday night at the Health &amp; Sports Center.

UNK (6-8, 4-2) wins a fourth straight game for the first time since 2019-20 and takes the season series from the Bearcats (4-12, 2-5). Prior to this year, the Lopers had beaten ‘Cats just once since joining the conference.

The close game trend continues for the Blue &amp; Gold as they are now 4-5 in games decided by eight points or less. They lost their first five such contests but have turned the tables in the New Year.

It seemed UNK might run away with things as they held a 14-point lead at the end of the first half and at the start of the second half, 38-24. However, the ‘Cats sunk six second half threes and were better on the glass after the break to not only trim that deficit but also move ahead. Senior Byron Alexander recorded a putback bucket with 2:38 left to make it 66-61.

On a night where UNK was just 10 of 18 at the line, senior Chase Thompson (Omaha Westside) sunk two freebies to make it a one possession game. After getting a stop, redshirt junior Kendrick Gilbert (St. Louis) saw his baseline shot blocked out of bounds. However, Northwest was called for a technical foul and that turned the tide.

“The kid just let his emotions get away and said something he probably shouldn’t have said. It did end up going our way,” said UNK head coach Marty Levinson. “Chase made both free throws and then the elevator play worked perfectly.”

Thompson hit the two technical shots and then sunk a triple with 1:30 remaining to put UNK ahead for good, 68-66. Northwest missed the second of two free throws 10 seconds later and then the Lopers made all three shots in took in the final 1:01. Northwest, meanwhile, made two freebies but missed their last two shots.

“We haven’t quit against anybody, so I didn’t expect us to lay down (after getting behind). Maybe it’s about the wins we have had recently. It’s given them a little bit more confidence that ‘hey, we’ve been in these moments, and we’ll make this thing go our way,” said Levinson.

Thompson went for a game-high 21 points by going 7 of 11 (3 of 4 threes) from the field with guards Ja’Bryant Hill (17) and Allen Taylor (16) combining for 33 points. Hill (Duncanville, Texas) also hit seven shots with Taylor (Rogers, Ark.) having 12 first half points. He also had six rebounds and three assists with Hill at four steals.

UNK shot 48% and was plus three on the glass with Northwest having 21 second chance points off 12 o-boards. The Lopers overcame that by having a 14-point advantage in the paint.

“Our whole plan was to stomp them when we came out of the locker room and put them away,” said Levinson. “But they came out and everything just went their way. That’s when your character has to matter, and you have to power through it.”

Also, post Taylor Harrell (Huntsville, Texas) had 11 rebounds, eight points and two blocks with wing DJ Jamerson (Cibolo, Texas) at four points and a block. UNK had a season-best seven swats.

Northwest got 16 points from both senior Luke Moustakas and Wahoo freshman Marcus Glock; the pair combined to go 7 of 14 from behind the arc. Alexander came on strong and tallied 11 boards, seven points and three assists.

Lopers Win Another Close One, Sweep Season Series from Northwest

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday night issued sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/granting-pardons-and-commutation-of-sentences-for-certain-offenses-relating-to-the-events-at-or-near-the-united-states-capitol-on-january-6-2021/" target="_blank">pardons</a>&nbsp;for nearly all Jan. 6 defendants, erasing accountability for those who violently tried to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election results on that date in 2021.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/granting-pardons-and-commutation-of-sentences-for-certain-offenses-relating-to-the-events-at-or-near-the-united-states-capitol-on-january-6-2021/">Click here to see the full list</a>&nbsp;of pardons and commutations

Behind the desk of the Oval Office, Trump told reporters he signed a pardon for nearly 1,500 defendants who participated in the attack and commuted the sentences for several others whose punishments require “further research,” he said.

“We hope they come out tonight. They’re expecting it,” Trump said about the defendants.

Journalists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fox5dc.com/news/awaiting-trump-pardons-families-jan-6-rioters-gather-outside-dc-jail" target="_blank">outside</a>&nbsp;the D.C. Central Detention Facility, where many Jan. 6 defendants are being held, reported families began gathering there Monday in anticipation of the pardons.&nbsp;

The White House released the names of 13 defendants whose sentences Trump commuted. They include numerous right-wing militia&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/court-sentences-two-oath-keepers-leaders-seditious-conspiracy-and-other-charges-related-us" target="_blank">leaders</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/jury-convicts-four-leaders-proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy-related-us-capitol-breach#:~:text=A%20jury%20in%20the%20District,6%2C%202021." target="_blank">convicted</a>&nbsp;of seditious conspiracy.

Among them are Stewart Rhodes of Texas and Kelly Meggs of Florida, the founder and current leader of the Oath Keepers, as well as members of the Proud Boys, including Joseph Biggs of Florida, Ethan Nordean of Washington, Zachary Rehl of Pennsylvania, and Dominic Pezzola of New York.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All remaining Jan. 6 defendants convicted of crimes related to the Capitol attack received a “full, complete and unconditional pardon,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/granting-pardons-and-commutation-of-sentences-for-certain-offenses-relating-to-the-events-at-or-near-the-united-states-capitol-on-january-6-2021/" target="_blank">order</a>.&nbsp;

Trump praised the defendants on the campaign trail as “hostages,” “patriots” and “warriors,” and pardoning them became a major theme of Trump’s rallies.

Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn said the pardons marked a “dark day in American history.”

“This decision is a betrayal to the officers who were severely injured — and died — as a result of the insurrection. This decision puts Americans at risk as these violent criminals return to their communities. These pardons are a reflection of what abuse of power looks like and what we the people are bound to witness over the next four years,” Dunn said in statement released by the anti-Trump group Courage for America.

The U.S. Department of Justice launched its largest-ever investigation following the attack that left over 140 police officers injured and upwards of $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol.

As of early January the department had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;just over 1,580 people for crimes related to the riot, 608 of whom were charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding law enforcement, including nearly a third who used a dangerous or deadly weapon, according to the department’s latest figures.

Weapons, and objects used as weapons, brought on the Capitol grounds ranged from firearms and tasers to chemical sprays and sharp-edged weapons, including knives, axes and even a sword, according to the department.

Approximately 1,000 have pleaded guilty — 682 to misdemeanors and 327 to felonies. Just over 200 defendants were found guilty at contested trials, including 10 who were convicted of seditious conspiracy.

Earlier Monday, Trump promised an overflow inauguration crowd in the Capitol Visitors Center that would deliver “action” for the Jan. 6 “hostages.”

He slammed Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-pardons-his-family-members-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-and-staff" target="_blank">preemptive pardoning</a>&nbsp;of the “unselect committee of political thugs,” referring to the former president’s Monday morning action for members and staff who served on the House select committee that probed the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Biden also preemptively pardoned police officers who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8WU8MRC2M8" target="_blank">testified</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/27/1020822066/4-officers-who-responded-to-capitol-riot-will-deliver-1st-testimonies-to-new-pan" target="_blank">before</a>&nbsp;the committee. The officers have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-dem-former-police-officers-lambast-trumps-jan-6-pardon-pledge" target="_blank">lambasted</a>&nbsp;Trump’s promise to pardon the rioters.

Former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, one of the officers to receive the pardon, said in a statement Monday that he “was just doing my job and fulfilling my oath” when “American citizens attacked the U.S. Capitol, injuring me and my colleagues.”

“Thank you President Biden for upholding our nation’s democracy, for your years of service to this country, and — in your final moments as Commander-in-Chief — issuing preemptive pardons for me and other loyal Americans. I did not seek a pardon, and I did nothing wrong. My family and I are grateful for your empathy and leadership.”

Trump pardons members of Jan. 6 mob who stormed U.S. Capitol to overturn 2020 election

WASHINGTON — On the first day of Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. Senate Monday passed a bill that would require the expansion of mass detention for immigrants charged or arrested for property crimes.

In a 64-35 vote,&nbsp;12 Democrats joined Republicans to send the bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5" target="_blank">S. 5</a>, known as the Laken Riley Act, back to the House for final passage&nbsp;due to two amendments that were agreed to by senators.

One<a href="https://www.congress.gov/amendment/119th-congress/senate-amendment/14" target="_blank">&nbsp;amendment</a>&nbsp;from Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn would add the assault of a law enforcement officer as an offense requiring mandatory detention.

Another&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/amendment/119th-congress/senate-amendment/8?s=a&amp;r=87" target="_blank">amendment</a>, from Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, would also require mandatory detention requirements for “any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person.”

When the measure is passed by the House, it’ll likely be one of the first bills signed into law by Trump, an early victory after he ran a presidential campaign promising mass deportations of immigrants in the country without proper legal authorization.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-officials-outline-planned-immigration-crackdown" target="_blank">Trump is set to sign 10 executive orders</a>&nbsp;to put in motion his immigration crackdown at the southern border.&nbsp;

The bill is named after 22-year-old Laken Riley, a&nbsp;nursing student who was murdered by a man who immigration authorities say entered the country illegally and was previously charged with shoplifting.

The measure would not only greatly expand the detention of immigrants arrested or charged with crimes outlined in the measure, but would give state attorneys general broad discretion to challenge federal immigration policy if enacted into law.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/immigration-lawyers-fear-laken-riley-bill-could-have-broad-impact-trump-takes-office" target="_blank">Immigration attorneys and experts have warned</a>&nbsp;the measure could have far-reaching ramifications, such as subjecting some migrants — including children and teens — to rapid detention and deportation.

Major GOP-led immigration measure passed by U.S. Senate, heads to House

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lawmaker-john-cavanaugh-offers-carrot-and-stick-plan-for-nebraskas-youngest-criminal-offenders/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A Nebraska lawmaker Friday said he has a “compromise” of sorts for those wanting adult consequences for younger kids involved in serious crimes and those who favor a more rehabilitative approach.

State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha introduced a bill that lowers to 13 the age at which a youth could face adult penalties for felony charges.&nbsp;

However, under<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB407.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;Legislative Bill 407,</a>&nbsp;cases for kids accused of major crimes — as young as 13 and up to 15 — first would have to be handled in juvenile court, which Cavanaugh said is more focused on rehabilitation.

LB 407 provides that court officials could later transfer those child felony offenders to adult court to face adult penalties if they fail to complete the juvenile court program.

“It’s like a carrot and stick,” Cavanaugh said. “The idea is to give an opportunity to get rehabilitated, and if you don’t take it then you still are subjected to the punishment.”

Also to be considered this legislative session is a separate proposed law change urged by Gov. Jim Pillen, which would lower the age at which a child could be detained for an alleged crime from 13 to 11. It also would drop the age, from 14 to 12, at which a minor can be charged as an adult for the most serious felonies.

State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston said he<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/16/nebraska-kids-could-be-detained-for-serious-crimes-younger-at-age-11-charged-as-adults-at-12/">&nbsp;soon will introduce that Pillen-backed bill,</a>&nbsp;which he said was driven also by Omaha-area crime and Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine.

Local

Region

Sports

Podcasts