West Central District Health Department

North Platte, Nebraska – The West Central District Health Department confirmed that a mosquito pool in Lincoln County has tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). The end of the summer season (August to September) is the most likely time of the year that positive West Nile samples are collected and reported. The health department is advising residents to continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NE DHHS), human WNV infections can follow in the wake of positive mosquito pools, with a peak around Labor Day and disappearing around mid-September.

Approximately 8 out of 10 of people infected with WNV do not experience symptoms. The remaining 2 out of 10 people may experience fever, rash, headache fatigue, and joint pain. Symptom onset is typically 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In rare cases, WNV can cause severe disease leading to possible muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma. Older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of experiencing more severe symptoms. There is no specific treatment for WNV. Symptomatic supportive care is provided when appropriate.

West Central District Health Department recommends people protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing lightweight protective clothing (including long-sleeved shirts and long pants) and by using an EPA registered Insect repellent.

Residents are encouraged to frequently drain containers and other standing or stagnant water around their homes to disrupt the breeding cycle of mosquitoes.

For the current 2024 WNV season, surveillance began in May and will continue through the end of September. WNV reports can be found by visiting the NE DHHS WNV Surveillance Data webpage: http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/West-Nile-Virus.aspx

Additional Information: CDC West Nile Virus Website: https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/about/index.html

Lincoln County Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile

Pals Brewing in North Platte will be the host site of the Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival this Saturday, September 14th. The event runs from 4:00pm-8:00pm with a special VIP hour from 3:00pm-4:00pm. Tickets are still available. Vendors will be on site as well.

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Paul Oettinger about the event. To learn more, check out the podcast below. To purchase tickets for the event, <a href="https://www.palsbrewingcompany.com/event-details/western-nebraska-craft-beer-festival-3">click here.&nbsp;</a>

(Audio) Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival tomorrow at Pals Brewing

North Platte, Neb. - The St. Patrick's Church is excited to be hosting the St. Patrick's Block Party this Saturday and Sunday in North Platte. The event on Saturday will run from 6:30pm - 11:00pm with a beer garden, nacho bar and more. On Sunday, the event runs from 12:00pm - 3:00pm and is geared towards activities for the kids but for everyone to enjoy. Raffle tickets are on sale for $2 and there are awesome prizes to win.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Father Sorenson about the event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) St. Patrick's Church Block Party is this weekend!

North Platte, Neb. - The 4th Annual International Bazaar is set for September 28th at the D&amp;N Event Center in North Platte. The event runs from 11:00am - 3:00pm. Admission is free however a free will donation and nonperishable goods will be accepted. The multicultural festival features around 21 different countries, authentic food and exhibit vendors, community education booths and so much more. The event is looking for volunteers to help. If you would like to volunteer, <a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094BAEAF2AA3F49-50191173-international?useFullSite=true#/">click here.&nbsp;</a>

On Friday, POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Yoko Lawing, Angela Hipp and Haven Smith about the upcoming event. To learn more, check out the podcast below and the posters below.&nbsp;

(Audio) 4th Annual International Bazaar set for September 28th in North Platte 

POST News Director Canon Rath chatted with Jeff Smeltzer from MPCC on Thursday about the upcoming Glen Miller Orchestra, upcoming courses and more. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) MPCC: Glen Miller Orchestra, September courses and more!

North Platte Post&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte, Neb. - The North Platte city council held a special and a regular meeting on September 3rd and different agendas were discussed amongst the council. Topics included approve the collective bargaining agreement between the city of NP and firefighters, first reading on ordinance No. 4182, approve the East Golden Road improvements, second reading of ordinance No. 4165 and so much more.&nbsp;

&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 September 3rd, 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, September 3rd recap

North Platte Post&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Connection Homeless Shelter has created a new sponsorship program with many levels for selection. The HUD contract that began a few months ago is off to a good start. Earlier in the week, POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Ashley Lewis about these topics. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Connection Homeless Shelter August conversation

North Platte, Neb. - The village of Hershey has officially kicked off the Hershey Fall Festival with the golf tournament today and family fun events running all day tomorrow leading up to the Colin Stough Concert. Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. You can purchase tickets at both Hershey State Bank or <a href="https://www.outhousetickets.com/Event/24030-Hershey_Fall_Festival_with_Colin_Stough_w__special_guests_BJ_Jamison_and_Drew_Phillips/">click here to purchase online.&nbsp;</a>

Post news director Canon Rath met up with Justin Petska to chat about the event. To learn more, check out the podcast below or for events going on, check out the graphic below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Hershey Fall Festival kicks off today, runs through Saturday

North Platte, Neb. - Monster trucks are heading to the Lincoln County Raceway for the Monster Truck Mania event this Saturday. Saturday will feature two shows, the first one beginning at 1:00 and last until 3:00pm and the second show begins at 7:00pm and will go until 9:00pm. Drivers will compete in different events and will finish the night off in the freestyle.&nbsp;

Tickets are available for both shows but the first show is selling quickly. The second show on Saturday features a family package deal for $50, but tickets are selling quickly.&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Paul Slimick, the driver of the Outlaw truck to talk about the show, different events and more. To learn more, check out the podcast below. To purchase tickets, <a href="https://event.attendstar.com/event/show/monster-truck-mania-north-platte-ne">click here.&nbsp;</a>

(Audio) Monster Truck Mania is crushing North Platte this Saturday

North Platte, Neb. - The West Central District Health Department is hosting an Overdose Awareness Walk and Narcan training/education this Saturday at the Centennial Park Gazebo. Registration begins at 7:45am with the Narcan training session at 8:15am and the walk set for 8:30am. During the training, folks will learn how to use a Narcan.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Meghan Trevino about the upcoming event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Overdose Awareness Walk set for this Saturday

North Platte, Neb. - The Prairie Arts Center is gearing up for a fun-filled event this Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm with plenty of activities for everyone to come out and enjoy. The morning session is filled with free classes for all skill levels to come out and enjoy. &nbsp;

Vendors and food trucks will also be on scene during the day. The Children's Museum will have chalk ready for the kids to enjoy. Starting around 1:00pm, amateur artists will take the stage and will have over an hour to paint a portrait.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier in the week POST News Director Canon Rath chatted with Holly Carlini about the upcoming event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Prairie Art Center gearing up for the Art Affair Event taking place this Saturday!

The Hot Sheets: September 13th, 2024

Lincoln, NE – Time is running out to turn in a truck-winning ticket from a recent Nebraska Lottery Scratch game.

One Ford F-150 truck remains to win in the Nebraska Lottery’s 2023 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game. The game has closed, and holders of winning tickets have until September 18, 2024, to claim prizes.

Introduced in May 2023, the 28th edition of the $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game featured the 2023 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew Flex Fuel truck as its top prize, as well as cash and Ethanol-enriched fuel prizes. The game has sold out and there is no ticket inventory left.

Nebraska Lottery Scratch tickets are valid for 180 days after the game closing date. The 2023 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game began the closing process on March 22. Tickets from the game must be redeemed by Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

Players with Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch tickets are encouraged to check them using the Nebraska Lottery mobile app, visiting a lottery retailer, or contacting the Nebraska Lottery at 402-471-6100. If the truck winning ticket expires, then the truck prize will be given away in the Lucky Drive promotion at&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>&nbsp;September 24 – October 14.

To date, seven Ford F-150 trucks have been claimed by Nebraska Lottery players in the 2023 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ game. Lucas Swarthout of North Platte claimed the seventh truck on February 12, 2024.

The truck prize is valued at $81,000, which includes $1,160 for costs associated with ownership and state and federal withholding paid by the Nebraska Lottery of $4,050 and $19,400, respectively. The odds of winning the top prize in Truck$ &amp; Buck$ are 1 in 336,000, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.69.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Time is Running Out to Claim Truck from 2023 Truck$ & Buck$ Scratch Game

NORTH PLATTE, NE, September 12, 2024 -- North Platte High School Booster Club is again hosting the 2024 NPHS Homecoming Parade.

Join us on Wednesday, September 18th for the NPHS Homecoming Parade, pep rally, and fireworks! We want to celebrate NPHS Bulldog Homecoming as a community! Lineup for the parade is at 6:30 pm at 2nd and Bailey, and the parade will start at 7:00 pm. 

Immediately following, a community pep rally will be held at 7:30 pm in the front Pizza Ranch parking lot where homecoming royalty will be crowned. After the crowning ceremony, there will be a fireworks show at 8:15 pm.

We look forward to seeing The Historic Canteen District filled with blue and gold!&nbsp;&nbsp;

NPHS Homecoming Parade Scheduled for September 18th

The Hot Sheets: September 12th, 2024

Nebraska Department of Transportation

Sept. 11, 2024 (McCook, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin Sept. 23 on US-83, from reference post 44.76 to 55.41, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT).

Paulsen, Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. This project is part of the Super 2 Corridor from McCook to North Platte. Work starting this fall will include bridge replacement, grading and culvert extensions. The remaining work of adding passing lanes, performing bridge repair, earth shoulder construction, seeding, milling and overlaying the road with asphalt will start spring 2025.

Traffic will be maintained with lane restrictions, temporary traffic signals for bridge work, and a pilot car and flaggers. Traffic will be reduced to one lane during bridge construction. NDOT is planning to utilize a phasing plan that will reduce the amount of time the lane closures will be in place by building the entire box culvert under the bridge while two-way traffic is maintained on the bridge. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place. Anticipated completion is winter 2025.

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

Work will begin on US-83, Wellfleet South project

North Platte Post/Sandhills Post/Panhandle Post&nbsp;

A Red Flag Warning will go in effect this afternoon for much of the listening area beginning at 1:00pm (CT)/12:00pm (MT) and will expire Thursday night at 11:00pm (CT)/10:00pm (MT). According to the National Weather Service, North Platte office (NWS), the warning is for parts of Central Nebraska and Western Nebraska.&nbsp;

The NWS states strong southerly winds are expected and will continue through the overnight hours. Thursday afternoon will see the strongest wind gust. &nbsp;

Thursday wind gusts can reach anywhere from 25 - 30 mph with excessive wind gust of 40 mph. Any fire started could quickly spread. Check with your local fire departments about fire bans in the area.&nbsp;

Red Flag Warning in effect until late Thursday evening

The Hot Sheets: September 11th, 2024

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

Tierney Petersen (Cemetery, City Hall, Economic Development)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

09/10 City of Grant City Council Meeting Agenda

Hastings, Neb. – The North Platte Community College volleyball team was defeated in straight sets by Hastings College JV on Thursday evening.

Nya Lual led the way with eight kills, while Ella Rotherham and Kathryn Folkers tallied three kills apiece. Rotherham and Trinity Beutler each added three service aces in the match.

North Platte fell behind early as ten straight points helped the Broncos garner the momentum in the opening set. Back-to-back service aces from Jaelyn Dicke helped cut the margin to seven midway through the set. Hastings settled back into rhythm to take the opening frame, 25-13. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Knights countered early in the second set, as a kill by Jocelyn Cheek helped North Platte take a 10-7 lead. A short rally evened the set at 14-14, before the Broncos took control of the set. Knights attempted to steal back the momentum, but Hastings never faltered down the stretch to take a two-set advantage.

Hastings continued to flex their strength, jumping out to a 7-4 lead. A 4-0 rally sparked the Knights offense as a kill by Folkers helped shift the momentum. Slowly the Broncos chipped away at the margin until they knotted it up at 14-14. The run continued late to aid in the Broncos sweep.

North Platte (3-11) will play a set of games on Friday beginning with Southwestern University JV. First serve is set for noon inside Nellis Hall in Coffeyville, Kan.

Broncos down Knights to open weekend road trip

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Nebraska (3-3-0) opens conference play on Thursday, Sept. 12 as it travels to Iowa to face the #17 Hawkeyes (4-0-2). The 18th meeting between the two teams is set for 7 p.m. (CT) and will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.&nbsp;

The Huskers continue their road-match streak, facing Michigan State on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. (CT) and Michigan on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 12 p.m. (CT). Action against the Spartans will air on BTN, while the match against the Wolverines will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Huskers travel to #17 Iowa to open Big Ten play 

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The now sixth-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team got 13 kills from sophomore outside&nbsp;Carly Purdy&nbsp;and 19 players took to the court in a sweep of Peru State (-<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2024/peru-state/boxscore/7951">10, -13, -18</a>) Tuesday night at the Health &amp; Sports Center.

This was the home opener for the Lopers who host the annual Rosella Meier Fall Classic this weekend. The opponents will be Chadron State, Missouri Southern, Mary (N.D.) and Oklahoma Christian.

"I was more concerned about how some of our young kids would play. Some of them haven't played yet. We had not been able to get (freshman DS)&nbsp;Rhyan Mock&nbsp;on the court yet. She played well and that's good to see because I think we'll need her to be able to contribute," said Loper head coach&nbsp;Rick Squiers. "We also need Carly to continue to play .. she's doing some nice things."

UNK was hitting over .400 heading into the third set and got kills from 11 different players. Purdy (North Platte) had the hottest hand, reaching her match-high total in 23 swings (.478 pct.). Next, junior outside&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;(Hays, Kan.) had eight kills and hit .333 with senior outside&nbsp;Asha Reiger&nbsp;(Newton, Kan.) at five kills in just eight attempts (.625 pct.).

"We certainly had some sloppy stretches and that's not what we were looking for. Some of our young kids looked like they were so that's why you play a match or two like this. Get that out of their system before we need them in a MIAA match," said Squiers. "It calms the nerves that, when we need to, we can set a ball outside and we have options that can get us a kill." &nbsp;

Defensively, fourteen different Lopers dug a ball with five having a block. From the service line, redshirt sophomore DS&nbsp;Lexi Stephens&nbsp;(Ankeny, Ia.) had three of UNK's nine aces. She's now up to 13 aces in 14 sets played to date.

"Very happy for Lexi. She has gone from playing a lot her freshman year (2022) to taking a redshirt because it didn't look like she was going to be in the rotation. And, quite honestly, it didn't look like she was going to be in the rotation this year until maybe two days before we left last week," said Squiers. "She practiced her way in there, got a shot and took advantage of it playing well and serving tough."

Peru State was paced by Raevyn Russell (six kills, four digs, one block). They also emptied the bench, sending 16 different players to the court.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UNK Volleyball: #6 Lopers Sweep the Bobcats

Story by NU Athletic Communications

LINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 5 Nebraska volleyball team won a 3-2 thriller against No. 9 Creighton on Tuesday night, 25-19, 25-16, 31-33, 16-25, 15-10, in front of a crowd of 8,924 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.&nbsp;

Nebraska improved to 6-1 on the season while Creighton suffered its first loss to fall to 5-1.&nbsp;

The Huskers were balanced offensively with Harper Murray (16 kills), Andi Jackson (15 kills), Lindsay Krause (15 kills) and Merritt Beason (14 kills) leading the way. Murray had a double-double with her 16 kills and 14 digs, and Jackson had career highs in both kills (15) and blocks (8) while hitting .379. Krause added five blocks, and Beason hit .306. Rebekah Allick chipped in nine kills and hit .333.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly had a career-high 57 assists to go with 13 digs, three blocks and three kills. Lexi Rodriguez put up a season-best 21 digs. Laney Choboy added 12, and Olivia Mauch had seven.&nbsp;

Nebraska had a .234 hitting percentage in the match, and Creighton hit .209.&nbsp;

Norah Sis had 24 kills and 11 digs for Creighton. Ava Martin totaled 17 kills and 17 digs.&nbsp;

Set 1: A 4-0 run put the Huskers up 8-4. Jackson had two kills and a block with Murray, who also had a kill. After Creighton got a sideout kill, Reilly dumped a kill to the floor, Jackson and Krause combined for a block, and Murray served an ace to make it 11-5 Huskers. Kills by Krause and Murray made it 13-6 NU, but Creighton scored three in a row to cut it to 13-9. A kill by Beason preceded a kill by Murray on the longest rally of the set, and NU led 17-10. Two more kills by Jackson and Murray and a block by Jackson and Krause made it 21-13 Big Red. The Bluejays pulled within 22-17, but Krause connected for a kill and Creighton hit out for set point. The Huskers won 25-19, hitting .250 and holding Creighton to .100.&nbsp;

Set 2: Creighton held a 5-3 lead when kills by Murray and Jackson tied the score. Three blocks in a row by the Big Red made it 9-7 with Reilly and Allick contributing on two of them. Allick added a kill as the Huskers pushed their advantage to 12-8. Allick and Jackson struck three straight kills, and Jackson and Murray posted a block as the Huskers went up 18-11. Creighton went on a 4-1 spurt to pull within 19-15, but Jackson posted a sideout kill and Krause tacked on another as the Huskers built the lead to 23-15 after the 4-0 run. Allick put the set away, 25-16, with her sixth kill. NU hit .333 and held the Jays to .032.&nbsp;

Set 3: Nebraska's first lead of the set came at 11-10 after Murray rolled a shot to the floor, and Krause followed with an ace. After Creighton regained the lead, Jackson, Murray and Krause posted four straight kills, and Krause and Allick combined for a block and a 20-16 lead. Nebraska led 23-21, but Sis produced back-to-back kills, and Martin added one for set point for Creighton, 24-23. Murray came up big with her ninth kill to tie the score 24-24, but Martin rolled a kill to the floor for another set point. An incredible defensive effort to keep a ball alive at the net led to another kill by Murray, and on the next rally Murray tipped a kill for match point, 26-25. Creighton turned to Martin again for a kill and a 26-26 tie, but Reilly set Krause for a 27-26 match point. A Creighton block made it 27-27, and the Huskers mishandled a Creighton serve to put the Jays back on top, 28-27. Krause stepped up once again for the Big Red with her 11th kill to tie it 28-28, and Creighton touched the net to make it 29-28 Huskers. Then Sis tied the score at 29-29 with her 16th kill, but a back-row kill from Murray earned match point No. 4 for the Big Red. The Bluejays then posted a block and got a kill from Sis to make it 31-30, but Allick answered with a kill to tie it 31-31. However, Sis and Martin recorded back-to-back kills to give Creighton the 33-31 win.&nbsp;

Set 4: Creighton bolted to a 7-3 advantage as Nebraska called timeout. Creighton led 10-5 before kills by Jackson and Murray helped get NU within 11-8. But the Jays answered with a 5-0 run to go up 16-8. Creighton won the set, 25-16, to force a set five for the third time in the history of the series. Creighton hit .306 in the set and held NU to -.024. &nbsp;

Set 5: With Reilly serving to open the set, Krause terminated a kill before Allick hammered down an overpass, and another kill by Krause made it 3-0 Huskers. A Creighton service error and a kill by Beason put NU ahead 5-1. Allick, Jackson and Reilly tallied kills to take NU to an 8-4 lead as the teams changed sides. Reilly and Murray added kills for a 10-5 lead before Creighton scored two in a row to cut it to 10-7. But Krause's 15th kill made it 11-7. A kill by Beason kept NU in front, 13-9, and Jackson terminated her 15th kill for match point, 14-9. Murray's 16th kill ended the five-set thriller, 15-10.&nbsp;

Up Next: NU hosts the Nebraska Classic this weekend at the Devaney Center. The Huskers will play No. 14 Arizona State on Friday at 7 p.m. and Wichita State on Saturday at 2 p.m.&nbsp;

No. 5 Huskers win thriller against No. 9 Creighton

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

Fort Dodge, Iowa – The North Platte Community College men's golf team wrapped up action at the Iowa Central Fall Kickoff on Monday. Knights concluded the tournament 47-over par to finish in 11th place.

Taytom Timbers&nbsp;led the way with a round of 77 to finish in 12th. Freshman&nbsp;Layne Smotzer&nbsp;carded an 82 (+11), while&nbsp;Treyten York&nbsp;(+12) finished just one stroke behind from his teammate.

Caeson Clarke&nbsp;(+14),&nbsp;Cole Kramer&nbsp;(+15) and&nbsp;Tristen Timbers&nbsp;(+24) rounded out the North Platte scorers at the Fort Dodge Country Club.

Knights will return to the course for the two-day Northeastern Junior College Invite in Sterling, Colo. beginning on Sept. 19.

North Platte12.&nbsp;Taytom Timbers&nbsp;– 77 (+6)37.&nbsp;Layne Smotzer&nbsp;– 82 (+11)45.&nbsp;Treyten York&nbsp;– 83 (+12)58.&nbsp;Caeson Clarke&nbsp;– 85 (+14)65.&nbsp;Cole Kramer&nbsp;– 86 (+15)78.&nbsp;Tristen Timbers&nbsp;– 95 (+24)Team StandingsIowa Lakes CC – 303 (+19)Iowa Central CC (A) – 306 (+22)Southwestern CC – 312 (+28)Iowa Central CC (B) – 312 (+28)Southeast CC – 314 (+30)North Iowa Area CC (A) – 316 (+32)Grand View – 318 (+34)Des Moines Area CC – 319 (+35)Simpson (B) – 323 (+39)Iowa Central CC (C) – 329 (+45)

Knights finish play at the Iowa Central Fall Kickoff

Fort Dodge, Iowa. – The North Platte Community College women's golf team opened their inaugural season at the Iowa Central Fall Kickoff on Monday.

Freshman&nbsp;Kaylee Carlson&nbsp;paced the Knights with an 18-hole score of 100 (+29).&nbsp;Kristyn Woolley&nbsp;carded a round of 111 (+40), while&nbsp;Esperanza Mendoza-Rama&nbsp;rounded out the Knights players with a round of 116 (+45).

North Platte will return to the course for the two-day Northeastern Junior College Invite in Sterling, Colo. beginning on Sept. 19.

Knights open inaugural season at Iowa Central Fall Kickoff

Hastings St. Cecilia 15 vs North Platte 3

Amherst def. Broken Bow, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21 (3-0)

Arthur County def. Creek Valley, 25-13, 25-18 (2-0)

Morrill def. Arthur County, 25-21, 25-16 (2-0)

Bertrand def. Medicine Valley, 25-17, 25-6, 25-13 (3-0)

Brady def. Paxton, 25-15, 25-19, 25-19 (3-0)

Cambridge def. Dundy County Stratton, 25-17, 25-13 (2-0)

Chase County def. Yuma, CO, 25-16, 22-25, 25-13, 25-21 (3-1)

Garden County def. Bridgeport, 25-22, 20-25, 25-15 (2-1)

Garden County def. Kimball, 25-20, 25-16 (2-0)

Gering def. North Platte, 24-26, 25-20, 25-22, 17-25, 15-10 (3-2)

Maywood-Hayes Center def. Arapahoe, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20 (2-1)

Maywood-Hayes Center def. Loomis, 22-25, 25-23, 25-19 (2-1)

North Platte St. Patrick's def. Cambridge, 25-23, 25-22 (2-0)

North Platte St. Patrick's def. Dundy County Stratton, 19-25, 25-16, 25-20 (2-1)

Ogallala def. McCook, 25-12, 25-23, 25-23 (3-0)

Perkins County def. Hitchcock County, 25-23, 25-18 (2-0)

Perkins County def. Wallace, 23-25, 25-12, 25-22 (2-1)

Pleasanton def. Anselmo-Merna, 25-21, 25-14, 25-22 (3-0)

Southern Valley def. Elm Creek, 25-23, 25-23 (2-0)

Southern Valley def. Franklin, 25-22, 25-17 (2-0)

Southwest def. Hi-Line, 25-13, 25-13, 25-14 (3-0)

Wallace def. Hitchcock County, 25-23, 25-22 (2-0)

Area Sports scores from Tuesday 9-10

Southern Valley 10 vs Arcadia-Loup City 44

Sutherland 10 vs North Platte St. Patrick's 67

Area Football scores from Friday night 9-6

Football - Lincoln East @ NPHS Bulldogs

Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;(Sep. 5, 2024)&nbsp;—Nebraska NetFest is set to deliver a thrilling weekend of pickleball and volleyball action on October 12-13, 2024.&nbsp;This event brings together athletes from across the state to compete in both sports, fostering a sense of community and healthy competition.

The Buffalo County Fairgrounds will host NetFest Volleyball for 3rd-8th Grade teams, with 3rd-6th graders playing Saturday, Oct. 12 and 7th-8th grade divisions playing Sunday, Oct. 13.&nbsp;Teams are encouraged to register early before the price increases on Sep. 10. The final registration deadline is Oct. 4.

NetFest Pickleball for ages 16 and up will be held at Horizon and Sunrise Middle Schools.&nbsp;Registration closes at the end of the day Friday, Sep. 27 for NetFest Pickleball, and officials expect more than 100 players will participate.

Those interested, can register and find information under the events tab at&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wA9zbAzvEOikTdn_xnlZg2WZqiSR9eV6IYp9cYMgC-_FXmc1C7gcdJhonXjaojgJB_AgkzYhrZRUkL9IcpUH11XTxfARhaDdu7gY9AJZK_gZB80C8s_Zemp72Ok_Kgl__1gL5kTtNNsT_KiStD0YLook1Ux33-pdwBSZELmzck4=&amp;c=YoB8NWz9G_AhArDPNa9cxuvGSMT3TvEiFNgNkh0v1q_kipBnqTLRPg==&amp;ch=uyYFyPHtQBvaojvUG60pGYJAiv6cJeW-3os9p_L2BPUEkSZYM1TwlQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

Presenting Partner for Nebraska NetFest is&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wA9zbAzvEOikTdn_xnlZg2WZqiSR9eV6IYp9cYMgC-_FXmc1C7gcdNWKpyiR9vuO0NzfDtpSgbKa8qeruNNUDo5Hptme0cbH6QhcRshbSMS9J_dAi0eEXq1PVpg8gbDGngkm5fdQ7uCEeYHujJXvBg==&amp;c=YoB8NWz9G_AhArDPNa9cxuvGSMT3TvEiFNgNkh0v1q_kipBnqTLRPg==&amp;ch=uyYFyPHtQBvaojvUG60pGYJAiv6cJeW-3os9p_L2BPUEkSZYM1TwlQ==" target="_blank">Visit Kearney</a>.&nbsp;Community partners assisting in the events include Nebraska Volleyball Academy, USA Volleyball, Kearney Parks &amp; Recreation, Buffalo County Fairgrounds, Kearney Public Schools, Younes Hospitality, AKRS Equipment, Angus Burgers &amp; Shakes, Black Hills Energy,&nbsp;Edgewater Insurance, NDOT Highway Safety Office, &amp; MCL Construction.

Nebraska NetFest is conducted by the Nebraska Sports Council, a 501 c 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide quality sports competition and promote healthy-lifestyles for Nebraskans of all ages and abilities.&nbsp;Platinum partners include Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, the Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln.

Nebraska NetFest Set For October 12-13 In Kearney

Lincoln -- The Nebraska Supreme Court today ordered the Secretary of State to end his shenanigans, respect the will of the people, and put the Repeal of LB1402’s voucher scheme on the ballot.

“We thank the state Supreme Court for protecting one of the most important rights we have as Nebraska citizens – the right to petition our government for the redress of grievances,” said&nbsp;Jenni Benson, Support Our Schools Nebraska.

“At every turn, those wanting to use public funds to pay for their private schools have fought against the right of Nebraskans to vote on this issue,” said&nbsp;Benson. “These voucher proponents want to impose their costly private school voucher scheme on Nebraska taxpayers. But public school supporters from all across our state joined together to protect our public schools with two successful petition drives and a winning defense of the petition process in the Nebraska Supreme Court.”

“We join Nebraska’s public school educators in celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision to preserve the right of Nebraskans to vote on whether to direct their taxpayer dollars to private institutions. We applaud their decision to maintain the long-held, intentional and careful process of appropriating funds by the Legislature, an important tenet of effective fiscal management by the state of Nebraska,” said&nbsp;Dr. Rebecca Firestone, executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute.&nbsp;“We are confident our neighbors will research this issue carefully before November and vote to repeal Section 1 of LB 1402, as they have in state after state.”

“It has been a hard-fought battle to ensure Nebraskans get to vote on the Repeal of LB1402 –&nbsp; and it’s going to get worse when Senator Linehan, Betsy DeVos and their billionaire buddies pour MILLIONS into ads in their attempts to mislead voters about LB1402, our public schools, students and educators,” said&nbsp;Tim Royers, Support Our Schools Nebraska and president of the Nebraska State Education Association.

“These voucher proponents have made it clear they will stop at nothing in their effort to take public funds away from our public schools,” said&nbsp;Benson. “But Nebraskans support public education&nbsp; – they know their local public schools are the heart of their communities. Our coalition of Nebraska organizations will continue to push back and tell the truth about the damage LB1402 will do to our local public schools, communities, and students.”

“The stakes are far too high to give anything less than we can – for this fight is about the legacy of public education and future generations of Nebraskans,” said&nbsp;Royers. “We are asking Nebraskans to vote to REPEAL LB1402 to keep public funds for public education. Our public schools serve 90% of all children in Nebraska. They accept all students and our public school teachers work daily to provide every one of their students with a quality education that will help them succeed.”

Since last summer, the Support Our Schools Nebraska coalition has collected more than 200,000 signatures from Nebraskans who believe voters should decide whether public funds should be used to pay for private schools.

Several Nebraska organizations are advocating for the Repeal of LB1402, including the League of Women Voters of Nebraska, the Nebraska PTA, Nebraska Farmers Union, OpenSky Policy Institute, Holland Children’s Movement, Stand For Schools, the ARC of Nebraska, the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table, the Nebraska State Education Association and more.

SUPREME COURT ORDERS SECRETARY OF STATE  TO PUT THE REPEAL OF LB1402 ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024&nbsp;— The American Red Cross is encouraging everyone to take critical actions during&nbsp;National Preparedness Month this September to be ready for worsening disasters. Deadly storms and floods, raging fires and extreme heat are becoming more frequent and intense and families are experiencing the effects.

“Disasters can happen at any time, often without warning, changing lives forever in just minutes,” said Josh Murray,&nbsp;spokesperson for the American Red Cross Serving Nebraska.&nbsp;“We continue to see increased extreme weather making it critical to help protect our loved ones. National Preparedness Month is the ideal time to get your household ready for emergencies.”

Get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected.&nbsp;Follow these steps to prepare for emergencies:

Extreme weather is increasing in frequency and intensity. Already this year, Nebraska has experienced multiple tornado outbreaks, severe flooding, wildfires and power outages.&nbsp;Plus,&nbsp;2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record&nbsp;according to experts. With the changing seasons comes cooler temperatures, but that brings increased home fires.

When disasters happen—whether it is here in Nebraska or around the country—the Red Cross is there providing food, shelter and comfort to ensure no one faces such a difficult time alone. To help families better cope with this worsening climate crisis, the Red Cross is also enhancing our support for those who need it most and increasing our capacity to respond to non-stop disasters.

Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC8E4-2FIqwtiZ3BHZgUNGrdigFtSziZ-2BgUz3C5pEyl-2BQkm0RjOzwQt1D2QHXResPx-2B3rTzJNWa4X09WrE3kcnBK4F07K4DL0kAGRxkoe8ftYfeYSvokJshRqPxmvucF8fWFQ-3D-3Dji0d_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5jgv3LEz5aPKT9cWJHPUehVJZ0YbUqpqHfIxdZ1j2mdYOGUtmFq2PeS8thBivbXtJbbUVu995ScU-2BQotJuSij0KVmE7MCmr14fsEm0YTne4W5tXnsec8W2AlXCM853tBVHThKQh2MT2mlBQI307aiNF7MXXidiUxyWX3gkxbUPxIK2I7ln-2FI1hSswoEfynlQ0pNitOrbp8vgc6qkZKLIflXdUCdLKsi93kit9Jaw7ULk-3D">redcross.org</a><a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdQDUSRTVVNhCpuFViEAZkUx5H0UHE0CbYNbh-2FCnwgI2LStal_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEx5eOh2mcWHIGY492PIfsWsyGWhoO2mGEzQUR6nhbB8CykBOZZWoxvATOmu6Yp5P5jgv3LEz5aPKT9cWJHPUehVJZ0YbUqpqHfIxdZ1j2mdYOGUtmFq2PeS8thBivbXtJbbUVu995ScU-2BQotJuSij0AcISUpIsF5xchp1XNFMlHq4QnKdn45Yxv4-2BzV-2B9X3CLej1qOdQXIpbykLZxT0neayteI0stUD8pGqVE4NU0a2Cl8fGoMV-2BLONxqEsIF5H9Ap3H9rNbOzN4xusxosgX8XAHY4U4uo7J2Y3OdketLkdo-3D">&nbsp;or call&nbsp;</a>800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.

Prepare your household now for more frequent extreme weather

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

&nbsp; WASHINGTON ­–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, cosponsored the Senate version of the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday by a bipartisan vote of 219-199.

The bill would protect American sovereignty against the World Health Organization’s (WHO) intergovernmental negotiating body. It would require that any convention or agreement by the negotiating body related to pandemic prevention or response is deemed a treaty. A treaty requires the advice and consent of a supermajority of the Senate.

“The American people never agreed to be governed by an intergovernmental body headquartered an ocean away—so we must protect America’s sovereignty against overreach by the World Health Organization. Our legislation will prevent future attempts by WHO to unilaterally determine what our country can and cannot do during a pandemic,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) led the introduction of the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act in the Senate, and U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) led its introduction in the House of Representatives. In addition to Senators Fischer and Johnson, the legislation is cosponsored by all 47 of their Republican colleagues.

The full text of the legislation can be viewed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/1b87fafb-36be-4c58-b552-0ddbaef50be7/118th-congress---no-who-pandemic-preparedness-treaty-without-senate-approval-act.pdf">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

House Passes Fischer-Backed Bill Protecting American Sovereignty Against World Health Organization

&nbsp;(Lincoln, Neb.) — With the second of three consecutive night games for Nebraska football this Saturday, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds drivers to expect to see an increase in traffic, especially late at night. 

When traveling to Lincoln, fans need to continue to plan for heavier traffic and road construction along the way. Drivers should allow more time to get to their destination and prepare for more than normal traffic on the roadways during evening hours. NDOT reminds travelers that construction is active for the following areas:

• I-80 from the Elm Creek interchange (MM 252) to the Odessa interchange (MM 264). This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.

• I-80 from the Lexington interchange (MM 237) to the Overton interchange (MM 248). This is reduced to one lane, each direction, with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.

• Hwy 77 and Hwy 109 Junction near Wahoo. This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a reduced speed limit.

• I-80 from the Pleasant Dale interchange (MM 388) to NW 48th Street interchange (MM 395) in Lincoln 

The speed limit is 65 miles per hour in this construction zone. Additionally, use caution when coming into Lincoln on Interstate 180 (I-180). Due to hotel construction near Memorial Stadium, I-180 will have lane restrictions to accommodate pedestrian traffic as you arrive in downtown Lincoln. Watch for pedestrians throughout the evening and expect traffic to travel slower in this area as game time approaches. 

With another kickoff slated for evening hours, NDOT encourages people to designate a sober driver or ride if their gameday activities include drinking. Just as importantly, remember to buckle up before you leave and put the phone down. Before setting out for your destination, set your favorite navigation app with your destination, this is a great resource for traffic updates. 

For more information about construction projects and lane closures, check 511 Nebraska and the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities website, Facebook or X. For gameday information, visit the Husker’s website.

Another night game brings heavy nighttime traffic

September 11, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— A Nebraska State Trooper and K9 have received a national honor for their work with the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Team.

Trooper Austin Donner and K9 Tilt were awarded the K9 SWAT Deployment Award by the National Tactical Officers Association. The NTOA made the presentation Monday at their annual conference, held this year in Kansas City.

“Our Police Service Dog handlers and K9s provide tremendous value for our SWAT Team,” said Captain Dain Hicks, Commander of NSP Special Operations. “The skill these teams demonstrate on a regular basis is outstanding, no matter the situation. Trooper Donner and Tilt are well deserving of this recognition.”

Trooper Donner has been a K9 handler for six years and has been a member of the NSP SWAT Team for seven years. Tilt has been assigned to Trooper Donner for three years. Tilt is a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, named in honor of decorated U.S. Army Special Forces MACV-SOG veteran John Stryker “Tilt” Meyer.

Trooper and K9 Receive National Recognition

LINCOLN, NEB. – Lower health insurance cost to Nebraska individuals and families is a high priority to Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB). As a result, NEFB has introduced a new product, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, that could be a game changer in lowering health insurance costs for all Nebraskans.

“The current health care insurance market discriminates against self-employed individuals and small business owners because they are not eligible for the discounted rates available under employer-sponsored plans. This includes farmers, ranchers, and nearly all small business owners in the state,” said Mark McHargue NEFB president. “Beginning, Oct. 1, 2024, Nebraska Farm Bureau will launch the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, a new and exclusive health plan option providing significantly lower health costs than the federal marketplace,” McHargue said.

Nebraska Farm Bureau worked to pass LB 1313 in the last legislative session. The bill allows health benefit plans to be sponsored by certain nonprofit agricultural organizations, such as Nebraska Farm Bureau. These plans are not considered insurance, but are medically underwritten and are individually rated, allowing them to be offered at significant savings when compared to ACA marketplace plans.

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans provide coverages and services typically offered under traditional health insurance plans, including office visits, hospitalization, preventive care, emergency room services and maternity care. Mental health and substance abuse care will also be covered,” said Kelsey Scheer, assistant director of NEFB Health Plans. “These plans are high-quality, dependable, and affordable health coverage plans for individuals and families, featuring a nationwide PPO network of providers, United HealthCare Choice Plus, which offers services across the state, and has various levels of deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums,” Scheer said.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans offer comprehensive, benefit-rich options at rates that can be 30% to 50% less than unsubsidized plans offered under the ACA.

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans will provide these benefits under a self-funded arrangement administered by a licensed third-party administrator, which is Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee. The organization administers these types of health plans to six state Farm Bureaus across the U.S.,” said Billy Fields director of state alliance operations for Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee.

While individuals who are self-employed or own a small business could benefit from these plans, anyone can apply. In addition, a Nebraska Farm Bureau membership is required to apply for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans. If approved for the health coverage, you must maintain your NEFB membership to keep your NEFB Health Plan active. Nebraska&nbsp;<a>Farm Bureau members can apply for the NEFB Health Plans anytime of the year, and there is no re-enrollment period like other programs.&nbsp;</a>Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) agents in Nebraska will exclusively sell these plans to NEFB members. For more information go to our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefbhp.com/" target="_blank">www.nefbhp.com</a>.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

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