City of North Platte announces office will be closed during president's day

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with Jacob Brandl, the Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss last week's crazy games, which concluded with the Knights winning their last two against inner state rivals Central and Southeast. Coach Brandl also opens up about his coaching philosophies and overall culture goals for his program.

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #7 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

North Platte, Neb. - Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren has a had a busy schedule for her with plenty different events to attend but she recently attended the Miss America Pageant in Orland Florida in late December to early January. During her trip to Florida, Warren experienced many different fun filled activities and connecting with the other states misses. Miss Nebraska roommate was Miss Montana and for Warren there might have been an 8-year age gap, but the two had a blast.&nbsp;

"It was really fun because I am one of the oldest candidates but I'm 28 and my roommate was 20 and it was quite fun. There's an age gap there but we did some Tik Tok videos, and we had so much fun together rehearsing, we got to do a ton of production rehearsals," said Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren.&nbsp;

Also happening this weekend in North Platte is the Crown and Gowns which welcomes the 2025 contestants who are in town for their headshots, get their gowns and attend workshops. On Friday, all the 2025 contestants are meeting up with Miss Nebraska for a big roller-skating party. Warren plans on keeping herself busy for the next 6 months doing events throughout the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren to talk about her experience and everything else going on. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren stops by the Eagle Studio to recap her experience at the Miss America  Pageant  and more!

North Platte, Neb. - A local fan favorite event is back in North Platte on February 7th when the Business &amp; Professional Women - NP host the Wine and Brew Event. The event is taking place at Venue 304 and doors open at 6:00pm with the event starting at 6:30pm. Tickets are limited at the door, so purchase your tickets online by<a href="https://www.northplattebpw.com/events-1/wine-brew-1"> clicking here.</a> &nbsp;

Different local brewers will be on site and guests can try all the different wines and brews brought to the event. There will also be a silent auction that has lots of great items to bid on.&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Brandy Jamerman, the president of the Business &amp; Professional Women - NP about the event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Business & Professional Women - NP preparing to host this years Wine & Brew event!

North Platte, Neb. - The Prairie Arts Center in North Platte has announced a new variety of classes that community members can take. There are plenty of classes that everyone can enjoy. The PAC also welcomes in 2 new galleries beginning in February. Lastly the PAC will be launching two new programs.&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Holly Carlini from the PAC about all the news things going on. The Prairie Arts Center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 11am - 4pm. To view the PAC website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prairieartscenter.org/">click here.</a>&nbsp;to learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Prairie Arts Center announces different classes, new galleries and more!

Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Scrappy the president for 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. 

The GOC is still looking for teams to participate in the event. If you would like to participate, it does cost $45 per team. To get the contact information, check out the flyer attached to the story.

To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Guardians of the Children invites the community to the 11th annual "Caller" chili/soup & rib/meat cookoff and silent auction this Saturday

North Platte, Neb. - When most folks here 4-H, they instantly think it's animal showing, which there is plenty of that. However, there are different areas of activities for 4-H'rs to get involved in and one of those areas is the entrepreneurship project.&nbsp;

Emersyn Sheard, a local 4-h'r for Lincoln, Logan and McPherson County spent this past summer doing different activities but one of those activities was her entrepreneurship project which was a robot that can clean your room.&nbsp;

"For my four H entrepreneurship project, I identified a problem that I think most people relate to keeping their room clean. I know we can all struggle with that, and it can be overwhelming to find the time and motivation to tidy up. So, I came up with a solution, a robot that could clean your room for you, " said Emersyon Sheard. " I designed a prototype which was more like a concept or an idea to show what the robot could look like and how it could work. Through this project I learned about the importance of problem solving. It was fun to learn how to gather data with a survey."&nbsp;

Sheard also participated in food and nutrition, sewing, entrepreneurship and art and crafts and plans on to do many of those activities once again this summer.&nbsp;

To learn more In-depth about the entrepreneurship project and Sheard experience with 4-H, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Local 4'Hr designed a cleaning robot for her entrepreneurship project

North Platte, Neb. - Exciting times are upon us at the North Platte Regional Airport is making numerous changes. Earlier in the fall, the city welcomed state and federal leaders alongside local leaders, community members and more for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new terminal building.&nbsp;

The terminal will bring a new, modern look. Also, the terminal is scheduled to be done in Spring 2026, but if nice weather continues, the project could move along a tad bit quicker. While the terminal has been the highlight at the airport, the committee have brained storm and discussed new projects to be done. North Platte also saw a record-breaking year in 2024 and wants to build off that success.&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath had the chance to with Dan Phelps from the North Platte Airport Authority. The duo discussed the new terminal, how expansion of the airport can help economic development in North Platte, how the existing building will be repurposed and so much more. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.northplatteairport.com/new-places">To view the terminal project, click here.</a>

(Audio) Take off! Learn the Latest Updates with the North Platte Regional Airport!

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with Jacob Brandl, the Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss how he feels after last week's games going 1-1 and key areas he wants to see improvement within the team with conference play heating up.

Knight's Weekly #6 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

North Platte, Neb. - Catholic Schools Week kicked off over the weekend and North Platte Catholic Schools is excited to participate in the national weekend long celebration. Throughout the week, there will be events for the staff, faculty and students to do while there are some open to the public.&nbsp;

Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Gwen Covey with North Platte Catholic Schools to talk about the weeklong event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Catholic Schools Week is Officially Underway!

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Andrea Brueggeman (Cemetery, Economic Development, Tree Board)

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tierney Petersen (City Hall, Library)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sam Sims (Public Works, CRA)

Grant City Council Agenda - February 11, 2025

&nbsp;OGALLALA - The Ogallala City Council is hosting their meeting today, February 11th. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm. Below is tonight's agenda for the meeting:

Listen to Sandhills Spotlight Wednesday morning at 9am MT on Z93.5 Country for a full recap with City Manager Kevin Wilkins.

02/11 Ogallala City Council Meeting Agenda

The Hot Sheets: February 11th, 2025

Omaha, Neb. -&nbsp; February 10, 2025 - Union Pacific is working closely with Metra to finalize the safe and seamless transfer of commuter rail services on three lines in the Chicago metropolitan area: the Union Pacific North, Northwest, and West Lines.

Mechanical and station agent services, along with some management services, have already been successfully transferred to Metra. The transfer of Train Operation services is expected to occur in mid-April, followed by the transfer of some Engineering services.

While Metra will soon take over these services, financial negotiations are ongoing, including compensation for Metra’s use of Union Pacific's tracks and infrastructure. In August 2024, Metra and Union Pacific agreed to mediate the compensation matter before the Surface Transportation Board. The mediation, which had been extended several times, ended Jan. 31, 2025, without an agreement. Union Pacific extended an offer to Metra to use binding arbitration to resolve the issue.

"We are proud of the work Metra and Union Pacific have accomplished to progress the transfer of services,” said Liisa Stark, vice president of Public Affairs. “We are committed to reaching a financial agreement this year that is fair to both parties.”

Union Pacific will continue to maintain the tracks and manage train movements on all three lines.

Union Pacific Continues Transferring Commuter Rail Services to Metra

The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team will host its annual scholarship banquet March 1 at Venue 304 in North Platte. The social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by a prime rib dinner at 7 p.m.

The event, which is open to the public, serves as a time to recognize the accomplishments of MPCC’s rodeo athletes while also raising funds for the team.

Activities will include presentations by the coaches and athletes, live and silent auctions and an award ceremony.

Returning as Master of Ceremonies is PRCA Announcer, Caleb Dorenkamp, joined by local Buffalo Bill reenactor Bruce Richman as Auctioneer

Tickets are $75 each or $500 for a table of eight. They can be purchased until Feb. 23 online, www.silentauctionpro.com. Anyone who would like to buy a ticket for the banquet or participate in any of the auctions will have to first create an account on the website.

The team will also draw a raffle winner for an engraved Rossi R95 30-30WIN 20” lever action rifle donated by Reece Weber and Young’s Western wear of Valentine and engraved by Nebraska Laser Engraving.

Raffle tickets are $20 each. They can be purchased at the North Platte Community College North Campus Welcome Center, 1101 Halligan Dr., or from any MPCC Rodeo Team member.

They are also available by emailing MPCC Rodeo Team coach Aukai Kaai, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kaaik@mpcc.edu">kaaik@mpcc.edu</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;rodeo@mpcc.edu.

Tickets on sale for MPCC Rodeo Team Scholarship Banquet

LINCOLN — Nebraska rancher Roger Morgan and his team will be taking a break Sunday from their international cattle operation in the Sandhills to watch the Super Bowl at the town watering hole.

Sure, the cattlemen in Burwell, Nebraska, are eager to see the Chiefs and Eagles face off.

But Morgan expects to get a bigger kick out of his neighbors’ reaction when they see what to many will be a surprise: Their friends at the Morgan Ranch are being&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUKY6_SM8mc" target="_blank">featured in a Google commercial</a>&nbsp;during pro football’s biggest game of the year.

“Never in my life did I think I would be part of a Super Bowl commercial,” said Morgan, a fourth-generation rancher of the family-owned business. “For a guy that wants to stay humbled and rooted … It’s just a very exciting time.”

Morgan said he’s not exactly sure what all went into Google’s decision to select&nbsp;<a href="https://morganranchinc.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA74G9BhAEEiwA8kNfpe9rnRWhB8mH5t40eAhJHSHANYofOWWhoqmVe6LGUTX07Bl45K64thoCuw4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Morgan Ranch Beef</a>&nbsp;— known for producing natural Wagyu beef served up globally and in Nebraska restaurants — as part of the tech giant’s&nbsp;<a href="https://workspace.google.com/ai/customers/" target="_blank">50 States, 50 Stories</a>&nbsp;campaign.

According to Google, the tech company started with thousands of Workspace customers as potential companies to feature in its 50 States 50 Stories campaign.

The Google team gave its Gemini AI the criteria to help narrow the list. A goal was picking a wide array of businesses from different locations and industries to show how they used AI. With help from Gemini and AI Studio, they picked finalists, conducted interviews and filmed over 10 weeks.

But he felt “blessed” to have received the Google email gauging the family’s interest in participating in the campaign, which highlights the impact of artificial intelligence on a business in every state.&nbsp;

Such attention, thought Morgan, could only boost an e-commerce-based business like theirs.

Said Google: “Each of these small businesses is driving the American economy — and for this first-of-a-kind project, we’re spotlighting their innovation, grit and hard work, as they find new and incredible ways to use AI to transform how they work and do more of what they love.”

A video crew came to Burwell to shoot footage — quite an event, Morgan said, especially for ranch animals not used to such disruption.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUKY6_SM8mc" target="_blank">30-second spot</a>, to be played in the Nebraska market,&nbsp;starts off with Morgan on his horse, overlooking a vast prairie before joining a half-dozen other riders. “This is one of the world’s largest untouched prairies,” he says.

A message flashes about how millions of small businesses are using AI in Google Workspace as Morgan talks about his pride in being a cattleman.

“It’s a deep connection with the land and the horses,” he says.

Adjusting his boots and cowboy hat, Morgan goes on to say the folks at his ranch are not the most tech savvy but have grown an international business shipping Wagyu beef around the world.

Hustling in the background are working family members and ranch hands.&nbsp;

Morgan explains how he uses Google Workspace with Gemini to save time creating email for customers: “I would much rather be out there with the cattle,” he says.

If viewers dig a little deeper, they’ll learn the Morgan family’s ranching story traces back to 1932, when Aunt Ollie and Uncle Alex left the drought-stricken plains of New Mexico and set out for what they called the “Oasis of Nebraska,” settling in the Sandhills.

According to the history posted on the ranch’s website, other family members in 1993 introduced one of America’s first Wagyu herds into the country. Now the ranch is recognized as a brand across the U.S. and in major cities abroad, including Tokyo and London.

Roger, 38, his twin brother Pat and sister Carrie are the fourth generation at the ranch, responsible for raising and producing premium Wagyu beef for sales to global markets including more than 100 Michelin-star restaurants. Their dad, Ronny, and uncle Dan, founder of Morgan Ranch Beef, remain at the helm.

Recalling the video shoot, Morgan said the camera crew came at one of the busiest times of the season. It was a crisp morning.&nbsp;

“We had a beautiful day, and the steam is just rolling off of the horses as they come in.”

But theirs are ranch ponies, not used to being followed around by cameras, said Morgan.&nbsp;

“The horses all acted funny, the cows were acting off,” he said. “They just know something is not going like it usually does.”

There were awkward moments, like the crew trying to get close enough to Morgan on his young 5-year-old horse to get a close up.

But “nobody got bucked off,” he said.

The crew also captured Morgan working with Google AI platforms — the Internet-focused part of the job that’s performed between business travels and the feed yard, calving and other outdoor duties.

In an interview this week, shortly after he returned from a business trip to Japan, Morgan explained that he uses Google software to more easily track inventories, manage cattle records and conduct other research.&nbsp;

“It’s streamlined our process,” he said.&nbsp;

While the ranchers still might jot down information into small “calving books” carried in their pockets, they nowadays go home and plug the data into a Google document for better analysis.

For a business that once accepted orders by fax machine and now reaches a half-dozen different countries, Morgan said keeping up with innovation is key.

Leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, Morgan said his sister has put the word out about the commercial on social media. Some friends and family members have reached out, building anticipation and excitement.

But for the most part, Morgan believes friends who will gather at a local bar to watch the football extravaganza probably don’t pay much attention to social media. Many will be surprised to see their Morgan Ranch buddies flash on the big screen.

UNL students to offer post-game analysis of ads

An advertising class at the University of Nebraska Lincoln will be tuning in to Super Bowl LIX, examining ads and discussing “hits, misses and buzz-generating” campaigns.

A description of Professor Brian Hubbard’s class calls the Super Bowl the most viewed, most anticipated, expensive and influential venue in the world for advertisers. Many people watch just for the ads.

Since 1967, the cost of a 30-second spot reportedly has increased from $40,000 to $7 million. It is the place for advertisers to showcase their best work to more than 800 million viewers around the world, Hubbard said.

The advertising students have stayed on top of the pre-game hype, will do post-game analysis and look at the question: “Is it really worth $7 million for just 30 seconds, or is it nothing more than a flex on the part of clients and agencies with big budgets and even bigger egos?”

Nebraska Sandhills ranch, and its eye for AI, featured in Super Bowl ad

North Platte, Neb. - No injuries were reported after a Sunday morning Union Pacific grain train derailed outside of North Platte according to officials.&nbsp;

According to Union Pacific Spokesperson Robynn Tysve, the Sunday morning derailment occurred around 10:30am central time. The train that derailed was a loaded grain train.&nbsp;

The derailment occurred near N Airport Rd and E Long School Rd and crews are on scene cleaning up the derailment. The N Airport Rd will be closed. Tysve stated to the POST that no one was hurt, and no hazmat is involved&nbsp;

Local first responder agencies assisted on scene included the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, North Platte Police Department, North Platte Fire Department, Union Pacific.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sunday's derailment was the <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/5dd1cb1f-ab44-452e-b6c5-d21a50436eb8" target="_blank">second one to occur in the greater Western Nebraska area when a Intermodel train derailed outside of Dix</a>. That accident occurred around 7:30am.&nbsp;

***Follow along the POST article for pictures coming at a later time today.

No injuries in Sunday morning train derailment outside of North Platte

By Robynn, Union Pacific Media Department

Union Pacific is investigating a derailment that occurred Sunday around 7:30 a.m. CT just west of Dix, Nebraska. 

No one was hurt, and the cause is under investigation.

&nbsp; Bushnell Fire, Dix Fire, Kimball Fire, Potter Fire, Kimball County Sheriff’s Office, High West Energy, Region 21 Management, Kimball EMS and Nebraska State Patrol assisted with this train derailment on Highway 30.&nbsp;

Train derails near Dix, Nebraska 

Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful

With the change of a new recycling contract for the City of North Platte, comes expanded recycling.&nbsp; Previously, the drop off recycling bins would only accept #1 and #2 plastics. This has changed to accepting #1-#7 plastics. Western Resources Group in Ogallala received the contract for recycling paper, tin and plastic from the City. They ship their recycling to FirstStar Fiber in Omaha, which accepts these expanded plastics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The only plastics that are still not accepted in the bins include soft pliable plastics such as chip bags, candy wrappers, plastic sacks and Styrofoam. A program to accept these items might not be too far in the future through a hard to recycle plastics program. But for now, most other plastics are accepted.&nbsp;

There are a few rules. When plastic bottles are recycled, the best way to throw them in the bin is for the lid to be loosened enough so that they can be crushed in a bail.&nbsp; If the bottle is unable to leak air, the bail cannot be crushed. When in doubt, toss the lid. Lids can be recycled, but a lot of small lids off their bottles will fall out of the bail and onto the recycling center floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Signs for the bins will be updated soon to reflect this change.&nbsp; You can find a drop off recycling bin closest to you. Drop off sites are available 24/7 and are located at:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Adams Middle School – 1200 McDonald&nbsp;

Front Street – North of Pizza Ranch&nbsp;

First Christian Church – 220 North Vine&nbsp;

Senior Center – 900 East 10th Street&nbsp;

MPCC, south campus – 601 West State Farm Road&nbsp;

Big Red Liquor, Barn Store – 2500 West Front St.&nbsp;

Gary’s Super Foods – 1620 East 4th Street&nbsp;

aluminum (donate to Cans for Critters too)

labels are okay*#1 - #7 plastics - no soft pliable plastic (look on bottom of container for number)

Recycling Bins Now Accepting #1-7 Plastics

Hitchcock County - On Saturday, February 8th 2025. The Hitchcock County Sheriff's Office responded to a one vehicle roll over West of Stratton on Highway 34. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Raiden Buffington was transported by ambulance to Dundy County Hospital where he passed away due to his injuries. 

Raiden is the son of Hitchcock County Deputy Damon. Our sincerest thought and prayers are with his family, friends and classmates during this extremely difficult time as anyone who knew Raiden knew that he had the ability to light up any room he was in.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hitchcock County Deputy's son killed in fatal crash over the weekend

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Lincoln&nbsp;- Alberte Rimdal scored a season-high 20 points off the bench, but it was not enough to prevent Iowa from running to an 81-66 win over the Nebraska women's basketball team at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Monday night.

Lucy Olsen led Iowa with a season-high 32 points&nbsp;to go with six rebounds and seven assists, as the Hawkeyes earned a season split with the Huskers after the Big Red defeated Iowa 87-84 in overtime at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Jan. 16.

Nebraska slipped to 16-8 overall and 7-6 in the Big Ten with its third consecutive loss, while Iowa improved to 17-7 and 7-6 in the conference with its fifth straight win.

Alexis Markowski contributed 15 points, while Logan Nissley put three Huskers in double figures with 11 points on 3-of-7 three-point shooting.&nbsp;

Taylor McCabe scored all 17 of her points in the second half for Iowa, including five three-pointers, while Sydney Affolter put three Hawkeyes in double figures with 13 points.

As a team, Nebraska hit 45 percent (18-40) of its shots from the field, including 41.2 percent (7-17) three-pointers, while knocking down 79.3 percent (23-29) of its free throws. The Hawkeyes dictated things at the defensive end by holding the Huskers in place, showing they were willing to play a physical style early. Iowa committed 25 fouls compared to just 18 for the Huskers on the night, while NU attempted 29 free throws compared to just 14 for Iowa.

However, it put Iowa in foul trouble early as Hannah Stuelke, Addison O'Grady and Affolter all picked up two first-quarter fouls.

Iowa, which jumped to an early 11-2 lead, allowed just four first-quarter field goals and four free throws to take a 16-13 lead at the end of the period. Olsen led Iowa with 12 points in the period.

Nebraska scored its first six points of the second quarter at the free throw line, before freshman Petra Bozan scored five straight points to tie the game at 24 with 5:52 left in the first half. However, Iowa answered Nebraska's 7-0 run with a 9-0 run to rebuild its biggest lead of the first half at 33-24.

The Huskers finished out the second quarter strong to cut the margin to 38-35 at halftime after Amiah Hargrove's three-pointer with 15 seconds left.

NU cut the margin to 41-39 on a Markowski bucket with 7:33 left in the third, but Iowa began pulling away again, rebuilding the nine-point margin at 52-43 on an Olsen three-pointer with 3:43 left.

Nebraska got a pair of free throws from Rimdal to cut the lead back to 52-46 with 1:49 left, before back-to-back three-pointers by McCabe and Affolter gave Iowa its first double-digit lead at 58-46. Olsen capped an 8-0 Iowa run to end the third with two more points with 20 seconds left to send the Hawkeyes to the fourth quarter with a 60-46 lead.

The Huskers, who erased an 11-point fourth-quarter lead in the final six minutes in Iowa City to send the game to overtime, could not find similar magic on Monday night, as the Hawkeyes closed out the 81-66 win.

Iowa finished 30-of-63 (.476) from the field, including a sizzling 12-for-24 from long range. The Hawkeyes out-rebounded the Huskers, 31-29, and won the turnover battle, 15-10.&nbsp;

The Huskers return to Big Ten road action by traveling to nationally ranked Maryland on Thursday night. Tip-off with the Terrapins is set for 5:30 p.m. (CT) with live television coverage by the Big Ten Network. The game can also be heard across the Huskers Radio Network and on Huskers.com.

Huskers fall at home to Hawkeyes

Anselmo-Merna @ South Loup (Callaway/Arnold)

Dundy County Stratton @ North Platte St. Patrick's

Gothenburg vs Ogallala (On Flatrock 100.7 with Derek beck on call starting at 7:30 Central)

North Platte St. Patrick's vs Dundy County Stratton

Area NSAA Basketball schedule for 2-11

Story by NU Athletic Communication&nbsp;

Lockport, Ill. - After going 11-2 over the weekend, the first-ranked Nebraska bowling team finished in third place, tallying a 14,589 total pinfall with a 208.4 average.

The Cornhuskers matched up with No. 2 Vanderbilt in its first round best-of-seven baker match, with a chance to still move up as high as third place. The last time the two teams met, the then nation-leading Commodores edged the Huskers 1,087-1,076 in a traditional match at the Prairie View A&amp;M Invite. The Big Red started with Haley Swindle, Kayla Starr, Kayla Verstraete, Anna Callan and Jillian Martin. The Huskers topped the Commodores in game one, 208-201, despite Vanderbilt’s late four strike spurt. The Cornhuskers rolled a 182 in game two, topping Vanderbilt’s 167 as the Commodores recorded only one strike. Vanderbilt bounced back in the third, rolling a 209 to top Nebraska’s 186, bringing the match to 2-1 in favor of NU. In game four, the Big Red tallied eight strikes and scored a 255 to take a 3-1 lead. In the fifth, the Huskers bowled a 224 including five strikes in a row, but were topped by the Commodores, 235-224. The Cornhuskers were again defeated in game six, 200-171, as Vanderbilt forced a game seven. In the final game, Nebraska recorded five strikes, with two coming from Callan, as the Huskers topped Vanderbilt, 214-161, and defeated Vanderbilt.

With a chance to go to the third-place match, the Huskers played No. 5 Youngstown State. The Big Red started off hot in game one with three strikes and hit another four later in the match to take down the Penguins, 239-215. In game two, the Cornhuskers put together a five strike run to put them over Youngstown State, 213-189, to go up 2-0. In the third, NU rolled a 200 and were topped by Youngstown State’s 221. The Penguins got hot in the fourth, hitting eight consecutive strikes to score a 267, bringing the match to an even 2-2. In the fifth, the Huskers started with eight strikes, as Martin recorded her eighth consecutive strikes, to score a 278, the team’s highest this tournament, taking down the Penguins once again. In the sixth, the Cornhuskers bowled a 210 to take down Youngstown State, 3-1.

In the match for third, Nebraska faced No. 7 Wichita State. In the first, the Cornhuskers took down the Shockers, 175-172, off of a Martin spare in the 10th. In game two, Wichita State hit six consecutive strikes, taking down the Huskers, 253-195. The Big Red recorded 11 strikes to end game three, topping Wichita State, 278-191, to take a 2-1 lead. In game four, Martin recorded her eighth straight strike, her second time in two matches, as NU topped the Shockers again, 212-166. Wichita State ended game five on a five strike run, leading them over Nebraska, 214-187, bringing the match to a 3-2 advantage for NU. The Huskers struggled in game six, rolling a 157, and were topped by Wichita State, 190-157, forcing a game seven. In game seven, the Cornhuskers started with five strikes, finishing with nine total as the Big Red topped the Shockers, 234-203, to claim third place.

Four Huskers finished in the top 25 for individual performances. Verstraete was seventh overall with a total pinfall of 1,089 and a 217.8 average. Starr was in eighth with a total pinfall of 1,088 and average of 217.6. Callan finished at 10th with a total pinfall of 1,076 and a 215.2 average. Swindle was 23rd with a total pinfall of 1,040 and average of 208.

The Huskers return to action Feb. 14-16, as the Big Red travel to Jonesboro, Ark., for the Mid-Winter Invitational, hosted by No. 4 Arkansas State.

Stay up to date with the action by following the Nebraska Women's Bowling Twitter (@HuskerBowling), Instagram (@huskerbowling) and Facebook.

Storm Flyer Classic Final Top 10 Standings

Huskers finish Third at Storm Flyer Classic

The Nebraska rifle team finished fifth at the Patriot Rifle Conference Championships on Sunday with an aggregate score of 4,699. The Big Red shot a 2,369 in the air rifle.

No. 2 Alaska-Fairbanks took first place with a score of 4,758. No. 6 Ole Miss (4,746) took second, No. 5 TCU (4,732) placed third, and No. 7 Air Force (4,706) grabbed fourth place. No. 9 NU (fifth, 4,699), No. 12 Ohio State (sixth, 4,694), and No. 16 UTEP (seventh, 4,670) rounded out the seven-team field.&nbsp;

“It was a tough weekend in a tough conference, and we fell short of where we wanted to be as a team,” said Head Coach Richard Clark. “We had a couple of great individual performances from Emma in air riflem making the top 8 final, and Alivia in both guns which was great to see and fun to watch. Over the next two weeks, we need to get back to doing us and focusing on doing the little things right to be ready for qualifiers at OSU.”&nbsp;

Junior Emma Rhode led the team in the air rifle with a mark of 597. Her preliminary score qualified her for finals, and she placed sixth overall. Freshman Alivia Perkins took 14th with a score of 595, followed by Camillla Johannessen in 28th with a mark of 591. Maddy Moyer (41st, 586) and Grace Corbett (49th, 573) rounded out the lineup for the Huskers in the air rifle.&nbsp;

The Big Red will get a weekend off before heading to Columbus, Ohio to take on Ohio State in the NCAA-qualifying match on Feb. 22. The match is slated to begin at 9 a.m. (central).

Huskers finish in Fifth at PRC Championships

Lincoln, Neb. –&nbsp;Behind a double-double from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/brice-williams">Brice Williams</a>, Nebraska won its fourth straight with a 79-71 win over Ohio State Sunday afternoon at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

The Huskers (16-8, 6-7 Big Ten) overcome an eight-point second-half deficit, out-scoring Ohio State, 45-32 in the final 20 minutes.

Williams led three Huskers in double figures with 24 points and a season-high 10 rebounds, as he posted his first double-double of the season and sixth of his career.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/juwan-gary">Juwan Gary</a>&nbsp;(19) and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/berke-buyuktuncel">Berke Büyüktuncel</a>&nbsp;(15) also finished in double figures, as Nebraska shot 51.9 percent from the field and had 15 assists to just 10 turnovers.

Gary scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half after sitting most of the first half with foul trouble, while Büyüktuncel hit a trio of 3-pointers grabbed six boards and dished out three assists in his best performance of the season.

Nebraska trailed 42-34 in the opening minutes of the second half before the Huskers responded with an 8-0 run to get the Pinnacle Bank Arena crowd on their feet. Gary scored NU’s first five points before Büyüktuncel’s 3-pointer knotted the score at 42-all with just over 17 minutes left.

The Huskers would take control with an 11-0 run, turning a 48-44 deficit into a 55-48 lead on Williams’ 3-point play, the last of five straight points by the senior. The run was sparked by a pair of hustle plays, a putback from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/connor-essegian">Connor Essegian</a>&nbsp;to tie the game before&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/andrew-morgan">Andrew Morgan</a>’s diving steal and eventual basket gave NU a 52-50 lead it would not relinquish.

Ohio State (14-10, 6-7 Big Ten) would come right back, using an 8-2 run of their own to pull within 58-56 after 3-pointers from Micah Parrish and John Mobley Jr with 6:25 remaining.

Leading 62-60, a 3-pointer from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/rollie-worster">Rollie Worster</a>&nbsp;off a timeout, and a Williams jumper on the next possession extended the Husker lead to seven, at 67-60, with 2:28 left. From there, the Huskers held on, going 6-of-6 from the line and using a pair of Gary dunks off the press to stretch the lead to 11 before closing out the eight-point win.

Nebraska went 18-of-21 from the foul line, including 15-of-17 in the second half.

Parish led Ohio State with 30 points, including five 3-pointers, while Mobley Jr. added 21, including 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. NU limited Brice Thronton to just nine points in 39 minutes after he had 31 points in OSU’s comeback against Maryland on Thursday. ‘

In the first half Nebraska trailed 10-8 before battling back with a 13-2 spurt to build a 21-12 lead after a Williams basketball at the 12:23 mark. Williams had six of his 13 first-half points in the run.

The Buckeyes carried behind Parrish, who scored eight straight OSU points, including a 3-point play that pulled OSU to within 25-20. Nebraska eventually led 27-20, but OSU used a 7-0 spurt to take a 32-29 lead on a Mobley jumper. NU, which had four players pick up a pair of first half fouls, stayed close by getting a major contribution from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/braxton-meah">Braxton Meah</a>, as the senior scored all five of his points to pull NU within 36-34, with 2:36 left in the half.

NU, which shot 52 percent in the first half, cooled off after a hot start and had just one field goal in the final seven minutes and went to the locker room trailing 39-34 before mounting a second-half comeback for the second straight game.

Nebraska will host No. 18 Maryland this Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network and available with audio coverage from the Husker Radio Network. Tickets are available by visiting Huskers.com/Tickets.

Huskers top Buckeyes, 79-71

Girls State Wrestling Tournament Qualifiers (Class A)

Girls State Wrestling Tournament Qualifiers (Class B)

Area Girls Wrestlers qualify for State Wrestling

North Platte, Ne - The North Platte High Boys wrestling team qualified for the Class A State Wrestling Duals held this weekend. North Platte finished in 5th place, losing their quarterfinal matches 35-33 to Grand Island, defeating Omaha Bryan 50-22 in the consolation round and beating Elkhorn South 40-36 in the 5th place matches. Below are the individual results from the weekend.

North Platte defeated Elkhorn South 40-36

North Platte High takes 5th place at State Wrestling Dual

(Video) - Coach Busboom Kelly Welcome Celebration

The Girls District Wrestling Tournaments in Class B are today around the state. The girls from the POST area are mainly represented in Class B District 4 in Bayard. Good luck to these area girls today at Districts. Class A Girls Districts are tomorrow, Saturday February 8.

Girls Wrestling Districts begin today

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee in favor of LB303 which aims to provide Nebraskans with additional property tax relief by altering the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA). Senator Jana Hughes introduced LB303 at the Governor’s request.

TEEOSA has been Nebraska’s school funding formula since 1990. Its primary function is to provide state equalization aid to those schools where the needs exceed budget resources. During his testimony, Gov. Pillen pointed out that since 2000, school district taxes have increased from $1 billion to over $3 billion, and in that same time frame, the number of equalized school districts has dropped significantly, from 226 to just 60.

“Nebraska’s students and taxpayers need stability in funding. School districts often live under uncertain budget circumstances. It is difficult to project the amount of dollars that will come from the TEEOSA formula as property tax valuations continue to rise across the state,” said Gov. Pillen. “Providing stability to the TEEOSA formula is necessary and will require constant review and consideration. We must start managing the formula and not allowing the formula to manage us.”

Among the proposed changes to TEEOSA in LB303:

Both Sen. Hughes and Gov. Pillen emphasized that ensuring local control among school districts was paramount to this legislation.

“During the current fiscal year, 111 schools have seen a decrease in state aid. Modeling from the Nebraska Department of Education shows that LB303 will provide just over $62 million more in state aid to schools,” said Sen. Hughes. “While this doesn’t fully compensate for the loss due to rising valuations, it will lessen the impact on property taxpayers next year. Without the increase in funds provided to schools through LB303, the entire loss in state aid to these districts will fall to taxpayers.”

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