Patricia Williams has been selected as North Platte Community College’s Business Student of the Month for November.

Williams chose to attend Mid-Plains because she could take classes online while still working full time.

“The faculty has made this experience very memorable. I feel they are all helpful with the classes and questions I have and very responsive when I ask to come in or use zoom to discuss an assignment,” Williams said of her experience.

Williams is studying applied science with a business administration emphasis at NPCC. She’s on track to finish her degree in December and plans to walk with her classmates in May.

“I want to continue to work at my current employer Great Plains Health and move to a supervisory or front-line manager role.&nbsp; If the time is right, I may return to college for a bachelor’s degree,” Williams said.

In her free time, she likes to spend time with her daughters taking them swimming, bowling and traveling. She is a certified Bronze Medal coach and manager for the North Platte Middle School bowling club. Her current bowling average is 200.

“I enjoy traveling and going to tournaments for myself as well as coaching my daughter when she goes to her tournaments.”

Williams named NPCC Business Student of the Month

Post news director chatted with Sydney Purdy about Santa's Workshop coming up on Dec. 3rd. To learn more, check out the podcast above. Interview aired on Good Morning North Platte on 11/20/24.

North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;Santa’s Workshop returns to North Platte Community College Dec. 3.

Festivities are planned for 5-7:30 p.m. in the activity center and cafeteria on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd.

Activities will include cookie decorating, coloring, letter writing to Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides around campus, a hot chocolate bar, games for prizes and a visit by a “special guest.”

The event, organized by NPCC’s Student Life Department, is free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(Audio) NPCC gearing up for Santa's Workshop on Dec. 3rd

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

On Wednesday, Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher about the different topics from the council meeting. If you would like to learn more in-depth of what went on during the November 19th North Platte City Council meeting check out the podcast below or check out the video below the podcast.&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with the Head Coach of North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team Jacob Brandl to discuss the teams first three game losing streak of the season and, get you prepared for another home game on Friday.

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

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

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

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

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

Guardians of The Children Toy Drive underway (PODCAST)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Audio ) Little Shop of Horror premieres tonight! 

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

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

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

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

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

Ogallala, Neb. - The Ogallala Police Department and Tri County Crimestoppers are seeking public assistance in identifying the vehicle or owner of a white Ford Super Duty truck that was seen pulling away an expensive piece of farm equipment.

According to the Tri-County Crimestoppers, on Nov. 3rd, an unknown individual driving a white Ford Super Duty truck with an aluminum flatbed drove away with a Lemken disc, from Nebraska Harvest Center. The disc is valued at over $100,000

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

&nbsp;

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

Ogallala Police Department/Tri-County Crimestoppers seeking public assistance in locating driver who drove away with farm equipment

North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;

The Criminal Investigation Division is attempting to identify the subjects in this photograph.  The subjects are persons of interest in a shoplifting theft that occurred on November 2, 2024. If you have information that may help identify the persons of interest, please call the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789. 

You may also submit your information with the Lincoln County Crime Stoppers by placing your tip online at <a href="http://lincolncountycrimestoppers.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3wn8E3Jt1ZHIIFLiRLkr0qOWRpyheGpK6mnlubnARXTUtOi60QsVnYKLc_aem_p7zte6v8-iSdB3GhEc3h5g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lincolncountycrimestoppers.com</a> or by calling 1-800-933-TIPS&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte Police seeking public assistance in identifying subjects

The Hot Sheets: November 22nd, 2024

The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors met for its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. (CDT) Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Room 200 of W.W. Wood on the North Platte Community College - North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive, North Platte, Neb.

Board Chair Cynthia Duncan started the meeting with a roll call. In addition to Duncan, those present were MPCC President Ryan Purdy and Board members: Jo Etta Brown, Matthew Broz, Kirk Crawley, Dr. Ben Lashley, Ernie Mehl, Tyler Pribbeno and&nbsp;Tricia Schaffer. Board members Kim Korgan, Ted Klug Jr. and Kent Miller were absent and excused.

NPCC student trustee Jaelyn Dicke and MCC student trustee Kendree Kern were also present.

2. OPEN FORUM (Comments from students, faculty, staff, public and Board)&nbsp;

a. English Instructor Jessie Lovett updated the Board about the distance learning opportunities available to MPCC students.

b. Warren Brookson was introduced as the new Dean of Enrollment Services.

c. Board Member Tyler Pribbeno thanked Dr. Jody Tomanek for her recent participation in representing MPCC around the state.

d. Board Member Ernie Mehl provided an update on the recent NCCA Meeting in Norfolk.

c. Business instructor Cathy Nutt was named the 2024 Mid-Plains Community College faculty member of the year at the recent NCCA annual meeting. She was introduced to the Board.&nbsp;

d. Kayla Thurman, Director of Early Entry and Program Development, was named the 2024 Mid-Plains Community College administrator of the year at the recent NCCA annual meeting. She was introduced to the Board.

3. CONSENT ITEMS.&nbsp;On a single consent motion, the board approved:&nbsp;

a. Minutes from October 23rd Board Work Session &amp; Regular Meeting&nbsp;

a. The Board approved bills for October in the amount of $1,854,098.34. 

b. The Board approved the audit report as presented by Dana F. Cole &amp; Company in the Board's Work Session. &nbsp;

c. The Board approved the 2025 Nebraska Community College dues in the amount of&nbsp;$77,041.44. 

d. The Board approved&nbsp;the bid of $88,730.00 from Yanda’s for McCook's East Campus conference room and vestibule technology.&nbsp; &nbsp;

e. The Board approved&nbsp;the base bid from CDW for televisions and projectors for the McCook East Campus in the amount of&nbsp;$52,733.52.

f. The Board&nbsp;approved&nbsp;the bid from Steele’s Construction in the amount of&nbsp;$65,000 for the demolition and the reconstruction of the existing block and brick structure on the west side of the W.W. Wood building.

g. The Board&nbsp;approved the resolution to continue membership in the Nebraska Community College Insurance Trust (NCCIT) for an additional&nbsp;three-year period commencing&nbsp;on July 1, 2025&nbsp;and continuing through June 30, 2028.

h. The Board&nbsp;approved the proposal for D1 Athletic Scholarship Waivers as presented&nbsp;for inclusion into Board Policy #5210 for consideration next month.

i.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Board approved the low bid for the NPCC North Campus fuel tank removal and replacement from Midwest Petroleum in the amount of&nbsp;$333,529.96.

j. The Board approved&nbsp;moving&nbsp;the January 15, 2025&nbsp;Board meeting to the McCook East Campus.&nbsp;

k. The Board approved&nbsp;the sole source bid from Gaumard&nbsp;for an advanced interdisciplinary patient simulator at a cost of $158,149.72 utilizing Perkins funds and the 3-year equipment plan money. 

l. The Board&nbsp;approved an increase of 3.3% in tuition and fees for 2025-26.

m. The Board&nbsp;approved&nbsp;the overall housing and meal rates as presented which include increases between 3.7 to 4.0% per semester dependent on location and meal plan selected. 

a. Cabinet Reports: The Board heard reports from MPCC President Ryan Purdy, Vice President of Academic Affairs and NPCC Dr. Jody Tomanek, Vice President of Student Affairs and MCC Kelly Rippen, Vice President of Administrative Services Mike Steele, Director of Human Resources Rebecca Wrage and Director of Marketing &amp; Public Information Daniel Stinman.

a. The Board went into closed session at 8:08 p.m. to discuss negotiations. The Board reconvened in open session at 9:28 p.m. No action was taken.&nbsp;

Upon hearing no further business, the Board moved to adjourn at 9:29 p.m. The next Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in North Platte.

MPCC Board of Governors meeting wrap up report

The final run of North Platte Community College Theater Department/North Platte Community Playhouse’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” is this weekend, Nov. 22-24.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. All performances will be in the historic Fox Theater in downtown North Platte.

"Little Shop of Horrors is a fantastic theatre production featuring a great cast of talented individuals. &nbsp;The show is captivating in its dark but humorous look at the human condition,” said Ritch Galvan, NPCC theater instructor. “I am impressed by the talent level on display with NPCC students and community members. &nbsp;It's a must-see.”

Tickets can be purchased online at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://northplattecommunityplayhouse.com/">northplattecommunityplayhouse.com</a>or at the playhouse box office weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. They will also be available at the door an hour before every performance.

Adult tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door for general admission. Tickets for high school students with IDs and for children younger than 16 are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. MPCC students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with ID.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Final weekend of “Little Shop of Horrors”

The Hot Sheets: November 21st, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hilgers’ office is seeking the following action:

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

Nebraska sues four major semitruck manufacturers nationwide for antitrust violations

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

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

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

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

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

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

North Platte – The North Platte Community College volleyball, women’s basketball, softball and golf programs will join the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I ranks beginning July 1.

"Over the past several months we&nbsp;have evaluated what would be best for all our athletic teams moving forward,” said athletic director Kevin O’Connor. “The transition to Division I will enhance our ability to schedule opponents and allow the programs to offer more scholarship aid than what is allowed at the Division II level."

The move comes after the departure of Central Community College, who will be staying in the Division II ranks but joining Region XI.

The transition will allow athletic programs the ability to offer a limited number of full scholarships (tuition, books, fees, room &amp; board) for students interested in continuing their academic and athletic careers at the next level.

All Knights athletic programs will compete alongside Casper, Central Wyoming, Eastern Wyoming, Gillette, Lamar, Laramie County, Luna, McCook, Northeastern, Northwest, Otero,&nbsp;Southeast, Trinidad, Western Nebraska and Western Wyoming in Region IX play.

NPCC athletic programs to move to NJCAA Division I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knights land three on Region IX postseason award list

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNK Football: Felton Leads Eight All-MIAA Selections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C1-7 All District Football Teams Announced (2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knights fall to Cloud County at home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Fourth quarter surge lifts Hawks past Knights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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