Students browse the booths at the 2023 Job Fest hosted by the North Platte Community College Career Services department on the NPCC South Campus Thursday. A total of 51 businesses and organizations from across the state participated in the fair to promote their career availability and recruit prospective employees.

Heather Johnson NPCCStudents browse the booths at the 2023 Job Fest hosted by the North Platte Community College Career Services department on the NPCC South Campus Thursday. A total of 51 businesses and organizations from across the state participated in the fair to promote their career availability and recruit prospective employees.

Fifty-one businesses attend NPCC Job Fest

Willie Roberts, of North Platte, has been selected to receive the 2023&nbsp;Distinguished Alumni Award from Mid-Plains Community College.

Roberts&nbsp;was nominated&nbsp;by MPCC cabinet members based on his ongoing support of the college and its student-athletes. He will be recognized Nov. 5 during the Nebraska Community College Association’s annual meeting in North Platte.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m surprised and honored,” Roberts said upon hearing the news. “I wasn’t expecting anything like this. I don’t do what I do for the attention – it’s just me giving back.”

The college holds a special place in Robert’s heart. It’s what brought him to North Platte in the first place.

Originally from Quitman, Miss., Roberts transferred to North Platte for the 1996-97 season to play basketball for the MPCC Knights under Coach Kevin O’Connor. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury and had to redshirt.

“I was an older kid coming to Nebraska,” Roberts said. “I was 21, and North Platte was a completely different landscape from what I was used to. I grew up around a lot of gangs and violence, so I had a protective barrier up when I got here. I was lucky to have a great host family in Rick and Laurie Johnson [now Jones], and their kids Erick and Hayley. Laurie broke down my barrier just by being a mom.”

Roberts spent a lot of time with the Johnsons. He helped Rick coach Erick’s youth league basketball team and also assisted Erick with his homework.

“I shot my first and last duck with Erick,” Roberts said. “Whatever the Johnsons did, I did. They were my home away from home.”

When his girlfriend Amanda, now his wife, became pregnant with their son Dijon, Willie quit playing basketball and got a job to support his new family.

“Even though I was no longer a student-athlete, my host parents were still there for me,” Willie said. “Laurie was the first person to buy Dijon diapers.”

When his children were little, life kept Willie busy enough that he didn’t have much time for Knights basketball. He didn’t go to many games until Dijon was in high school.

That all changed during the 2015-16 season, at which point Dijon became a student manager for the team, and Willie and Amanda were thrust back into the Knight life full-time.

“Suddenly, all these basketball kids were at our house,” Willie said. “For a while there, Amanda and I were feeding them twice a day. Eventually, I started asking, ‘Where is the host parent program?’ I found out it kind of fell by the wayside.”

Gary and Connie Jo Essells had coordinated the host family program for the Knights men’s and women’s basketball teams for nearly two decades – including the time when Willie was in college.&nbsp;<a>After the Essells moved to Hutchinson, Kan. in Sept. 2006, the program fell into a state of dormancy and only operated on a limited basis.</a>

“Carol Sandau was basically trying to run it alone, so I asked Coach [O’Connor] if I could help out, and we started the program back up again,” Willie said. “I contacted people my wife and I trusted that we knew were good families, with a halfway decent financial background, that could have a kid over and not be put in financial straits. They didn’t have to be rich, but they had to be able to feed two or three more kids because a lot of times those athletes bring a friend to meals.”

They also had to be families who weren’t expecting something in return.

“You don’t get paid for this,” Willie said. “It takes a special person to want to do this. It means sharing personal time. You’re cooking a dinner and inviting the athletes to your house on a holiday with your family. It means being available – to answer the phone and talk to these kids, to listen to them, to cheer them on at a game, to let them sit down and watch TV without being bothered by life’s problems.”

In the beginning, Willie and Amanda were primarily focused on spearheading the host family program for men’s basketball. They became increasingly involved with women’s basketball when their daughter Dayonna played for the Knights during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.

Willie said the core group of host families that currently exists is strong.

“We’ve also had a lot of support from the community along the way,” Willie said. “I had a farmer donate a whole beef to feed these kids. We made steaks for them one summer and gave hamburgers to the host families so they could invite the kids over for barbecues.”

That support is why one of his goals is to incorporate the student-athletes into the community. Host families are encouraged to take student-athletes with them when they attend community events or participate in an activity that helps them feel vested in North Platte.

“A lot of these kids are from different backgrounds,” Willie said. “They’re not used to this kind of love, and they have a shield, like I did. The best thing we can do for them is let them open up and be themselves. I would love it if my kids went to a college where there was a family that invited them to a meal and checked on them once in a while – not to be a parent, but to be there if needed.”

Willie and Amanda keep in contact with many of the students they’ve mentored over the years. They’ve enjoyed watching them grow and find success, but for Willie, the host family program is also about coming full circle.

“O’Connor told me when I got recruited that when you get a scholarship, it’s like getting paid for a job before you even get it,” Willie said. “Helping these kids is a way for me to pay off that scholarship. The college is what brought me to this place, and I want to give back because of what it gave me – my wife, my kids. Mid-Plains and this town have always been good to me.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694115625004.jpeg" alt="Willie Roberts Photo courtesy of MPCC" />
 <figcaption>Willie Roberts Photo courtesy of MPCC</figcaption>
 </figure>Heather Johnson MPCCWillie Roberts, of North Platte, has been selected to receive the 2023&nbsp;Distinguished Alumni Award from Mid-Plains Community College.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694115868305.jpeg" alt=" Willie Roberts’ entire family has been involved with hosting student-athletes for North Platte Community College. Pictured left to right are: Brittney DeMilt, Willie’s future daughter-in-law; Darnell, Willie’s son; Amanda, Willie’s wife; Dayonna, Willie’s daughter and Ashley Hassett, former NPCC basketball player. Photo courtesy of MPCC" />
 <figcaption> Willie Roberts’ entire family has been involved with hosting student-athletes for North Platte Community College. Pictured left to right are: Brittney DeMilt, Willie’s future daughter-in-law; Darnell, Willie’s son; Amanda, Willie’s wife; Dayonna, Willie’s daughter and Ashley Hassett, former NPCC basketball player. Photo courtesy of MPCC</figcaption>
 </figure>Roberts&nbsp;was nominated&nbsp;by MPCC cabinet members based on his ongoing support of the college and its student-athletes. He will be recognized Nov. 5 during the Nebraska Community College Association’s annual meeting in North Platte.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I’m surprised and honored,” Roberts said upon hearing the news. “I wasn’t expecting anything like this. I don’t do what I do for the attention – it’s just me giving back.”About RobertsThe college holds a special place in Robert’s heart. It’s what brought him to North Platte in the first place.Originally from Quitman, Miss., Roberts transferred to North Platte for the 1996-97 season to play basketball for the MPCC Knights under Coach Kevin O’Connor. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury and had to redshirt.“I was an older kid coming to Nebraska,” Roberts said. “I was 21, and North Platte was a completely different landscape from what I was used to. I grew up around a lot of gangs and violence, so I had a protective barrier up when I got here. I was lucky to have a great host family in Rick and Laurie Johnson [now Jones], and their kids Erick and Hayley. Laurie broke down my barrier just by being a mom.”Roberts spent a lot of time with the Johnsons. He helped Rick coach Erick’s youth league basketball team and also assisted Erick with his homework.“I shot my first and last duck with Erick,” Roberts said. “Whatever the Johnsons did, I did. They were my home away from home.”When his girlfriend Amanda, now his wife, became pregnant with their son Dijon, Willie quit playing basketball and got a job to support his new family.“Even though I was no longer a student-athlete, my host parents were still there for me,” Willie said. “Laurie was the first person to buy Dijon diapers.”When his children were little, life kept Willie busy enough that he didn’t have much time for Knights basketball. He didn’t go to many games until Dijon was in high school.That all changed during the 2015-16 season, at which point Dijon became a student manager for the team, and Willie and Amanda were thrust back into the Knight life full-time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694115684901.jpeg" alt="Willie Roberts stands between two of the former NPCC students that his family hosted during their time in North Platte. The twins are from San Antonio, Texas. Pictured left to right are Loren Lealiiee, Roberts and Lexa Lealiiee. Photo courtesy of MPCC" />
 <figcaption>Willie Roberts stands between two of the former NPCC students that his family hosted during their time in North Platte. The twins are from San Antonio, Texas. Pictured left to right are Loren Lealiiee, Roberts and Lexa Lealiiee. Photo courtesy of MPCC</figcaption>
 </figure>“Suddenly, all these basketball kids were at our house,” Willie said. “For a while there, Amanda and I were feeding them twice a day. Eventually, I started asking, ‘Where is the host parent program?’ I found out it kind of fell by the wayside.”Gary and Connie Jo Essells had coordinated the host family program for the Knights men’s and women’s basketball teams for nearly two decades – including the time when Willie was in college.&nbsp;<a>After the Essells moved to Hutchinson, Kan. in Sept. 2006, the program fell into a state of dormancy and only operated on a limited basis.</a>“Carol Sandau was basically trying to run it alone, so I asked Coach [O’Connor] if I could help out, and we started the program back up again,” Willie said. “I contacted people my wife and I trusted that we knew were good families, with a halfway decent financial background, that could have a kid over and not be put in financial straits. They didn’t have to be rich, but they had to be able to feed two or three more kids because a lot of times those athletes bring a friend to meals.”They also had to be families who weren’t expecting something in return.“You don’t get paid for this,” Willie said. “It takes a special person to want to do this. It means sharing personal time. You’re cooking a dinner and inviting the athletes to your house on a holiday with your family. It means being available – to answer the phone and talk to these kids, to listen to them, to cheer them on at a game, to let them sit down and watch TV without being bothered by life’s problems.”In the beginning, Willie and Amanda were primarily focused on spearheading the host family program for men’s basketball. They became increasingly involved with women’s basketball when their daughter Dayonna played for the Knights during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694115972028.jpeg" alt="Sophomore Night – Pictured left to right: Willie Roberts, his daughter Dayonna Roberts, Willie’s wife Amanda Roberts and NPCC women’s basketball head coach Jeff Thurman participate in Sophomore Night at NPCC last spring. Photo courtesy of MPCC" />
 <figcaption>Sophomore Night – Pictured left to right: Willie Roberts, his daughter Dayonna Roberts, Willie’s wife Amanda Roberts and NPCC women’s basketball head coach Jeff Thurman participate in Sophomore Night at NPCC last spring. Photo courtesy of MPCC</figcaption>
 </figure>Willie said the core group of host families that currently exists is strong.“We’ve also had a lot of support from the community along the way,” Willie said. “I had a farmer donate a whole beef to feed these kids. We made steaks for them one summer and gave hamburgers to the host families so they could invite the kids over for barbecues.”That support is why one of his goals is to incorporate the student-athletes into the community. Host families are encouraged to take student-athletes with them when they attend community events or participate in an activity that helps them feel vested in North Platte.“A lot of these kids are from different backgrounds,” Willie said. “They’re not used to this kind of love, and they have a shield, like I did. The best thing we can do for them is let them open up and be themselves. I would love it if my kids went to a college where there was a family that invited them to a meal and checked on them once in a while – not to be a parent, but to be there if needed.”Willie and Amanda keep in contact with many of the students they’ve mentored over the years. They’ve enjoyed watching them grow and find success, but for Willie, the host family program is also about coming full circle.“O’Connor told me when I got recruited that when you get a scholarship, it’s like getting paid for a job before you even get it,” Willie said. “Helping these kids is a way for me to pay off that scholarship. The college is what brought me to this place, and I want to give back because of what it gave me – my wife, my kids. Mid-Plains and this town have always been good to me.”

Roberts named MPCC Distinguished Alum 

&nbsp;The North Platte Police Department participated in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign in partnership with the U.S. department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from August 18th through September 4th.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Department wide, a total of 160 traffic contacts were made.&nbsp; Eight arrests were made for DUI-Alcohol. One arrest was made for DUI-Drugs.&nbsp; Eighteen speeding citations were issued.&nbsp; Eleven citations were issued for violation of traffic control devices.&nbsp; Eight people were arrested during traffic contacts relating to active arrest warrants. Four felony arrests were made.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;509 grams of suspected methamphetamine were seized.&nbsp; Four grams of suspected marijuana were seized.&nbsp; One dosage unit of fentanyl was seized.&nbsp; A suspected stolen vehicle from Hastings, was seized.&nbsp;

North Platte Police Department&nbsp;The North Platte Police Department participated in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign in partnership with the U.S. department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from August 18th through September 4th.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Department wide, a total of 160 traffic contacts were made.&nbsp; Eight arrests were made for DUI-Alcohol. One arrest was made for DUI-Drugs.&nbsp; Eighteen speeding citations were issued.&nbsp; Eleven citations were issued for violation of traffic control devices.&nbsp; Eight people were arrested during traffic contacts relating to active arrest warrants. Four felony arrests were made.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;509 grams of suspected methamphetamine were seized.&nbsp; Four grams of suspected marijuana were seized.&nbsp; One dosage unit of fentanyl was seized.&nbsp; A suspected stolen vehicle from Hastings, was seized.&nbsp;

North Platte Police Department releases statistics from Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign

Check out this great opportunity for a new workout, no matter your level of fitness or experience. Select a class time and join Amy Sabatka for KETTLEBELL. Thursdays in October. 12-1 or 5:30-6:60 pm. $45 for 4 sessions. Contact our campus for more information or to register. Or register online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbceregister.mpcc.edu%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1q4mRlzv5un44zl1fe2JvZd664j2gsvhKa38uOtHmRFRa94arnDUsJRwI&amp;h=AT2iGMpmrCWNFpGgJ4XCG2R0LFfkUx076AB_OlDcrqRVXV2LpyyEJmAWKBzUhw_fxuJsNFw_LLyit-VuKeIEGdSX9EiM09GQGbYLbUPDnuo37lhkxLmVidVwFnot-P2G44Zd&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3dWcNsFCSEkyI7jhXpkAzoPdJGnsaZdrNCbVzmWrbANlwUmbyQljkOqkvpkX4_7KuWBhb6Gyb78xDUxDG9UIT1YoR1ns7_-hbInyaLlJJA4qHqnmlY44SsK1Qcy2DskConrgZOEP-wiXGMLnd65DfnN-ZRIJSMTcaLotDH9jxtpOs3wTeYEEB18VoWMCe7TPTi6E0NImlX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bceregister.mpcc.edu</a> Class size is limited. Mid-Plains Ogallala 308-284-9830.

MPCC OgallalaCheck out this great opportunity for a new workout, no matter your level of fitness or experience. Select a class time and join Amy Sabatka for KETTLEBELL. Thursdays in October. 12-1 or 5:30-6:60 pm. $45 for 4 sessions. Contact our campus for more information or to register. Or register online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbceregister.mpcc.edu%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1q4mRlzv5un44zl1fe2JvZd664j2gsvhKa38uOtHmRFRa94arnDUsJRwI&amp;h=AT2iGMpmrCWNFpGgJ4XCG2R0LFfkUx076AB_OlDcrqRVXV2LpyyEJmAWKBzUhw_fxuJsNFw_LLyit-VuKeIEGdSX9EiM09GQGbYLbUPDnuo37lhkxLmVidVwFnot-P2G44Zd&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3dWcNsFCSEkyI7jhXpkAzoPdJGnsaZdrNCbVzmWrbANlwUmbyQljkOqkvpkX4_7KuWBhb6Gyb78xDUxDG9UIT1YoR1ns7_-hbInyaLlJJA4qHqnmlY44SsK1Qcy2DskConrgZOEP-wiXGMLnd65DfnN-ZRIJSMTcaLotDH9jxtpOs3wTeYEEB18VoWMCe7TPTi6E0NImlX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bceregister.mpcc.edu</a> Class size is limited. Mid-Plains Ogallala 308-284-9830.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMPCCOgallala%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0236L4Lp1FKXHy6Aia9beaTgjhz32rD6LZonqc6WWqVBVaH6yaQ1RJj5cQdHaGAms6l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="705" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

MPCC Ogallala to offer Kettlebell classes

North Platte Post News Director Canon Rath sat down with North Platte Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Terri Burchell and discussed Dress Down for North Platte Public Schools, Change Wars Battle for Education, and the Backyard BBQ.&nbsp; &nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE – The North Platte Public Schools Foundation has a lot of fun events coming up with Dress Down for North Platte Public Schools which has officially kicked off. The shirts do cost $30, however $20 will be donated to the school of your choice. The deadline to get shirts is this Sunday. If you would like to purchase a shirt,<a href="https://www.nppsf.org/"> click here.&nbsp;</a>

Also, what's going on starting September 13th – September 30th is change wars battle for education. Students can bring change to school to participate in the event but also if you would like to donate you can head over to First Interstate Bank and specify what school you would like to donate to. You can also donate online. Teachers will be competing against one another during this competition.&nbsp;

These fun events lead up to the backyard BBQ on September 22nd before North Platte takes on Kearney High. The backyard BBQ is a friendly competition between community members. The event will feature different types of BBQ meat. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for students but it does include a drink with the meal. Proceeds will go to the Prepared to Learn Fund and Reach Grants which goes back to teachers,&nbsp;

If you would like to learn a more In-depth about all the different events that are going on, check out the podcast above.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post News Director Canon Rath sat down with North Platte Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Terri Burchell and discussed Dress Down for North Platte Public Schools, Change Wars Battle for Education, and the Backyard BBQ.&nbsp; &nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) North Platte Public Schools Foundation Dress Down for North Platte Public Schools/Change Wars Battle for Education/Backyard BBQ" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8ym5f-149d233-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>NORTH PLATTE – The North Platte Public Schools Foundation has a lot of fun events coming up with Dress Down for North Platte Public Schools which has officially kicked off. The shirts do cost $30, however $20 will be donated to the school of your choice. The deadline to get shirts is this Sunday. If you would like to purchase a shirt,<a href="https://www.nppsf.org/"> click here.&nbsp;</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694109572574.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Also, what's going on starting September 13th – September 30th is change wars battle for education. Students can bring change to school to participate in the event but also if you would like to donate you can head over to First Interstate Bank and specify what school you would like to donate to. You can also donate online. Teachers will be competing against one another during this competition.&nbsp;These fun events lead up to the backyard BBQ on September 22nd before North Platte takes on Kearney High. The backyard BBQ is a friendly competition between community members. The event will feature different types of BBQ meat. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for students but it does include a drink with the meal. Proceeds will go to the Prepared to Learn Fund and Reach Grants which goes back to teachers,&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694109623469.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you would like to learn a more In-depth about all the different events that are going on, check out the podcast above.&nbsp;

(Audio) North Platte Public Schools Foundation Dress Down for North Platte Public Schools/Change Wars Battle for Education/Backyard BBQ 

Lincoln, Neb. —The Nebraska 4-H Foundation, in a special board meeting, has committed $2 million to the Nebraska Community Foundation as a match toward the development of a Sandhills Discovery Center. The available funding is a result of the insurance settlement from the Bovee fire which destroyed the 4-H camp at Halsey in the Sandhills last fall. The camp had long been a summer outdoor environmental education center and leadership camping experience for 4-Hers statewide and for use by other organizations.&nbsp;

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is a separate entity from Nebraska 4-H that provides financial support to advanc thee work and mission of Nebraska 4-H.&nbsp;

Earlier this year Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte was instrumental in securing a $10 million appropriation from the State of Nebraska to initially fund a new vision for the camp. Access to this funding requires one-to-one matching funds. The appropriation will be used toward the Sandhills Discovery Center project, which is envisioned as a multiuse facility that would accommodate campers, educational opportunities and community events. Ultimately, the Sandhills Discovery Center would benefit 4-H programming statewide and economic development in the Sandhills area. The Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s gift is the first contribution toward that match solidifying its commitment to 4-Her’s across the state, to the community which supported the camp over its many years at Halsey and to the University of Nebraska Extension’s unwavering support of 4-H.&nbsp;

“The 4-H Foundation has committed this funding because we realize the importance of an educational center in the Sandhills area,” said Foundation President Roberta Pinkerton. “We were devastated by the loss of the facilities at Halsey but look forward to working with the community in a statewide effort to provide a future first-class educational opportunity for 4-Her’s and an economic driver for the wider community.”&nbsp;

The Nebraska Community Foundation has begun a feasibility study to determine the appropriate plan and additional funding sources for the project which will include the Discovery Center along with other retreat type facilities. It is expected to take three to five years in development and construction.&nbsp;

About the Nebraska 4-H Foundation&nbsp;

4-H empowers young people to lead for a lifetime. Nebraska 4-H serves 1-in-3 youth ages 8-18 in Nebraska and our programs in science agriculture, healthy living and civic engagement are backed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as well as a robust community of 4-H volunteers and professionals.&nbsp;

Through hands-on learning, youth build not only confidence, creativity and curiosity, but also life skills such as leadership and resiliency to help them thrive today and tomorrow.&nbsp;

By Nebraska 4-H FoundationLincoln, Neb. —The Nebraska 4-H Foundation, in a special board meeting, has committed $2 million to the Nebraska Community Foundation as a match toward the development of a Sandhills Discovery Center. The available funding is a result of the insurance settlement from the Bovee fire which destroyed the 4-H camp at Halsey in the Sandhills last fall. The camp had long been a summer outdoor environmental education center and leadership camping experience for 4-Hers statewide and for use by other organizations.&nbsp;The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is a separate entity from Nebraska 4-H that provides financial support to advanc thee work and mission of Nebraska 4-H.&nbsp;Earlier this year Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte was instrumental in securing a $10 million appropriation from the State of Nebraska to initially fund a new vision for the camp. Access to this funding requires one-to-one matching funds. The appropriation will be used toward the Sandhills Discovery Center project, which is envisioned as a multiuse facility that would accommodate campers, educational opportunities and community events. Ultimately, the Sandhills Discovery Center would benefit 4-H programming statewide and economic development in the Sandhills area. The Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s gift is the first contribution toward that match solidifying its commitment to 4-Her’s across the state, to the community which supported the camp over its many years at Halsey and to the University of Nebraska Extension’s unwavering support of 4-H.&nbsp;“The 4-H Foundation has committed this funding because we realize the importance of an educational center in the Sandhills area,” said Foundation President Roberta Pinkerton. “We were devastated by the loss of the facilities at Halsey but look forward to working with the community in a statewide effort to provide a future first-class educational opportunity for 4-Her’s and an economic driver for the wider community.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694106460382.jpeg" alt="4-H Foundation" />
 <figcaption>4-H Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>The Nebraska Community Foundation has begun a feasibility study to determine the appropriate plan and additional funding sources for the project which will include the Discovery Center along with other retreat type facilities. It is expected to take three to five years in development and construction.&nbsp;About the Nebraska 4-H Foundation&nbsp;4-H empowers young people to lead for a lifetime. Nebraska 4-H serves 1-in-3 youth ages 8-18 in Nebraska and our programs in science agriculture, healthy living and civic engagement are backed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as well as a robust community of 4-H volunteers and professionals.&nbsp;Through hands-on learning, youth build not only confidence, creativity and curiosity, but also life skills such as leadership and resiliency to help them thrive today and tomorrow.&nbsp;

4-H Foundation Commits $2 million to Sandhills Discovery Center

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/06/from-the-ashes-of-a-destroyed-4-h-camp-rises-a-proposed-sandhills-center-to-rival-lied-lodge/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — From the ashes of a destroyed 4-H camp at the Nebraska National Forest, an ambitious plan is rising for a $47 million center for tourists, conferences and local and regional events.

A feasibility study is underway for the proposed “Sandhills Discovery Center” near Halsey after the Nebraska Legislature, earlier this year, allocated $10 million towards replacing the State 4-H Camp, which was destroyed in a fire that<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/fire-in-nebraska-national-forest-near-halsey-now-94-contained/">&nbsp;swept through the forest 11 months ago.</a>

State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, who represents the Halsey area and obtained the state funding, said that if the Sandhills center is done right, it could rival eastern Nebraska’s Mahoney State Park and Lied Lodge.

“All too often we don’t dream big enough,” Jacobson said in a press release.

He called the Nebraska National Forest and the Sandhills on which it sits “two of our state’s greatest treasures.”

The Nebraska Community Foundation, which helps dozens of Nebraska communities raise funds for local projects, has already done an economic impact study that estimates such a facility would bring a $4 million a year benefit to Halsey and nearby communities.

Now the foundation is conducting a feasibility study to gauge interest among donors for such a project, and what exactly should be built.

“We want to figure out how to do this right,” Jeff Yost, executive director of the Nebraska Community Foundation, said Wednesday.

“This idea makes an enormous amount of sense to me,” he added, “because this is a unique part of the world, and people want experiences.”

On Wednesday, the Nebraska 4-H Foundation announced that its board, in a special meeting, had voted to commit a $2 million insurance settlement from the fire toward development of the Discovery Center. The state’s funding must be matched dollar-for-dollar.

“We&nbsp;look forward to working with the community in a statewide effort to provide a future, first-class educational opportunity for 4-Her’s and an economic driver for the wider community,” said Roberta Pinkerton,&nbsp;president of the 4-H Foundation.

The 4-H Camp, which had been a fixture at the Halsey forest for 65 years, hosted a variety of events, from family reunions and weddings to 4-H conferences and a “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” retreat.

Dianna Rodocker, Halsey’s village clerk, said losing the camp was a blow to the community and the nearby ranching area because so many weddings and reunions were held there and because it generated traffic for local businesses.

She was among an estimated 60-70 people— equaling the population of Halsey — that packed a town hall meeting last month to hear about the plans from Jacobson and the Community Foundation.

“Everyone in town would be happy to see it,” Rodocker said. “But it’s hard to imagine that we’re going to have a facility out here that costs that much money that’s not in Omaha or Lincoln.”

But Yost and Stuart&nbsp;Shepherd, executive director of the Nebraska 4-H Foundation, said that such a facility in Halsey has a lot going for it.

The 4-H Camp, which could accommodate up to 200 overnight visitors in its lodge and cabins, was almost always busy, Shepard said.

Yost said people want to experience the Sandhills, a vast area of grass-covered sand dunes that became a National Natural Landmark in 1984. The same holds true for the 90,000-acre forest near Halsey, the largest hand-planted forest in North America.

The Middle Loup River adjacent to the forest hosts canoe and float trips, he said, and visitors could access nearby agri-tourism attractions.

The center is being envisioned on private land, near the forest and possibly on Nebraska Highway 2, a route that leads to the Black Hills and Yellowstone.

Yost said the facility, if deemed feasible, would be built in stages, with the first phase possibly opening by 2026. He said he’s been encouraged by the initial response.

“This is perfectly reasonable based on what tourists in 2023 are doing and say they want to do,” Yost said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694097504522.png" alt="A wildfire in October 2022 destroyed the Nebraska State 4-H Camp and burned 5,000 acres of the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey. Also destroyed was a historic lookout tower. (Courtesy of Nebraska Forest and Grasslands)" />
 <figcaption>A wildfire in October 2022 destroyed the Nebraska State 4-H Camp and burned 5,000 acres of the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey. Also destroyed was a historic lookout tower. (Courtesy of Nebraska Forest and Grasslands)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/06/from-the-ashes-of-a-destroyed-4-h-camp-rises-a-proposed-sandhills-center-to-rival-lied-lodge/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — From the ashes of a destroyed 4-H camp at the Nebraska National Forest, an ambitious plan is rising for a $47 million center for tourists, conferences and local and regional events.A feasibility study is underway for the proposed “Sandhills Discovery Center” near Halsey after the Nebraska Legislature, earlier this year, allocated $10 million towards replacing the State 4-H Camp, which was destroyed in a fire that<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/fire-in-nebraska-national-forest-near-halsey-now-94-contained/">&nbsp;swept through the forest 11 months ago.</a>State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, who represents the Halsey area and obtained the state funding, said that if the Sandhills center is done right, it could rival eastern Nebraska’s Mahoney State Park and Lied Lodge.“All too often we don’t dream big enough,” Jacobson said in a press release.He called the Nebraska National Forest and the Sandhills on which it sits “two of our state’s greatest treasures.”The Nebraska Community Foundation, which helps dozens of Nebraska communities raise funds for local projects, has already done an economic impact study that estimates such a facility would bring a $4 million a year benefit to Halsey and nearby communities.Now the foundation is conducting a feasibility study to gauge interest among donors for such a project, and what exactly should be built.“We want to figure out how to do this right,” Jeff Yost, executive director of the Nebraska Community Foundation, said Wednesday.“This idea makes an enormous amount of sense to me,” he added, “because this is a unique part of the world, and people want experiences.”On Wednesday, the Nebraska 4-H Foundation announced that its board, in a special meeting, had voted to commit a $2 million insurance settlement from the fire toward development of the Discovery Center. The state’s funding must be matched dollar-for-dollar.“We&nbsp;look forward to working with the community in a statewide effort to provide a future, first-class educational opportunity for 4-Her’s and an economic driver for the wider community,” said Roberta Pinkerton,&nbsp;president of the 4-H Foundation.The 4-H Camp, which had been a fixture at the Halsey forest for 65 years, hosted a variety of events, from family reunions and weddings to 4-H conferences and a “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” retreat.<h2>Hard to imagine</h2>Dianna Rodocker, Halsey’s village clerk, said losing the camp was a blow to the community and the nearby ranching area because so many weddings and reunions were held there and because it generated traffic for local businesses.She was among an estimated 60-70 people— equaling the population of Halsey — that packed a town hall meeting last month to hear about the plans from Jacobson and the Community Foundation.“Everyone in town would be happy to see it,” Rodocker said. “But it’s hard to imagine that we’re going to have a facility out here that costs that much money that’s not in Omaha or Lincoln.”But Yost and Stuart&nbsp;Shepherd, executive director of the Nebraska 4-H Foundation, said that such a facility in Halsey has a lot going for it.The 4-H Camp, which could accommodate up to 200 overnight visitors in its lodge and cabins, was almost always busy, Shepard said.<h2>On route to Black Hills, Yellowstone</h2>Yost said people want to experience the Sandhills, a vast area of grass-covered sand dunes that became a National Natural Landmark in 1984. The same holds true for the 90,000-acre forest near Halsey, the largest hand-planted forest in North America.The Middle Loup River adjacent to the forest hosts canoe and float trips, he said, and visitors could access nearby agri-tourism attractions.The center is being envisioned on private land, near the forest and possibly on Nebraska Highway 2, a route that leads to the Black Hills and Yellowstone.Yost said the facility, if deemed feasible, would be built in stages, with the first phase possibly opening by 2026. He said he’s been encouraged by the initial response.“This is perfectly reasonable based on what tourists in 2023 are doing and say they want to do,” Yost said.

From the ashes of a destroyed 4-H camp rises a proposed Sandhills center to rival Lied Lodge

The Sioux Lookout Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be celebrating Constitution Week with a short program at 2:30pm by the Courthouse at the corner of 4th and Dewey. Mayor Brandon Kelliher will proclaim September 17th through September 23rd Constitution Week. 

 After the program, at 3pm, everyone is invited to walk around the Court House block ringing a bell.  D.A.R. chapters throughout the nation will be ringing bells at the same time to celebrate the beginning of Constitution Week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Patricia FrahmThe Sioux Lookout Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be celebrating Constitution Week with a short program at 2:30pm by the Courthouse at the corner of 4th and Dewey. Mayor Brandon Kelliher will proclaim September 17th through September 23rd Constitution Week. After the program, at 3pm, everyone is invited to walk around the Court House block ringing a bell. D.A.R. chapters throughout the nation will be ringing bells at the same time to celebrate the beginning of Constitution Week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sioux Lookout Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to celebrate Constitution Week

Ogallala, Neb - The water is warm at Lake McConaughy north of Ogallala. The beaches are beautiful, and beginning September 11, reservation season is over for the year. All beach and campground camping will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Stop at the Visitors Center to pay camping fees or use the self-pay stations. See <a href="https://ilovelakemac.com/">www.ilovelakemac.com</a> for hotels, cabins, campgrounds, restaurants, events and more!

AVAILABLE BOAT RAMPS: Martin Bay Low Water (near the base of the dam) • Divers Bay/Burma Road • Lake Ogallala (2) (Lake Ogallala will close to the public for a month beginning Sept 22 for the planned renovation of the fishery.) 

Lake Mac elevation is 3,229.1 ft or 858,100ac-ft (49.2% capacity)

FISHING opportunities continue into fall as anglers slab for walleye and white bass.  Catfish can be caught year-round, especially at the west end of the lake.

Go beyond the beach at these upcoming KEITH COUNTY EVENTS:

Sept 14-16:  Ogallala Indian Summer Rendezvous

Sept 23:  Oktoberfest at Second Chapter Brewing, in Ogallala

<div><iframe title="(Audio) Lake McConaughy Area Outdoor Report for week of September 4th" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nby4a-149ce8d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Ogallala, Neb - The water is warm at Lake McConaughy north of Ogallala. The beaches are beautiful, and beginning September 11, reservation season is over for the year. All beach and campground camping will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Stop at the Visitors Center to pay camping fees or use the self-pay stations. See <a href="https://ilovelakemac.com/">www.ilovelakemac.com</a> for hotels, cabins, campgrounds, restaurants, events and more! <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694031340756.jpeg" alt="Lake McConaughey, north of Ogallala" />
 <figcaption>Lake McConaughey, north of Ogallala</figcaption>
 </figure>AVAILABLE BOAT RAMPS: Martin Bay Low Water (near the base of the dam) • Divers Bay/Burma Road • Lake Ogallala (2) (Lake Ogallala will close to the public for a month beginning Sept 22 for the planned renovation of the fishery.) Lake Mac elevation is 3,229.1 ft or 858,100ac-ft (49.2% capacity)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLakeMcConaughyNE%2Fposts%2Fpfbid024JzFahgL8wa34FBJshLJvZAED58he17kKycjsRQx4CDK4XMb3ATupM4KMBhoxLvDl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="756" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>FISHING opportunities continue into fall as anglers slab for walleye and white bass. Catfish can be caught year-round, especially at the west end of the lake.Go beyond the beach at these upcoming KEITH COUNTY EVENTS:Sept 14-16: Ogallala Indian Summer RendezvousSept 23: Oktoberfest at Second Chapter Brewing, in Ogallala

(Audio) Lake Mac Report - September 5, 2023

North Platte Post News Director Canon Rath caught up with Jessie Hruza about the upcoming Friend's Festival in Gothenburg that begins September 13th - September 17th.&nbsp;

GOTHENBURG, NEB.- The 2023 Friend's Festival in Gothenburg is quickly approaching. The festival offers many different Friend's themed events that fans of the show, and anyone can enjoy. On September 13th, there will be Trivia Night and Open Mic at the Sun Theatre in Gothenburg. The trivia will be based around the TV show. Teams of 4-6 cost $20 and teams 7-9 cost $30, however there is very limited space. The limit will cap off at 20 teams. If interested in participating, you can register by calling or texting 402-413-5747.&nbsp;

Due to last-minute changes, there will be a Friend's Comedy Night on September 14th at the Sun Theatre in Gothenburg. Performing for the event is Billie J and Talon Saucerman. Tickets to the event are $20. Doors open at 7:00 pm while the show starts at 7:30 pm. For more information about the two events, check out the podcast above. If you want to see a full schedule of events, <a href="https://www.gothenburgdelivers.com/2023-harvest-festival.html">click here.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post News Director Canon Rath caught up with Jessie Hruza about the upcoming Friend's Festival in Gothenburg that begins September 13th - September 17th.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) 2023 Friend’s Festival: Friend’s Trivia Night/Open Mic and Friend’s Comedy Night" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jzmbn-149be66-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>GOTHENBURG, NEB.- The 2023 Friend's Festival in Gothenburg is quickly approaching. The festival offers many different Friend's themed events that fans of the show, and anyone can enjoy. On September 13th, there will be Trivia Night and Open Mic at the Sun Theatre in Gothenburg. The trivia will be based around the TV show. Teams of 4-6 cost $20 and teams 7-9 cost $30, however there is very limited space. The limit will cap off at 20 teams. If interested in participating, you can register by calling or texting 402-413-5747.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694031668062.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Due to last-minute changes, there will be a Friend's Comedy Night on September 14th at the Sun Theatre in Gothenburg. Performing for the event is Billie J and Talon Saucerman. Tickets to the event are $20. Doors open at 7:00 pm while the show starts at 7:30 pm. For more information about the two events, check out the podcast above. If you want to see a full schedule of events, <a href="https://www.gothenburgdelivers.com/2023-harvest-festival.html">click here.&nbsp;</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694031642981.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

(Audio) 2023 Friend’s Festival: Friend’s Trivia Night/Open Mic and Friend’s Comedy Night

Tickets will be available Monday for a shotgun raffled by the&nbsp;Mid-Plains Community College Shooting Club.

Proceeds will be used to help offset the cost of entry fees and travel expenses for the club’s upcoming competitions. The drawing will be 5 p.m. Dec. 1. The winner will be notified by phone.

The TriStar Trinity shotgun has a 3” chamber over and under and is made of Turkish Walnut with an oil stain finish. It features a solid frame for durability and strength, sealed actions to keep dirt out, self-adjusting locking lugs, a top tang barrel selector and safety and steel mono-block barrel construction.

The gun comes with five interchangeable Beretta®/Benelli® Mobil style choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F), a choke box and choke wrench. It also has a rubber recoil pad and is backed with a five-year mechanical warranty.

The shotgun is sponsored in part by the River Valley Gun Gallery. A total of 400 tickets will be up for grabs at a cost of $10 each.

Only individuals 18 and older are allowed to buy tickets. Identification will be required at the time of in-person purchase.

Tickets are available from any shooting club member, shooting club head coach Heather Wright at Suds R Us and assistant coach Ellie Schad at Lashley Land and Recreational Brokers. Both businesses are in North Platte.

Tickets will also be offered at the MPCC Fall Flurry Sept. 16-17 and the Prairie Circuit Classic Sept. 29-30 and Oct. 1, both shoots will be at the Lincoln County Wildlife Gun Club south of North Platte.

More information about the raffle and tickets is available by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shootingsports@mpcc.edu">shootingsports@mpcc.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling Mike Janecek at (308) 535-3601.

MPCC does not have ownership of the shotgun. Ownership will be transferred from the River Valley Gun Gallery to the winner after arrangements are made by the winner.&nbsp;

Additional information about the shotgun can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tristararms.com/series/trinity" target="_blank">tristararms.com/series/trinity</a>.

Heather Johnson MPCCTickets will be available Monday for a shotgun raffled by the&nbsp;Mid-Plains Community College Shooting Club.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694030484583.png" alt="Photo provided by Mid-Plains Community College" />
 <figcaption>Photo provided by Mid-Plains Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>Proceeds will be used to help offset the cost of entry fees and travel expenses for the club’s upcoming competitions. The drawing will be 5 p.m. Dec. 1. The winner will be notified by phone.The TriStar Trinity shotgun has a 3” chamber over and under and is made of Turkish Walnut with an oil stain finish. It features a solid frame for durability and strength, sealed actions to keep dirt out, self-adjusting locking lugs, a top tang barrel selector and safety and steel mono-block barrel construction.The gun comes with five interchangeable Beretta®/Benelli® Mobil style choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F), a choke box and choke wrench. It also has a rubber recoil pad and is backed with a five-year mechanical warranty.The shotgun is sponsored in part by the River Valley Gun Gallery. A total of 400 tickets will be up for grabs at a cost of $10 each.Only individuals 18 and older are allowed to buy tickets. Identification will be required at the time of in-person purchase.Tickets are available from any shooting club member, shooting club head coach Heather Wright at Suds R Us and assistant coach Ellie Schad at Lashley Land and Recreational Brokers. Both businesses are in North Platte.Tickets will also be offered at the MPCC Fall Flurry Sept. 16-17 and the Prairie Circuit Classic Sept. 29-30 and Oct. 1, both shoots will be at the Lincoln County Wildlife Gun Club south of North Platte.More information about the raffle and tickets is available by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shootingsports@mpcc.edu">shootingsports@mpcc.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling Mike Janecek at (308) 535-3601.MPCC does not have ownership of the shotgun. Ownership will be transferred from the River Valley Gun Gallery to the winner after arrangements are made by the winner.&nbsp;Additional information about the shotgun can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tristararms.com/series/trinity" target="_blank">tristararms.com/series/trinity</a>.

 MPCC Shooting Club raffles shotgun

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655805794423.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln CountyNo New Arrest***Keith County<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694084945624.jpeg" alt="Isaiah Gayle - No Seat Belt, Violate Stop Sign, Fugitive From Justice" />
 <figcaption>Isaiah Gayle - No Seat Belt, Violate Stop Sign, Fugitive From Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>***Buffalo County<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693023560984.jpeg" alt="Keith Cook - Probation Sanction" />
 <figcaption>Keith Cook - Probation Sanction</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694085048772.jpeg" alt="Jon Leal - Possess Controlled Substance/Except HAZ" />
 <figcaption>Jon Leal - Possess Controlled Substance/Except HAZ</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694085136743.jpeg" alt="Blake Newcomb - Possess Controlled Substance" />
 <figcaption>Blake Newcomb - Possess Controlled Substance</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694085198744.jpeg" alt="Marcus Ditchman - Stalking-Misdemeanor Offense" />
 <figcaption>Marcus Ditchman - Stalking-Misdemeanor Offense</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694085290400.jpeg" alt="Yuliana Pano-Hernandez - Simple Domestic Assault-THRTH IN PRTN-IMM Body INJRY" />
 <figcaption>Yuliana Pano-Hernandez - Simple Domestic Assault-THRTH IN PRTN-IMM Body INJRY</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694085378241.jpeg" alt="Carlos Fonseca-Borjas - Theft-RCV Stolen Prop $500-1,500" />
 <figcaption>Carlos Fonseca-Borjas - Theft-RCV Stolen Prop $500-1,500</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694085433607.jpeg" alt="Lonnie Dombach - Possess Marijuana More Than One Pound" />
 <figcaption>Lonnie Dombach - Possess Marijuana More Than One Pound</figcaption>
 </figure>***<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>

This information is not a criminal history. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced. All individuals included in this post are presumed innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The North Platte Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint to admin@northplattepost.com.</div>

The Hot Sheets: September 7th, 2023

North Platte Post News Director Canon Rath talked with Paul Oettinger about the upcoming 5th Annual Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival this Saturday at Pals Brewing Company in North Platte.&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE - Pals Brewing Company in North Platte will be the host site of the 5th Annual Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival going on this Saturday from 4pm - 8pm (if you have a VIP ticket, the event runs from 3pm - 8 pm). The event features many vendors from across the state of Nebraska, the Pals food menu and different types of BBQ will be offered. Live music will be playing during the event.&nbsp;

The 5th Annual Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival highlights brewers on the western side of the state but the event is welcome to all brewers in the state of Nebraska. "It's really a celebration of Western Nebraska craft beer," said Paul Oettinger. "Really it's for the whole state of Nebraska, we have couple Omaha breweries and a Norfolk brewery coming this year and we have about 10 or 12 of the Western Nebraska breweries that are going to be there”.&nbsp;

The event will feature a fruit beer where folks will try the fruit beers and vote on their favorite. At the end of the event, the winner will be announced. It will be a blind vote. Tickets to the event are still available. VIP tickets are sold out, but GA tickets are still available. Advanced tickets are $35, and at the door are $40. If you would like to purchase tickets, <a href="https://www.palsbrewingcompany.com/event-details/western-nebraska-craft-brew-festival">click here.</a> To learn more about the 5th Annual Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival, check out the podcast above.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post News Director Canon Rath talked with Paul Oettinger about the upcoming 5th Annual Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival this Saturday at Pals Brewing Company in North Platte.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) 5th Annual Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival- Conversation with Paul Oettinger" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=q8v65-149be11-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>NORTH PLATTE - Pals Brewing Company in North Platte will be the host site of the 5th Annual Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival going on this Saturday from 4pm - 8pm (if you have a VIP ticket, the event runs from 3pm - 8 pm). The event features many vendors from across the state of Nebraska, the Pals food menu and different types of BBQ will be offered. Live music will be playing during the event.&nbsp;The 5th Annual Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival highlights brewers on the western side of the state but the event is welcome to all brewers in the state of Nebraska. "It's really a celebration of Western Nebraska craft beer," said Paul Oettinger. "Really it's for the whole state of Nebraska, we have couple Omaha breweries and a Norfolk brewery coming this year and we have about 10 or 12 of the Western Nebraska breweries that are going to be there”.&nbsp;The event will feature a fruit beer where folks will try the fruit beers and vote on their favorite. At the end of the event, the winner will be announced. It will be a blind vote. Tickets to the event are still available. VIP tickets are sold out, but GA tickets are still available. Advanced tickets are $35, and at the door are $40. If you would like to purchase tickets, <a href="https://www.palsbrewingcompany.com/event-details/western-nebraska-craft-brew-festival">click here.</a> To learn more about the 5th Annual Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival, check out the podcast above.&nbsp;

(Audio) 5th Annual Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival- Conversation with Paul Oettinger

Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful

Do you have old tires you’ve been looking to get rid of? Keep North Platte Lincoln County Beautiful, the City of North Platte and Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is hosting a Tire Collection Event October 5-6, 2023 from 8AM – 4PM or until the threshold of 250 tons is met. 

You can bring up to 10 tires to the North Platte Transfer Station located at 3320 W North Lake Rd which is near Lake Maloney. Only 10 tires per load will be accepted from Lincoln County and surrounding counties free of charge. 

No rims will be taken. Once the 250 ton threshold is met, the event will be closed. Tire businesses are not allowed to drop off at this event. For additional questions please contact Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful at (308)534-8100.

Keep North Platte and Lincoln County BeautifulDo you have old tires you’ve been looking to get rid of? Keep North Platte Lincoln County Beautiful, the City of North Platte and Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is hosting a Tire Collection Event October 5-6, 2023 from 8AM – 4PM or until the threshold of 250 tons is met. You can bring up to 10 tires to the North Platte Transfer Station located at 3320 W North Lake Rd which is near Lake Maloney. Only 10 tires per load will be accepted from Lincoln County and surrounding counties free of charge. No rims will be taken. Once the 250 ton threshold is met, the event will be closed. Tire businesses are not allowed to drop off at this event. For additional questions please contact Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful at (308)534-8100.

Tire Amnesty to Be Held in October in North Platte

North Platte, Ne - Since 1934, the Buchheit family from Missouri has been assisting farmers, ranchers and the everyday do-it-yourselfers find the everyday materials needed for daily operations. In the beginning, it was grocerys, then livestock feed, and now over 90 years later the Buchheit family carries on their family legacy with their stores, now in over 20 communities in 5 states.&nbsp;

The North Platte store, formally Orscheln Farm &amp; Home, held it's Bechheit Grand Opening Wednesday morning. The new business welcomed local first responders from the North Platte Police Department, Sheriffs Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and North Platte Fire Department to their board cutting. Yes, the Buchheit's sawed a custom Buchheit North Platte board in two to celebrate the new store.

Grand Opening specials will continue at the new store throughout September at 2501 East 4th Street in North Platte.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694033252646.jpeg" alt="Buchheit Grand Opening in North Platte" />
 <figcaption>Buchheit Grand Opening in North Platte</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte, Ne - Since 1934, the Buchheit family from Missouri has been assisting farmers, ranchers and the everyday do-it-yourselfers find the everyday materials needed for daily operations. In the beginning, it was grocerys, then livestock feed, and now over 90 years later the Buchheit family carries on their family legacy with their stores, now in over 20 communities in 5 states.&nbsp;The North Platte store, formally Orscheln Farm &amp; Home, held it's Bechheit Grand Opening Wednesday morning. The new business welcomed local first responders from the North Platte Police Department, Sheriffs Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and North Platte Fire Department to their board cutting. Yes, the Buchheit's sawed a custom Buchheit North Platte board in two to celebrate the new store.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694033197641.jpeg" alt="Buchheit Board before being sawed in half for Grand Opening" />
 <figcaption>Buchheit Board before being sawed in half for Grand Opening</figcaption>
 </figure>Grand Opening specials will continue at the new store throughout September at 2501 East 4th Street in North Platte.

Buchheit celebrates Grand Opening Wednesday morning in North Platte

North Platte Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher as they recapped the September 5th, North Platte City Council meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE - The September 5th North Platte City Council meeting has officially come and gone and there were different discussion points from the meeting. From the latest city council meeting, there were different agenda the council talked about celebrations at creativity arts council, public hearing on potentially converting a former church into a venue, and budget public hearing are just a few to list off.&nbsp;

A big chunk of the last city council meeting was a public hearing about converting a church into a venue. The venue would offer different events and parties but there was a good amount of concern heading into the hearing. “The purpose was to convert the church into a venue space and people can host parties and that sort of thing in this space,” said North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher. “The area residents were concerned about the possibility of having increase traffic and things like that and they came to express their concerns.”&nbsp;

If you want to hear more of the agenda the two discussed, check out the podcast above. If you would like to watch the September 5th, North Platte city council meeting,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or6__HUdKv0">&nbsp;click here.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;(Public hearings begin at 27:15-57:46 than pause for a presentation. The public hearings pick back up from 1:16:51-1:48:13)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota" />
 <figcaption>Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher as they recapped the September 5th, North Platte City Council meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) North Platte City Council Meeting September 5th Recap" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nm5qi-149bd3e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>NORTH PLATTE - The September 5th North Platte City Council meeting has officially come and gone and there were different discussion points from the meeting. From the latest city council meeting, there were different agenda the council talked about celebrations at creativity arts council, public hearing on potentially converting a former church into a venue, and budget public hearing are just a few to list off.&nbsp;A big chunk of the last city council meeting was a public hearing about converting a church into a venue. The venue would offer different events and parties but there was a good amount of concern heading into the hearing. “The purpose was to convert the church into a venue space and people can host parties and that sort of thing in this space,” said North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher. “The area residents were concerned about the possibility of having increase traffic and things like that and they came to express their concerns.”&nbsp;If you want to hear more of the agenda the two discussed, check out the podcast above. If you would like to watch the September 5th, North Platte city council meeting,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or6__HUdKv0">&nbsp;click here.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;(Public hearings begin at 27:15-57:46 than pause for a presentation. The public hearings pick back up from 1:16:51-1:48:13)

(Audio) North Platte City Council Meeting September 5th Recap

Join us at Ash Hollow Historical Park for the 3rd Annual Ash Hollow Rendezvous!

The rendezvous will allow park visitors to absorb themselves in pre-1840 history, unique culture and educate themselves of an era gone by. Rendezvous were historically held in the fall between fur traders and local Native American tribes and were a time to gather, share trade goods such as skins, furs, beads, food items, weapons, and knowledge.

There will be demonstrations of black powder shooting, tomahawk throwing, recurve bow and arrow shooting, open fire cooking, trap setting, canoeing, along with traders’ row where goods can be viewed and purchased. A living history tent, emulating the spirit of American men and women of the era will host historical re-enactors speaking on subjects such as the newest kitchen utensils, fashion, political issues, current events, a card playing table and people that lived in 1876.

Food vendors will be on location for the event. There will be a Farmers’ Market on Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. – noon.

A rotation of activities will include: History of the Rendezvous, buffalo fleshing, hawk &amp; knife, fire starting, tin smithing, black powder shooting, quilting demonstrations, and a chuck wagon history and demonstration.

3 p.m. – Raffle for black powder gun &amp; handcrafted quilt; archery demonstration and shooting

5:30 p.m. – Early Americana singer: Charity Neal

9 a.m. – Trader’s Row opens; living history demonstrations will run from 9 a.m. – noon.

Ash Hollow opens at 9 a.m.&nbsp;Mountain Time&nbsp;and the events are free to attend. Vehicles require a valid park entry permit which can be purchased at the park or online at OutdoorNebraska.gov. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Nebraska Game and ParksJoin us at Ash Hollow Historical Park for the 3rd Annual Ash Hollow Rendezvous!The rendezvous will allow park visitors to absorb themselves in pre-1840 history, unique culture and educate themselves of an era gone by. Rendezvous were historically held in the fall between fur traders and local Native American tribes and were a time to gather, share trade goods such as skins, furs, beads, food items, weapons, and knowledge.<h2>Activities</h2>There will be demonstrations of black powder shooting, tomahawk throwing, recurve bow and arrow shooting, open fire cooking, trap setting, canoeing, along with traders’ row where goods can be viewed and purchased. A living history tent, emulating the spirit of American men and women of the era will host historical re-enactors speaking on subjects such as the newest kitchen utensils, fashion, political issues, current events, a card playing table and people that lived in 1876.Food vendors will be on location for the event. There will be a Farmers’ Market on Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. – noon.<h2>Friday, Sept. 8 – School Days</h2>A rotation of activities will include: History of the Rendezvous, buffalo fleshing, hawk &amp; knife, fire starting, tin smithing, black powder shooting, quilting demonstrations, and a chuck wagon history and demonstration.<h2>Sat. Sept. 9</h2>9 a.m. – Trader’s Row opens10 a.m. – Black Powder Shoot begins11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Hawk and Knife3 p.m. – Raffle for black powder gun &amp; handcrafted quilt; archery demonstration and shooting5:30 p.m. – Early Americana singer: Charity Neal<h2>Sun. Sept 10</h2>9 a.m. – Trader’s Row opens; living history demonstrations will run from 9 a.m. – noon.Ash Hollow opens at 9 a.m.&nbsp;Mountain Time&nbsp;and the events are free to attend. Vehicles require a valid park entry permit which can be purchased at the park or online at OutdoorNebraska.gov. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

3rd Annual Ash Hollow Rendezvous begins Friday in Lewellen

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ce1593649b94646aec0bda6fb3418d5">man who killed six</a>&nbsp;members of a Nebraska family nearly 50 years ago has died after complaining about chest pain.

<a href="https://apnews.com/60bc5d54c7484ac19a8cc03ab74906e4">Erwin Charles Simants</a>, who was 77, died Thursday at a Lincoln hospital, his attorney, Robert Lindemeier, told the&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/erwin-charles-simants-who-killed-6-nebraskans-in-1975-dies/article_4169f51e-4b56-11ee-9071-eb5690a5bf57.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">Lincoln Journal Star.</a>

Simants initially was sentenced to die in the electric chair for shooting Henry and Audrey Kellie, along with their son, David, and three of their grandchildren in 1975. He had been hired to do odd jobs for the family at their home in Sutherland, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of North Platte. Two of the victims also were sexually assaulted.

But that sentence was overturned in 1979, when the Nebraska Supreme Court ordered a new trial because the sheriff, a trial witness, played cards with some of the jurors while they were sequestered.

At retrial he was found not responsible by reason of insanity. He was diagnosed as schizophrenic and spent the rest of his life at a state psychiatric hospital.

The second insanity verdict prompted changes to Nebraska’s insanity law. The changes were part of a national movement in the legal world that gained prominence when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-hinckley-jr-freed-9db1af865b01dc956cb33291438392dc">John Hinkley</a>&nbsp;was acquitted by reason of insanity for shooting President Ronald Reagan.

Those changes shifted the burden of proof from the prosecution to the defense and gave judges — not mental health boards — authority to decide when to release patients found not responsible by reason of insanity.

In Simants' last competency evaluation in December, a judge ruled that he was still considered mentally ill and dangerous.

Audrey Brown, the only surviving Kellie sibling who had moved to Colorado just weeks before Simants’ 1975 attack, died in 2018. She had driven to Lincoln for Simants’ annual review hearings each year for more than three decades.

“I think the courts need to recognize, and the public needs to recognize, there was a real family involved in this, and somebody still loves them and cares about them,” she said in 2013.

A grand jury will convene to investigate Simants' death.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ce1593649b94646aec0bda6fb3418d5">man who killed six</a>&nbsp;members of a Nebraska family nearly 50 years ago has died after complaining about chest pain.<a href="https://apnews.com/60bc5d54c7484ac19a8cc03ab74906e4">Erwin Charles Simants</a>, who was 77, died Thursday at a Lincoln hospital, his attorney, Robert Lindemeier, told the&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/erwin-charles-simants-who-killed-6-nebraskans-in-1975-dies/article_4169f51e-4b56-11ee-9071-eb5690a5bf57.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">Lincoln Journal Star.</a>Simants initially was sentenced to die in the electric chair for shooting Henry and Audrey Kellie, along with their son, David, and three of their grandchildren in 1975. He had been hired to do odd jobs for the family at their home in Sutherland, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of North Platte. Two of the victims also were sexually assaulted.But that sentence was overturned in 1979, when the Nebraska Supreme Court ordered a new trial because the sheriff, a trial witness, played cards with some of the jurors while they were sequestered.At retrial he was found not responsible by reason of insanity. He was diagnosed as schizophrenic and spent the rest of his life at a state psychiatric hospital.The second insanity verdict prompted changes to Nebraska’s insanity law. The changes were part of a national movement in the legal world that gained prominence when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-hinckley-jr-freed-9db1af865b01dc956cb33291438392dc">John Hinkley</a>&nbsp;was acquitted by reason of insanity for shooting President Ronald Reagan.Those changes shifted the burden of proof from the prosecution to the defense and gave judges — not mental health boards — authority to decide when to release patients found not responsible by reason of insanity.In Simants' last competency evaluation in December, a judge ruled that he was still considered mentally ill and dangerous.Audrey Brown, the only surviving Kellie sibling who had moved to Colorado just weeks before Simants’ 1975 attack, died in 2018. She had driven to Lincoln for Simants’ annual review hearings each year for more than three decades.“I think the courts need to recognize, and the public needs to recognize, there was a real family involved in this, and somebody still loves them and cares about them,” she said in 2013.A grand jury will convene to investigate Simants' death.

Man who killed 6 members of a Sutherland family in 1975 dies after complaining of chest pain

LINCOLN, Nebraska&nbsp; —&nbsp;The field in the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” tournament has narrowed to eight round one garnered more than 30,000 votes from across the state. Making the top eight is the Geothermal Greenhouse by Greenhouse in the Snow-Antioch Machine Shop.

Public voting for the top eight products in the bracket-style competition will be held Tuesday, September 5, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 10. Manufacturers, students and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite product manufactured in Nebraska each week through the month of September at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nemanufacturingalliance.com/top-8-voting-2023.html" target="_blank">nemanufacturingalliance.com</a>.&nbsp;Each voter is permitted one vote per matchup, per round.

The following Nebraska manufacturers and their products are among the top eight contenders.

The&nbsp;contest, hosted by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nemanufacturingalliance.com/" target="_blank">NE Manufacturing Alliance</a>&nbsp;and powered by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nechamber.com/" target="_blank">NE Chamber</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nppd.com/?locale=en" target="_blank">Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD</a>)&nbsp;– together with your local public power utility, celebrates the state’s thriving manufacturing industry with Nebraska residents, students, educators, community leaders, manufacturers and especially, the more than 100,000 Nebraska makers working in manufacturing every day.

The tournament leads Nebraskans into the annual celebration of NE Manufacturing Month this October. The champion will be announced October 10 at the&nbsp;<a href="https://web.nechamber.com/events/2023NE%20Chamber%20Manufacturing%20Summit-527/details" target="_blank">NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit</a>&nbsp;in La Vista, where the top 16 finalists are invited to display their products.

NE Manufacturing AllianceLINCOLN, Nebraska&nbsp; —&nbsp;The field in the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” tournament has narrowed to eight round one garnered more than 30,000 votes from across the state. Making the top eight is the Geothermal Greenhouse by Greenhouse in the Snow-Antioch Machine Shop.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693944558804.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Public voting for the top eight products in the bracket-style competition will be held Tuesday, September 5, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 10. Manufacturers, students and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite product manufactured in Nebraska each week through the month of September at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nemanufacturingalliance.com/top-8-voting-2023.html" target="_blank">nemanufacturingalliance.com</a>.&nbsp;Each voter is permitted one vote per matchup, per round.The following Nebraska manufacturers and their products are among the top eight contenders.<ul>
 <li>Chocolate Meltaways, Bakers Candies, Greenwood</li><li>Endicott Invisi-Lug Clay Paver,&nbsp;Endicott Clay Products Company, Endicott</li><li>Fire Truck,&nbsp;Danko Emergency Equipment, Snyder</li><li>Flyover Whiskey, Flyover Whiskey, West Point</li><li>Geothermal Greenhouse,&nbsp;Greenhouse in the Snow-Antioch Machine Shop, Alliance</li><li>Ignis,&nbsp;Drone Amplifed, Lincoln</li><li>Ram Air Turbine (RAT) Hub, Collins Aerospace, York</li><li>Rocket Mobility All-Terrain Tracked Wheelchair, Rocket Mobility, Columbus</li>
 </ul>The&nbsp;contest, hosted by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nemanufacturingalliance.com/" target="_blank">NE Manufacturing Alliance</a>&nbsp;and powered by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nechamber.com/" target="_blank">NE Chamber</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nppd.com/?locale=en" target="_blank">Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD</a>)&nbsp;– together with your local public power utility, celebrates the state’s thriving manufacturing industry with Nebraska residents, students, educators, community leaders, manufacturers and especially, the more than 100,000 Nebraska makers working in manufacturing every day.The tournament leads Nebraskans into the annual celebration of NE Manufacturing Month this October. The champion will be announced October 10 at the&nbsp;<a href="https://web.nechamber.com/events/2023NE%20Chamber%20Manufacturing%20Summit-527/details" target="_blank">NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit</a>&nbsp;in La Vista, where the top 16 finalists are invited to display their products.

Greenhouse in the Snow Alliance advances in ‘Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska’ contest

OMAHA, NEB.- Jim Vena, chief executive officer, and Jennifer Hamann, executive vice president and chief financial officer, of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) will address Morgan Stanley’s 11th Annual Laguna Conference at 10:35 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023.

A live webcast of the presentation will be available in the investor relations section of Union Pacific’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/up/investor/index.htm">www.up.com/investor</a>. A replay of the audio webcast will be available shortly thereafter.

Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.up.com/">www.up.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692039054215.jpeg" alt="Jim Vena - Photo from Union Pacific" />
 <figcaption>Jim Vena - Photo from Union Pacific</figcaption>
 </figure>Union PacificOMAHA, NEB.- Jim Vena, chief executive officer, and Jennifer Hamann, executive vice president and chief financial officer, of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) will address Morgan Stanley’s 11th Annual Laguna Conference at 10:35 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693932154783.jpeg" alt="Jennifer Hamann - Photo from Union Pacific" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Hamann - Photo from Union Pacific</figcaption>
 </figure>A live webcast of the presentation will be available in the investor relations section of Union Pacific’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/up/investor/index.htm">www.up.com/investor</a>. A replay of the audio webcast will be available shortly thereafter.<h2>About Union Pacific</h2>Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.up.com/">www.up.com</a>.

Union Pacific Corporation CEO Jim Vena and CFO Jennifer Hamann to Address Morgan Stanley’s 11th Annual Laguna Conference

The North Platte Town Hall Lecture Series Board of Directors has announced the opening featured speaker for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Amanda L. Tyler will present on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the North Platte Community Playhouse.&nbsp;

As a reminder, a question-and-answer period will follow the lecture at the North Platte Community Playhouse, following a brief intermission.

New memberships are still available for the 2023-2024 season and may be purchased online at <a href="http://www.nptownhall.com">www.nptownhall.com</a> or by calling Betty at 308.530.8448. Season tickets are $91.37 ($85 plus tax). When available, individual tickets may be purchased for $60.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upcoming speakers for the current season include Captain Scott Kelly-NASA astronaut (October 17, 2023); James Olson-CIA Directorate of Operations (April 3, 2024); and Steve Uzzell-National Geographic photographer (May 7, 2024).

Please see Ms. Tyler’s biosketch below.

Amanda L. Tyler served as a law clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.&nbsp; She is the author of “Justice, Justice Thou Shalt Purse:&nbsp; A Life’s Work Fighting for a More Perfect Union,” the result of an intimate interview with the legendary justice just a year before Ginsburg’s death.&nbsp; Tyler gives audiences a behind-the-curtain look at the history and procedures of the nation's high court, exploring notable decisions, the quirks and personalities of current and prior courts.

The North Platte Town Hall Lecture Series Board of Directors has announced the opening featured speaker for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Amanda L. Tyler will present on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the North Platte Community Playhouse.&nbsp;As a reminder, a question-and-answer period will follow the lecture at the North Platte Community Playhouse, following a brief intermission.New memberships are still available for the 2023-2024 season and may be purchased online at <a href="http://www.nptownhall.com">www.nptownhall.com</a> or by calling Betty at 308.530.8448. Season tickets are $91.37 ($85 plus tax). When available, individual tickets may be purchased for $60.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upcoming speakers for the current season include Captain Scott Kelly-NASA astronaut (October 17, 2023); James Olson-CIA Directorate of Operations (April 3, 2024); and Steve Uzzell-National Geographic photographer (May 7, 2024).Please see Ms. Tyler’s biosketch below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693928152361.jpeg" alt="Amanda L. Tyler&nbsp; - "Supreme Court Round-Up" /Photo courtesy from Kristin Borman" />
 <figcaption>Amanda L. Tyler&nbsp; - "Supreme Court Round-Up" /Photo courtesy from Kristin Borman</figcaption>
 </figure>Amanda L. Tyler served as a law clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.&nbsp; She is the author of “Justice, Justice Thou Shalt Purse:&nbsp; A Life’s Work Fighting for a More Perfect Union,” the result of an intimate interview with the legendary justice just a year before Ginsburg’s death.&nbsp; Tyler gives audiences a behind-the-curtain look at the history and procedures of the nation's high court, exploring notable decisions, the quirks and personalities of current and prior courts.

Amanda Tyler will open up the 2023-2024 North Platte Town Hall Lecture Series

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655805794423.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693967128958.jpeg" alt="Tyler Bush - Custodial Sanction" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Bush - Custodial Sanction</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693967220317.jpeg" alt="Kyle Martyszenko - Possession Of Weapon" />
 <figcaption>Kyle Martyszenko - Possession Of Weapon</figcaption>
 </figure>***Buffalo County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693967285332.jpeg" alt="Randall Timmens - Contempt Of Court" />
 <figcaption>Randall Timmens - Contempt Of Court</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693967336773.jpeg" alt="Miguel Daleness - Probation Sanction" />
 <figcaption>Miguel Daleness - Probation Sanction</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693967391189.jpeg" alt="Mark Baird - Simple Assault-3d Degree, Operate Motor Vehicle to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving, Driving with a Revoked or Suspended License" />
 <figcaption>Mark Baird - Simple Assault-3d Degree, Operate Motor Vehicle to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving, Driving with a Revoked or Suspended License</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693967444466.jpeg" alt="Skyler Warburton - Contempt Of Court" />
 <figcaption>Skyler Warburton - Contempt Of Court</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693967509251.jpeg" alt="Andrew Juarez - Building Theft-Unlawful Taking $5,000+ (x2), Criminal Mischief-$1,500-$5,000" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Juarez - Building Theft-Unlawful Taking $5,000+ (x2), Criminal Mischief-$1,500-$5,000</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693967563975.jpeg" alt="David Barragan - Hold for Court" />
 <figcaption>David Barragan - Hold for Court</figcaption>
 </figure>***<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>

This information is not a criminal history. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced. All individuals included in this post are presumed innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The North Platte Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint to admin@northplattepost.com.</div>

The Hot Sheets: September 6th, 2023

Ogallala Public Schools looking for substitute teachers

&nbsp;On Sept. 4th  at 0423 deputies were dispatched to West Emerson Ave. in Sutherland, Ne. to investigate a domestic assault.  While enroute the deputies were told that the victim had escaped from the house and would meet them at Ozzies, on highway 30. 

 Deputies did meet with the victim who was in her  vehicle with her child.  Deputies could see that she was badly injured and summoned EMS.   Her face was bloody and swollen and her right eye was swollen shut.   The investigation revealed the victim was at her home at 0200 when Juan Martinez arrived uninvited.  He insisted on having sex with her.  When she refused, he sexually assaulted her.

 During the sexual assault he slapped and beat her face.  When she attempted to leave he restrained her and beat her even more.  She was able to escape with her son when he passed out.   The victim was transported by ambulance to the hospital.  Deputies went to the house and found Juan there.  He was arrested and transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center.  He was charged with domestic assault 1st degree, sexual assault 1st degree and false imprisonment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lincoln County Sheriff&nbsp;&nbsp;On Sept. 4th at 0423 deputies were dispatched to West Emerson Ave. in Sutherland, Ne. to investigate a domestic assault. While enroute the deputies were told that the victim had escaped from the house and would meet them at Ozzies, on highway 30. Deputies did meet with the victim who was in her vehicle with her child. Deputies could see that she was badly injured and summoned EMS. Her face was bloody and swollen and her right eye was swollen shut. The investigation revealed the victim was at her home at 0200 when Juan Martinez arrived uninvited. He insisted on having sex with her. When she refused, he sexually assaulted her.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLincolnCountySheriffsOfficeNP%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0H7qRTEeQVsjMpjmTGkfJbGjhYXYVqZNhtxB2RAQ1CgdmQpdWCfetZZygtQb2iojTl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="265" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div> During the sexual assault he slapped and beat her face. When she attempted to leave he restrained her and beat her even more. She was able to escape with her son when he passed out. The victim was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Deputies went to the house and found Juan there. He was arrested and transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center. He was charged with domestic assault 1st degree, sexual assault 1st degree and false imprisonment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sutherland man arrested for 1st Degree Domestic Assault, 1st Degree Sexual Assault, and False Imprisonment

&nbsp;(LINCOLN, NE) The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy have issued a smoke advisory for western Nebraska.

Issued for:&nbsp; Tuesday, Sept. 5, through Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023

Air Quality Index:&nbsp;Moderate to Unhealthy Air Quality Index (AQI)

Potential Air Quality Impacts&nbsp;from Wildfires

Smoke associated with&nbsp;Canadian wildfires&nbsp;may affect the air quality in Nebraska.

An advisory of possible&nbsp;Moderate to Unhealthy&nbsp;(yellow, orange, and red) Air Quality Index (AQI) may occur in western Nebraska, potentially affecting the cities of Alliance, Chadron, Gering, Hyannis, Kimball, Ogallala, Sidney and surrounding areas from Tuesday, Sept. 5, through Wednesday evening, Sept. 6, 2023.&nbsp;

During Moderate AQI (yellow category) conditions, those who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution may experience health effects. When conditions rise to the yellow category, those who are unusually sensitive are advised to consider shortening outdoor activities and reducing the intensity of these activities. Symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath are signs to take it easier.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI (orange)

During Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI (orange category) conditions, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children. When conditions rise to the orange category, sensitive groups are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion and avoid intense outdoor activities. Everyone else can remain active and adjust activity duration and intensity as needed.

During Unhealthy AQI (red category) conditions, some members of the general public may experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children. When conditions rise to the red category, everyone is advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and those in sensitive groups should consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.

Advisories are issued for areas of anticipated impact by notifying the media and local health departments, and posting information on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy's (NDEE) webpages and social media sites. These advisories provide information to the public on the anticipated impacts and air quality and health resources to help citizens protect their health and minimize exposure to smoke.

States monitor smoke levels and weather conditions to determine when impacts to air quality are anticipated. Advisories are based on data from the National Weather Service (NWS), smoke plume modeling, and from ambient air quality monitors located in Omaha, Bellevue, Blair, Lincoln, Beatrice, Grand Island, and Scottsbluff.

The following Air Quality Index (AQI) is used. This AQI is used nationally and is available in real-time for Nebraska by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airnow.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.airnow.gov&nbsp;</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;(LINCOLN, NE) The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy have issued a smoke advisory for western Nebraska.Issued for:&nbsp; Tuesday, Sept. 5, through Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023Affected Area:&nbsp;Western NebraskaAir Quality Index:&nbsp;Moderate to Unhealthy Air Quality Index (AQI)Potential Air Quality Impacts&nbsp;from WildfiresSmoke associated with&nbsp;Canadian wildfires&nbsp;may affect the air quality in Nebraska.An advisory of possible&nbsp;Moderate to Unhealthy&nbsp;(yellow, orange, and red) Air Quality Index (AQI) may occur in western Nebraska, potentially affecting the cities of Alliance, Chadron, Gering, Hyannis, Kimball, Ogallala, Sidney and surrounding areas from Tuesday, Sept. 5, through Wednesday evening, Sept. 6, 2023.&nbsp;Moderate AQI (yellow)During Moderate AQI (yellow category) conditions, those who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution may experience health effects. When conditions rise to the yellow category, those who are unusually sensitive are advised to consider shortening outdoor activities and reducing the intensity of these activities. Symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath are signs to take it easier.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI (orange)During Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI (orange category) conditions, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children. When conditions rise to the orange category, sensitive groups are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion and avoid intense outdoor activities. Everyone else can remain active and adjust activity duration and intensity as needed.Unhealthy AQI (red)During Unhealthy AQI (red category) conditions, some members of the general public may experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children. When conditions rise to the red category, everyone is advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and those in sensitive groups should consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.Advisories are issued for areas of anticipated impact by notifying the media and local health departments, and posting information on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy's (NDEE) webpages and social media sites. These advisories provide information to the public on the anticipated impacts and air quality and health resources to help citizens protect their health and minimize exposure to smoke.States monitor smoke levels and weather conditions to determine when impacts to air quality are anticipated. Advisories are based on data from the National Weather Service (NWS), smoke plume modeling, and from ambient air quality monitors located in Omaha, Bellevue, Blair, Lincoln, Beatrice, Grand Island, and Scottsbluff.The following Air Quality Index (AQI) is used. This AQI is used nationally and is available in real-time for Nebraska by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airnow.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.airnow.gov&nbsp;</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693944890037.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>For more information on smoke awareness, visit NDEE's website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dee.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/OnWeb/AirSA" target="_blank">http://dee.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/OnWeb/AirSA&nbsp;</a>For more information on Wildfires, visit NDEE's website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dee.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/OnWeb/airSA-3" target="_blank">http://dee.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/OnWeb/airSA-3&nbsp;</a>

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