Keeping good records is crucial for ensuring that you file an accurate tax return and take advantage of all the deductions and credits you're entitled to. Accurate records can also help you avoid an audit or other penalties from the IRS. Here are some tips for keeping good records:

First, keep all your tax-related documents organized and in one place. This includes receipts, bank and credit card statements, W-2s and 1099s, and any other documents related to your income and expenses.

Second, make sure you track all your income and expenses throughout the year. This includes any income from self-employment or side jobs, as well as any expenses related to those jobs. It's also important to track any deductible expenses, such as charitable contributions or medical expenses.

Third, consider using tax software or a professional tax preparer to help you organize your records and file your tax return. This can help you avoid mistakes and ensure that you're taking advantage of all available deductions and credits.

Overall, keeping good records can be time-consuming, but it's well worth the effort. By taking the time to organize your documents and track your income and expenses, you can save yourself a lot of stress and potentially save money on your tax bill.

Office hours Monday through Friday 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday by appointment

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677593534030.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="🎙️ H&R Block of North Platte and Ogallala Tax Tip (Week of Mar.28th)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cfdpx-13adf64-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00"></iframe></div><h2>Keeping Good Records</h2>Keeping good records is crucial for ensuring that you file an accurate tax return and take advantage of all the deductions and credits you're entitled to. Accurate records can also help you avoid an audit or other penalties from the IRS. Here are some tips for keeping good records:First, keep all your tax-related documents organized and in one place. This includes receipts, bank and credit card statements, W-2s and 1099s, and any other documents related to your income and expenses.Second, make sure you track all your income and expenses throughout the year. This includes any income from self-employment or side jobs, as well as any expenses related to those jobs. It's also important to track any deductible expenses, such as charitable contributions or medical expenses.Third, consider using tax software or a professional tax preparer to help you organize your records and file your tax return. This can help you avoid mistakes and ensure that you're taking advantage of all available deductions and credits.Overall, keeping good records can be time-consuming, but it's well worth the effort. By taking the time to organize your documents and track your income and expenses, you can save yourself a lot of stress and potentially save money on your tax bill.<h2>Office hours Monday through Friday 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday by appointment</h2>

🎙️ H&R Block of North Platte and Ogallala Tax Tip (Week of Mar.28th)

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests">Click here to see past Hot Sheets</a>

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&nbsp;toadmin@northplattepost.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655805794423.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lincoln County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680003954550.jpeg" alt="Miranda Elaine Griffitt - Attempt of a class 4 felony" />
 <figcaption>Miranda Elaine Griffitt - Attempt of a class 4 felony</figcaption>
 </figure>***<a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests">Click here to see past Hot Sheets</a>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&nbsp;toadmin@northplattepost.com.

The Hot Sheets (March 28, 2023)

Produced nationally and internationally, Little Women has been praised 
by critics for its ambition in adapting such a well-known story for the 
stage. This timeless, captivating story is brought to life in this 
glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope and 
everlasting love. The original production starred the unparalleled 
Sutton Foster, who received Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk 
nominations for her performance. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, 
Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy 
March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the 
publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her 
that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly 
taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and 
their experience growing up in Civil War America. Little Women 
embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled
 with laughter, tears and a lifting of the spirit. Little Women features
 plenty of great opportunities for female actors and singers ranging in 
age from teenage to 60 years old. The show also has a flexible cast size
 that can include as few as ten or as many as 42 people! The powerful 
score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope – 
the sounds of a young America finding its voice.

Friday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. Friday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30 at 2 p.m. Adults:&nbsp; $18 in advance or $20 at the door Students:&nbsp; $10 in advance or $12 at the door

Tickets will go on sale beginning Monday, April 17 from 12-5 p.m. (<a href="https://northplattecommunityplayhouse.com/">online</a> and at the Playhouse).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679757134555.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Community PlayhouseProduced nationally and internationally, Little Women has been praised 
by critics for its ambition in adapting such a well-known story for the 
stage. This timeless, captivating story is brought to life in this 
glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope and 
everlasting love. The original production starred the unparalleled 
Sutton Foster, who received Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk 
nominations for her performance. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, 
Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy 
March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the 
publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her 
that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly 
taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and 
their experience growing up in Civil War America. Little Women 
embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled
 with laughter, tears and a lifting of the spirit. Little Women features
 plenty of great opportunities for female actors and singers ranging in 
age from teenage to 60 years old. The show also has a flexible cast size
 that can include as few as ten or as many as 42 people! The powerful 
score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope – 
the sounds of a young America finding its voice.Showtimes are:Friday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. Friday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30 at 2 p.m. Adults:&nbsp; $18 in advance or $20 at the door Students:&nbsp; $10 in advance or $12 at the doorTickets will go on sale beginning Monday, April 17 from 12-5 p.m. (<a href="https://northplattecommunityplayhouse.com/">online</a> and at the Playhouse).

'Little Women' set to take the stage at North Platte Playhouse

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension

Many cow/calf 
producers are short on hay and hoping for an early spring. This in 
person seminar will discuss some options for getting lactating cows fed 
until pasture is ready. With the drought of 2022, many
 pastures ended up being quite heavily grazed.&nbsp; There is always some 
uncertainty as to what the 2023 spring and summer weather will be like.&nbsp;
 This seminar will discuss this summer’s pasture management, nutrition, 
reproduction management and animal wellbeing
 due to limited feed resources.&nbsp; 

Recent weather maps 
show a continuation of the drought but some improvement this year.&nbsp; What
 options and plans do you have if we have another dry year?&nbsp; This 
program will help you plan and give options for
 this summer’s grazing season.

Speakers for the 
seminar are Jerry Volesky, UNL Range &amp; Forage Specialist, Karla 
Wilke, Beef Extension Nutrition Specialist, Rick Funston UNL Beef 
Reproduction Specialist and Ruth Woiwode, UNL Beef Animal
 Behavior Extension Specialist.

Register by email to: <a href="mailto:rsaner2@unl.edu" target="_blank">rsaner2@unl.edu</a>
 or call the Lincoln Logan McPherson Extension Office at: 308-532-2683.&nbsp;
 The seminar will be held at the West Central Research Extension &amp; 
Education Center Auditorium
 located at 402 W State Farm Road North Platte.&nbsp; The program will be 
held Monday, April 3 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.&nbsp; The program is sponsored by 
Farm Credit Services of America and Nebraska Extension.

University of Nebraska–Lincoln ExtensionMany cow/calf 
producers are short on hay and hoping for an early spring. This in 
person seminar will discuss some options for getting lactating cows fed 
until pasture is ready. With the drought of 2022, many
 pastures ended up being quite heavily grazed.&nbsp; There is always some 
uncertainty as to what the 2023 spring and summer weather will be like.&nbsp;
 This seminar will discuss this summer’s pasture management, nutrition, 
reproduction management and animal wellbeing
 due to limited feed resources.&nbsp; Recent weather maps 
show a continuation of the drought but some improvement this year.&nbsp; What
 options and plans do you have if we have another dry year?&nbsp; This 
program will help you plan and give options for
 this summer’s grazing season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679669723625.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Speakers for the 
seminar are Jerry Volesky, UNL Range &amp; Forage Specialist, Karla 
Wilke, Beef Extension Nutrition Specialist, Rick Funston UNL Beef 
Reproduction Specialist and Ruth Woiwode, UNL Beef Animal
 Behavior Extension Specialist.Register by email to: <a href="mailto:rsaner2@unl.edu" target="_blank">rsaner2@unl.edu</a>
 or call the Lincoln Logan McPherson Extension Office at: 308-532-2683.&nbsp;
 The seminar will be held at the West Central Research Extension &amp; 
Education Center Auditorium
 located at 402 W State Farm Road North Platte.&nbsp; The program will be 
held Monday, April 3 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.&nbsp; The program is sponsored by 
Farm Credit Services of America and Nebraska Extension.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Extension's beef producers meeting is April 3 in North Platte

United States Attorney 
Steven Russell announced that William H. White, 55, and Sarah A. White, 
40, husband and wife, formerly of Roca were sentenced on 
March 21 by the Senior United States District
 Judge John M. Gerrard for Failure to Pay Over Employment Tax that had 
been withheld from employees’ paychecks.&nbsp; William White was sentenced to
 one year and one day imprisonment, to be followed by three years of 
supervised release.&nbsp; Sarah White was sentenced
 to three years of probation and a fine of $10,000.&nbsp; Each was ordered to
 pay $426,047.75 restitution but was credited for payments they had made
 previously totaling that same amount.&nbsp;


William and Sarah White
 owned two businesses that operated in tandem -- B&amp;B Midwest 
Trucking (B&amp;B) and 419, LLC (419).&nbsp; During portions of 2015 to 2018,
 B&amp;B and 419 withheld
federal income taxes and FICA taxes (Social Security and 
Medicare) from employees’ paychecks but failed to account for those 
taxes on time and to pay them over to the Internal Revenue Service.&nbsp; The
 withheld employee payroll taxes totaled $144,220.31
 for B&amp;B, and $281,827.44 for 419.&nbsp; Each business had sufficient 
funds available to pay the payroll taxes when due.&nbsp; William and Sarah 
White were aware of the obligation to account for and pay the payroll 
taxes and were responsible to pay them, but instead
 used the funds withheld from employees’ paychecks to pay other business
 creditors and to pay for personal expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp; The businesses had 
further failed to pay over the employer’s share of payroll taxes to the 
IRS, but the Whites paid those amounts as well
 prior to sentencing. 

“Business owners have a significant duty to collect
 and turn over all IRS withholding taxes,” said Thomas F. Murdock, 
Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, St. Louis Field 
Office. “Those who fail to do so gain an unfair competitive
 advantage.&nbsp; The failure to abide by IRS laws will not be tolerated, and
 those criminals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.

U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney 
Steven Russell announced that William H. White, 55, and Sarah A. White, 
40, husband and wife, formerly of Roca were sentenced on 
March 21 by the Senior United States District
 Judge John M. Gerrard for Failure to Pay Over Employment Tax that had 
been withheld from employees’ paychecks.&nbsp; William White was sentenced to
 one year and one day imprisonment, to be followed by three years of 
supervised release.&nbsp; Sarah White was sentenced
 to three years of probation and a fine of $10,000.&nbsp; Each was ordered to
 pay $426,047.75 restitution but was credited for payments they had made
 previously totaling that same amount.&nbsp;
William and Sarah White
 owned two businesses that operated in tandem -- B&amp;B Midwest 
Trucking (B&amp;B) and 419, LLC (419).&nbsp; During portions of 2015 to 2018,
 B&amp;B and 419 withheld
federal income taxes and FICA taxes (Social Security and 
Medicare) from employees’ paychecks but failed to account for those 
taxes on time and to pay them over to the Internal Revenue Service.&nbsp; The
 withheld employee payroll taxes totaled $144,220.31
 for B&amp;B, and $281,827.44 for 419.&nbsp; Each business had sufficient 
funds available to pay the payroll taxes when due.&nbsp; William and Sarah 
White were aware of the obligation to account for and pay the payroll 
taxes and were responsible to pay them, but instead
 used the funds withheld from employees’ paychecks to pay other business
 creditors and to pay for personal expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp; The businesses had 
further failed to pay over the employer’s share of payroll taxes to the 
IRS, but the Whites paid those amounts as well
 prior to sentencing. “Business owners have a significant duty to collect
 and turn over all IRS withholding taxes,” said Thomas F. Murdock, 
Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, St. Louis Field 
Office. “Those who fail to do so gain an unfair competitive
 advantage.&nbsp; The failure to abide by IRS laws will not be tolerated, and
 those criminals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.

Couple sentenced for failure to pay withheld payroll taxes

SCOTTSBLUFF — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a man and located a missing juvenile from Utah following a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Deuel County.

Sunday, at approximately 3:05 p.m. MT, a trooper observed an eastbound Honda Accord drive on the shoulder of I-80 at mile marker 80, near Chappell. During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered that one of the passengers, a 16-year-old female, had been reported missing from Bountiful, Utah.

The driver, identified as Vicson Duarte Lendos, 29, of Bountiful, Utah, was arrested for child abuse, no injury and lodged in Cheyenne County jail. The investigation is ongoing with cooperation from the Bountiful Police Department. The juvenile was placed in protective custody.

NSPSCOTTSBLUFF — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a man and located a missing juvenile from Utah following a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Deuel County.Sunday, at approximately 3:05 p.m. MT, a trooper observed an eastbound Honda Accord drive on the shoulder of I-80 at mile marker 80, near Chappell. During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered that one of the passengers, a 16-year-old female, had been reported missing from Bountiful, Utah.The driver, identified as Vicson Duarte Lendos, 29, of Bountiful, Utah, was arrested for child abuse, no injury and lodged in Cheyenne County jail. The investigation is ongoing with cooperation from the Bountiful Police Department. The juvenile was placed in protective custody.

Troopers locate missing juvenile during I-80 traffic stop

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Matthew French, 36, of Garland was sentenced on March 24 in Lincoln by Senior United States Senior District Judge John M. Gerrard for two counts of producing child pornography.&nbsp; French was sentenced to 225 months in prison and will also serve 12 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After serving his prison sentence, French will be required to register as a sex offender.

This case began when a school intercepted an email intended for one of its minor students that contained sexually explicit language and requested sexual-related information and photos from the minor. An investigation was opened to determine the identity of the sender of the email. Through investigation, French was identified as the sender.

Through the subsequent investigation it was determined that French would meet minors through his small business, introduction from other minors, or through Snapchat. He would initiate a conversation with the minors and eventually would explain an opportunity to them to make money through “odd easy work.” He would then provide the minor the email address for a fictional individual. French explained to his victims that this fictional person wrote sex stories online and that they wanted the minor’s information to write these stories.

Using the fictional email address, French would pose as the third person and send the minor victims a survey with detailed questions about their sexual activities, proclivities, and anatomy. The email indicated the third person would pay the minor for a response to the survey. The email further contained options to make more money by taking certain sexually related photographs.

A search warrant was received for the email address, related-Google drive, and Google photos accounts and for French’s residence and devices. In reviewing this evidence, investigators discovered copious sexually explicit files. Investigators were able to positively identify four minor victims who provided sexually explicit images or videos to French at his request and who were paid by French.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.justice.gov/psc">www.justice.gov/psc</a>.

This case was investigated by the Seward County Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Matthew French, 36, of Garland was sentenced on March 24 in Lincoln by Senior United States Senior District Judge John M. Gerrard for two counts of producing child pornography.&nbsp; French was sentenced to 225 months in prison and will also serve 12 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After serving his prison sentence, French will be required to register as a sex offender.This case began when a school intercepted an email intended for one of its minor students that contained sexually explicit language and requested sexual-related information and photos from the minor. An investigation was opened to determine the identity of the sender of the email. Through investigation, French was identified as the sender.Through the subsequent investigation it was determined that French would meet minors through his small business, introduction from other minors, or through Snapchat. He would initiate a conversation with the minors and eventually would explain an opportunity to them to make money through “odd easy work.” He would then provide the minor the email address for a fictional individual. French explained to his victims that this fictional person wrote sex stories online and that they wanted the minor’s information to write these stories.Using the fictional email address, French would pose as the third person and send the minor victims a survey with detailed questions about their sexual activities, proclivities, and anatomy. The email indicated the third person would pay the minor for a response to the survey. The email further contained options to make more money by taking certain sexually related photographs.A search warrant was received for the email address, related-Google drive, and Google photos accounts and for French’s residence and devices. In reviewing this evidence, investigators discovered copious sexually explicit files. Investigators were able to positively identify four minor victims who provided sexually explicit images or videos to French at his request and who were paid by French.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.justice.gov/psc">www.justice.gov/psc</a>.This case was investigated by the Seward County Sheriff’s Office.

Neb. man sentenced for producing child pornography

The Grocery Grab is returning on May 6 at Gary's Super Foods on East 4th Street in North Platte. Tickets are $10 to register, and there will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd places awarded to go grocery shopping for free. Purchase tickets at Gary's or contact Misty Robertson at 308-530-8544. North Platte Post visited with Misty and Patrick Jacobson about the upcoming event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com">Visit North Platte Kubota Online</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com">Visit North Platte Kubota Online</a></figcaption>
 </figure>The Grocery Grab is returning on May 6 at Gary's Super Foods on East 4th Street in North Platte. Tickets are $10 to register, and there will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd places awarded to go grocery shopping for free. Purchase tickets at Gary's or contact Misty Robertson at 308-530-8544. North Platte Post visited with Misty and Patrick Jacobson about the upcoming event.<div><iframe title="Grocery Grab from North Platte Noon Rotary Coming Back to Garys Super Foods" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9yrye-13c9ea0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00"></iframe></div>

🎙️ Grocery Grab from North Platte noon rotary coming back to Gary's Super Foods in May

Mid-Plains Community College is celebrating Women’s History Month by inviting the public to listen to diversity advocate Denise TrimbleSmith.

TrimbleSmith will speak from from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the McDonald-Belton Theater in North Platte. This presentation is free to attend.

About TrimbleSmith TrimbleSmith is the director of Justice Initiatives in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for the University of Arizona as well as a certified life coach and motivational speaker.She is also the founder of Courageous Conversations, through which she helps people navigate life’s challenges, define their visions, gain clarity, reduce worry and make actionable strides toward reaching their goals.“Since childhood, I have always been able to recognize when others were in distress,” said TrimbleSmith. “I started Courageous Conversations to help people arrive at a conclusion through conversations, observations and reasoning that shows their firmness of purpose through Courage.”During the presentations, TrimbleSmith will provide a motivational opportunity for women to tap into their power from within. The discussion will explore how courage is necessary to shift an atmosphere.She will also touch on the contributions of women past and present by visiting the courageous narratives that helped shaped society, will discuss progress that has been made so far and will talk about what the future could hold.

TrimbleSmith’s presentations are made possible by MPCC’s Student Life departments.

Visit North PlatteMid-Plains Community College is celebrating Women’s History Month by inviting the public to listen to diversity advocate Denise TrimbleSmith.TrimbleSmith will speak from from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the McDonald-Belton Theater in North Platte. This presentation is free to attend.About TrimbleSmith TrimbleSmith is the director of Justice Initiatives in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for the University of Arizona as well as a certified life coach and motivational speaker.She is also the founder of Courageous Conversations, through which she helps people navigate life’s challenges, define their visions, gain clarity, reduce worry and make actionable strides toward reaching their goals.“Since childhood, I have always been able to recognize when others were in distress,” said TrimbleSmith. “I started Courageous Conversations to help people arrive at a conclusion through conversations, observations and reasoning that shows their firmness of purpose through Courage.”During the presentations, TrimbleSmith will provide a motivational opportunity for women to tap into their power from within. The discussion will explore how courage is necessary to shift an atmosphere.She will also touch on the contributions of women past and present by visiting the courageous narratives that helped shaped society, will discuss progress that has been made so far and will talk about what the future could hold.TrimbleSmith’s presentations are made possible by MPCC’s Student Life departments.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FVisitNorthPlatte%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0yBqvNedbdCgYNsUDsvgaQKj9cZsLxA721NQF5B3dHsQQptqX4UPiMP9HzzJdnAqsl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="562" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Diversity advocate scheduled to speak Tuesday in North Platte

OGALLALA&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested a Missouri man following a road rage incident Saturday evening during the strong winter storm in western Nebraska.

At approximately 5 p.m. MT, as troopers were performing traffic control at the Interstate 80 interchange at Ogallala, a vehicle stopped near a trooper and reported that another driver had made a threat while traffic was slowly exiting I-80 due to the weather conditions. The victim reported that a semi driver had exited his truck, approached the victim’s vehicle, and threatened the victim with a knife.&nbsp;

Troopers investigated the incident and located the semi driver, identified as Barry Bynum, 67, of St. Clair, Mo. Bynum was arrested for marking terroristic threats, possession of a deadly weapon while committing a felony, and third-degree assault. He was lodged in Keith County jail.

NSPOGALLALA&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested a Missouri man following a road rage incident Saturday evening during the strong winter storm in western Nebraska.At approximately 5 p.m. MT, as troopers were performing traffic control at the Interstate 80 interchange at Ogallala, a vehicle stopped near a trooper and reported that another driver had made a threat while traffic was slowly exiting I-80 due to the weather conditions. The victim reported that a semi driver had exited his truck, approached the victim’s vehicle, and threatened the victim with a knife.&nbsp;Troopers investigated the incident and located the semi driver, identified as Barry Bynum, 67, of St. Clair, Mo. Bynum was arrested for marking terroristic threats, possession of a deadly weapon while committing a felony, and third-degree assault. He was lodged in Keith County jail.

Troopers arrest driver after road rage incident near Ogallala

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific has become the second major freight railroad in the past week to back away from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f97553f0ec9474784249fa4a17e1169">industry's longstanding push</a>&nbsp;to cut train crews down to one person as lawmakers and regulators increasingly focus on rail safety following last month's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">fiery derailment</a>&nbsp;in Ohio.

The Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad said in a statement Saturday that it had reached an agreement with the union that represents conductors to drop its proposal to take those workers out of the cabs of locomotives just months after it was pressing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-business-transportation-cce1888bacfb5b76a57a0b9843e21e82">test out the idea</a>&nbsp;of stationing conductors in trucks in parts of its 23-state network. Norfolk Southern made a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-norfolk-southern-train-crews-fe588f7adee1eee34d53340dc425a855">similar announcement</a>&nbsp;several days earlier.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-contamination-fears-brockovich-fc68b402096a4f5f8598a657f7e399f8">Feb. 3 derailment</a>&nbsp;of a Norfolk Southern train that forced the evacuation of roughly half the town of East Palestine near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border after officials released and burned toxic chemicals is what sparked the renewed interest in railroad safety. A bipartisan bill that's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">gaining support in Congress</a>&nbsp;would require railroads to maintain two-person crews and make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derailment-ohio-safety-senate-legislation-brown-vance-82c55dc95aca9524d6ae8e6d01336dbe">several other changes</a>&nbsp;designed to reduce the chances of future derailments. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-norfolk-southern-safety-investigation-2c819f2c469102332d4b1abf4c6e8923">regulators</a>, who are also pushing railroads to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-accidents-transportation-pete-buttigieg-ohio-pennsylvania-f1cd9d79cdd66b1f45d1dcdf1e53ff58">make reforms</a>, were already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/588d6f7829c4836b9d2feff5c21a5097">considering a rule</a>&nbsp;that would require two-person crews.

The major freight railroads have long argued that technological advances — particularly the automatic braking system they were required to install in recent years — had made it unnecessary to have a second person in every locomotive. And railroad executives had said they believed that moving conductors off of trains would improve their quality of life by giving them more predictable schedules and keeping them from going on the road.

But the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union and the other rail unions have long refused to agree to reducing the size of train crews because they believe train conductors play a crucial safety role and they want to preserve jobs.

The unions say conductors help monitor track conditions and radio communications while ensuring that engineers remain alert and respond to any emergencies or mechanical problems on the train. In the case of a derailment or collision, conductors are the first ones to respond before any additional help can arrive and they provide emergency responders key details about what a train is hauling.

Union Pacific Executive Vice President Beth Whited said the railroad will now focus on other ways to address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-business-strikes-df14983a4b7b7623bf68390587beef94">the concerns</a>&nbsp;about demanding schedules that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-congress-d2ae4d3aecb27f176418518d977e69e1">workers expressed</a>&nbsp;during last fall's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">difficult contract negotiations</a>. The rail industry reached the brink of a strike that could have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-climate-and-environment-government-politics-92ea7632a29f807ccc0e2658c50d731e">crippled the economy</a>&nbsp;before Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-pete-buttigieg-strikes-congress-c95510555dcd4cdc2d839e61d1195b06">intervened</a>&nbsp;in December and imposed a contract to prevent a walkout.

“We are pleased that Union Pacific is focusing on quality of life for our conductor workforce,” said Jeremy Ferguson, president of SMART-TD.

Railroads have also been under pressure over the past year to improve their service because they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">struggling to handle</a>&nbsp;all the shipments companies want them to deliver. And the industry has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-aab7d3084a8d17d8d721d2cb750be323">defending its safety record</a>&nbsp;after eliminating nearly one-third of all railroad jobs over the past six years as railroads overhauled their operations. Unions say all those cuts have left workers spread too thin and made it more difficult to keep up with all the inspections and maintenance that are needed.

The railroads maintain that they remain the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinian-territories-ohio-canada-business-accidents-d57651e17b2f9e0163c50298106950a3">safest way</a>&nbsp;to transport hazardous chemicals and all kinds of other cargo across land because nearly every shipment arrives intact, but the East Palestine derailment reinforced just how devastating even one derailment involving dangerous chemicals can be.

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679928438123.jpeg" alt="This photo taken with a drone shows portions of a Norfolk and Southern freight train that derailed the night before in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 4, 2023. Union Pacific said Saturday, March 25, that the company has backed away from the industry's longstanding push to cut train crews down to one person as lawmakers and regulators increasingly focus on rail safety following last month's fiery derailment in Ohio. Norfolk Southern made a similar announcement several days earlier. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)" />
 <figcaption>This photo taken with a drone shows portions of a Norfolk and Southern freight train that derailed the night before in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 4, 2023. Union Pacific said Saturday, March 25, that the company has backed away from the industry's longstanding push to cut train crews down to one person as lawmakers and regulators increasingly focus on rail safety following last month's fiery derailment in Ohio. Norfolk Southern made a similar announcement several days earlier. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific has become the second major freight railroad in the past week to back away from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f97553f0ec9474784249fa4a17e1169">industry's longstanding push</a>&nbsp;to cut train crews down to one person as lawmakers and regulators increasingly focus on rail safety following last month's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">fiery derailment</a>&nbsp;in Ohio.The Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad said in a statement Saturday that it had reached an agreement with the union that represents conductors to drop its proposal to take those workers out of the cabs of locomotives just months after it was pressing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-business-transportation-cce1888bacfb5b76a57a0b9843e21e82">test out the idea</a>&nbsp;of stationing conductors in trucks in parts of its 23-state network. Norfolk Southern made a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-norfolk-southern-train-crews-fe588f7adee1eee34d53340dc425a855">similar announcement</a>&nbsp;several days earlier.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-contamination-fears-brockovich-fc68b402096a4f5f8598a657f7e399f8">Feb. 3 derailment</a>&nbsp;of a Norfolk Southern train that forced the evacuation of roughly half the town of East Palestine near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border after officials released and burned toxic chemicals is what sparked the renewed interest in railroad safety. A bipartisan bill that's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">gaining support in Congress</a>&nbsp;would require railroads to maintain two-person crews and make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derailment-ohio-safety-senate-legislation-brown-vance-82c55dc95aca9524d6ae8e6d01336dbe">several other changes</a>&nbsp;designed to reduce the chances of future derailments. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-norfolk-southern-safety-investigation-2c819f2c469102332d4b1abf4c6e8923">regulators</a>, who are also pushing railroads to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-accidents-transportation-pete-buttigieg-ohio-pennsylvania-f1cd9d79cdd66b1f45d1dcdf1e53ff58">make reforms</a>, were already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/588d6f7829c4836b9d2feff5c21a5097">considering a rule</a>&nbsp;that would require two-person crews.The major freight railroads have long argued that technological advances — particularly the automatic braking system they were required to install in recent years — had made it unnecessary to have a second person in every locomotive. And railroad executives had said they believed that moving conductors off of trains would improve their quality of life by giving them more predictable schedules and keeping them from going on the road.But the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union and the other rail unions have long refused to agree to reducing the size of train crews because they believe train conductors play a crucial safety role and they want to preserve jobs.The unions say conductors help monitor track conditions and radio communications while ensuring that engineers remain alert and respond to any emergencies or mechanical problems on the train. In the case of a derailment or collision, conductors are the first ones to respond before any additional help can arrive and they provide emergency responders key details about what a train is hauling.Union Pacific Executive Vice President Beth Whited said the railroad will now focus on other ways to address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-business-strikes-df14983a4b7b7623bf68390587beef94">the concerns</a>&nbsp;about demanding schedules that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-congress-d2ae4d3aecb27f176418518d977e69e1">workers expressed</a>&nbsp;during last fall's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">difficult contract negotiations</a>. The rail industry reached the brink of a strike that could have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-climate-and-environment-government-politics-92ea7632a29f807ccc0e2658c50d731e">crippled the economy</a>&nbsp;before Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-pete-buttigieg-strikes-congress-c95510555dcd4cdc2d839e61d1195b06">intervened</a>&nbsp;in December and imposed a contract to prevent a walkout.“We are pleased that Union Pacific is focusing on quality of life for our conductor workforce,” said Jeremy Ferguson, president of SMART-TD.Railroads have also been under pressure over the past year to improve their service because they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">struggling to handle</a>&nbsp;all the shipments companies want them to deliver. And the industry has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-aab7d3084a8d17d8d721d2cb750be323">defending its safety record</a>&nbsp;after eliminating nearly one-third of all railroad jobs over the past six years as railroads overhauled their operations. Unions say all those cuts have left workers spread too thin and made it more difficult to keep up with all the inspections and maintenance that are needed.The railroads maintain that they remain the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinian-territories-ohio-canada-business-accidents-d57651e17b2f9e0163c50298106950a3">safest way</a>&nbsp;to transport hazardous chemicals and all kinds of other cargo across land because nearly every shipment arrives intact, but the East Palestine derailment reinforced just how devastating even one derailment involving dangerous chemicals can be.

Union Pacific 2nd railroad to drop push for one-person crews

Listen to Z93.5 Country today for a chance to win $100, first contest was at 9am CDT this morning. Listen at 11am, 2pm and 5pm Central time to hear a codeword. Enter Codeword at <a href="https://z935country.com/#//">Z935Country.com</a>&nbsp;when you hear it for a chance to win. Z 93.5 Country will be doing this contest for the next 5 weeks. Keep listening to win. The contest is sponsosored by Bruce Furniture, Papa Murphy's of North Platte, Family 1st Productions and Premier Toyota.

Listen to Z93.5 Country today for a chance to win $100, first contest was at 9am CDT this morning. Listen at 11am, 2pm and 5pm Central time to hear a codeword. Enter Codeword at <a href="https://z935country.com/#//">Z935Country.com</a>&nbsp;when you hear it for a chance to win. Z 93.5 Country will be doing this contest for the next 5 weeks. Keep listening to win. The contest is sponsosored by Bruce Furniture, Papa Murphy's of North Platte, Family 1st Productions and Premier Toyota.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679926060774.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://z935country.com/#//">Click Here to Enter Contest&nbsp;</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://z935country.com/#//">Click Here to Enter Contest&nbsp;</a></figcaption>
 </figure>

CASHVILLE has begun! Listen for chances to win $100 today

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 toadmin@northplattepost.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655805794423.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lincoln County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679915805456.jpeg" alt="Terry Dale Busch - RESISTING OFFICER, REFUSAL TO SUBMIT BREATH/CHEM TEST, DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCE LIQUOR" />
 <figcaption>Terry Dale Busch - RESISTING OFFICER, REFUSAL TO SUBMIT BREATH/CHEM TEST, DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCE LIQUOR</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679915989207.jpeg" alt="Adam Lloyd Troutt - DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCE LIQUOR (3RD) ENHANCED" />
 <figcaption>Adam Lloyd Troutt - DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCE LIQUOR (3RD) ENHANCED</figcaption>
 </figure>***<a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests">Click here to see past Hot Sheets</a>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 toadmin@northplattepost.com.

The Hot Sheets (March 27,2023)

Students at North Platte Community College are getting real-world experience working with the electrical components needed to operate grain bins.

The electrical department recently purchased a custom grain bin mock-up trainer to teach students about the safe installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of grain bin electrical systems.

The trainer is providing the students with first-hand experience that will make them more employable in the future.

“Electricians are after employees with this type of training,” said Jake Elmshaeuser, electrical instructor. “The equipment these students are learning on can be found at any farm anywhere -we’re using transformers and all kinds of stuff. It’s a pretty advanced set up, and it just makes more sense when you can actually put your hands on it. It’s not just about teaching and moving on. It’s about teaching and applying it.”

Previously, students in the electrical technology program learned the skills in the classroom.

“The past couple of years it has been strictly a test,” said Scott Mustion, electrical program lab assistant. “We would give students a sheet of paper with the design, and we would make them size it according to code. It was all paper. This is the first year we’ve been able to incorporate the hands-on feature.”

The students were responsible for designing, laying out and then mounting the training equipment onto a wall for practice and study purposes.

“We modified an existing class to fit this aspect in,” Elmshaeuser said. “They had to learn about wire, fuse and disconnect sizing. We spent a lot of time on that, and now they are making all the connections and splices and doing what we call ‘tapping’ the conductors. When it’s all said and done, we’re going to energize and run everything.”

The work is just one more skill students can put on a résumé. Making them marketable is one of the primary goals of the electrical department.

“It’s general training for what we are trying to put out,” said Elmshaeuser. “No matter what, if they see this – which they will in our area and a lot of areas – at least they’ll have a clue. They’re not going to be blindsided going into it.”

Mustion said many contractors in the area are ag-affiliated, and the grain bin training plays into almost any ag scenario the students could come across on the job.

“This is really big,” Mustion said. “So just the fact that they’re understanding this and applying it – when they get hired, it’s really going to help them. It’s going to make them more valuable to the employer, and hopefully, it will allow them to move up.”

Word about the training has spread quickly among businesses in the area, and excitement is already building.

“One employer called to inquire about a student, and I told him what the student was studying currently,” Mustion said. “He said, ‘Oh my gosh, I need that so bad. I do that every day.’ He was just ecstatic that one, he was going to be able to get one of our students, and two, that the student was going to be trained on these motor controls.”

Elmshaeuser believes the grain bin trainer will also serve as an increased draw for the electrical program.

“We’re just trying to lead at the college here,” said Elmshaeuser. “I don’t want to play second fiddle to any college around, I want to have them all follow us, and this is how you do that. You have to keep finding new innovative ways to teach. The college has been very generous with the funding to make that happen.”

The trainer was paid for with a combination of a $16,800 Perkins Grant and $7,000 in three-year instructional equipment funds from the college.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679676227747.jpeg" alt="North Platte Community College electrical student Andrew Dowse, of Sutherland, watches as his classmate Alyssa Stark, of North Platte, splices a wire while working on a custom grain bin mock-up trainer the college recently purchased." />
 <figcaption>North Platte Community College electrical student Andrew Dowse, of Sutherland, watches as his classmate Alyssa Stark, of North Platte, splices a wire while working on a custom grain bin mock-up trainer the college recently purchased.</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER JOHNSON MPCCStudents at North Platte Community College are getting real-world experience working with the electrical components needed to operate grain bins.The electrical department recently purchased a custom grain bin mock-up trainer to teach students about the safe installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of grain bin electrical systems.The trainer is providing the students with first-hand experience that will make them more employable in the future.“Electricians are after employees with this type of training,” said Jake Elmshaeuser, electrical instructor. “The equipment these students are learning on can be found at any farm anywhere -we’re using transformers and all kinds of stuff. It’s a pretty advanced set up, and it just makes more sense when you can actually put your hands on it. It’s not just about teaching and moving on. It’s about teaching and applying it.”Previously, students in the electrical technology program learned the skills in the classroom.“The past couple of years it has been strictly a test,” said Scott Mustion, electrical program lab assistant. “We would give students a sheet of paper with the design, and we would make them size it according to code. It was all paper. This is the first year we’ve been able to incorporate the hands-on feature.”The students were responsible for designing, laying out and then mounting the training equipment onto a wall for practice and study purposes.“We modified an existing class to fit this aspect in,” Elmshaeuser said. “They had to learn about wire, fuse and disconnect sizing. We spent a lot of time on that, and now they are making all the connections and splices and doing what we call ‘tapping’ the conductors. When it’s all said and done, we’re going to energize and run everything.”The work is just one more skill students can put on a résumé. Making them marketable is one of the primary goals of the electrical department.“It’s general training for what we are trying to put out,” said Elmshaeuser. “No matter what, if they see this – which they will in our area and a lot of areas – at least they’ll have a clue. They’re not going to be blindsided going into it.”Mustion said many contractors in the area are ag-affiliated, and the grain bin training plays into almost any ag scenario the students could come across on the job.“This is really big,” Mustion said. “So just the fact that they’re understanding this and applying it – when they get hired, it’s really going to help them. It’s going to make them more valuable to the employer, and hopefully, it will allow them to move up.”Word about the training has spread quickly among businesses in the area, and excitement is already building.“One employer called to inquire about a student, and I told him what the student was studying currently,” Mustion said. “He said, ‘Oh my gosh, I need that so bad. I do that every day.’ He was just ecstatic that one, he was going to be able to get one of our students, and two, that the student was going to be trained on these motor controls.”Elmshaeuser believes the grain bin trainer will also serve as an increased draw for the electrical program.“We’re just trying to lead at the college here,” said Elmshaeuser. “I don’t want to play second fiddle to any college around, I want to have them all follow us, and this is how you do that. You have to keep finding new innovative ways to teach. The college has been very generous with the funding to make that happen.”The trainer was paid for with a combination of a $16,800 Perkins Grant and $7,000 in three-year instructional equipment funds from the college.

North Platte CC trains students on grain bin electrical systems

OGALLALA — Keith County Communities for Kids will host an Easter egg hunt from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April, 1 at the Western Diamond Sports Complex in Ogallala.

OGALLALA — Keith County Communities for Kids will host an Easter egg hunt from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April, 1 at the Western Diamond Sports Complex in Ogallala.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679419653805.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

No foolin': Ogallala Easter egg hunt scheduled for April 1

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Travis J. Nyhoff, 41, of Lincoln was sentenced recently in federal
court in Lincoln.&nbsp; Senior United States 
District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Nyhoff to 10 years in prison 
for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of 
methamphetamine (actual).&nbsp; After serving his sentence,
 Nyhoff will be placed on supervised release for 5 years.&nbsp; There is no 
parole in the federal system.&nbsp;


On
 September 21, 2021, investigators with the Lincoln Police Department 
saw Nyhoff walking on a sidewalk in Lincoln.&nbsp; The investigators 
determined that Nyhoff had warrants for his
 arrest.&nbsp; The investigators contacted Nyhoff at a gas station parking 
lot.&nbsp; Nyhoff was carrying a backpack with a smaller bag clipped to it.&nbsp; 
They arrested Nyhoff pursuant to those warrants and searched his 
person.&nbsp; They found a glass meth pipe with residue
 on his person.&nbsp; During his arrest, he dropped the backpack he was 
carrying.&nbsp; Officers searched the bag attached to the backpack and found 
three baggies containing suspected methamphetamine.&nbsp; Investigators found
 in the backpack a digital scale with suspected
 methamphetamine residue. The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the 
lab for testing.&nbsp; The lab determined that the largest bag contained 
60.23 grams of methamphetamine, of which at least 58 grams was actual 
methamphetamine.&nbsp; The other two bags were confirmed
 to contain methamphetamine and totaled 80.2 grams.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.

U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Travis J. Nyhoff, 41, of Lincoln was sentenced recently in federal
court in Lincoln.&nbsp; Senior United States 
District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Nyhoff to 10 years in prison 
for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of 
methamphetamine (actual).&nbsp; After serving his sentence,
 Nyhoff will be placed on supervised release for 5 years.&nbsp; There is no 
parole in the federal system.&nbsp;
On
 September 21, 2021, investigators with the Lincoln Police Department 
saw Nyhoff walking on a sidewalk in Lincoln.&nbsp; The investigators 
determined that Nyhoff had warrants for his
 arrest.&nbsp; The investigators contacted Nyhoff at a gas station parking 
lot.&nbsp; Nyhoff was carrying a backpack with a smaller bag clipped to it.&nbsp; 
They arrested Nyhoff pursuant to those warrants and searched his 
person.&nbsp; They found a glass meth pipe with residue
 on his person.&nbsp; During his arrest, he dropped the backpack he was 
carrying.&nbsp; Officers searched the bag attached to the backpack and found 
three baggies containing suspected methamphetamine.&nbsp; Investigators found
 in the backpack a digital scale with suspected
 methamphetamine residue. The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the 
lab for testing.&nbsp; The lab determined that the largest bag contained 
60.23 grams of methamphetamine, of which at least 58 grams was actual 
methamphetamine.&nbsp; The other two bags were confirmed
 to contain methamphetamine and totaled 80.2 grams.This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.

Lincoln man sentenced to 10 years on federal meth charges 

The Nebraska Department of Transportation announced around 1:40 p.m. CDT Sunday afternoon that Interstate 80 is now open to resume travel in Nebraska. They add that winter conditions exist not only in the Panhandle but also in Wyoming and in Colorado

The National Weather Service in North Platte reported snowfall accumulations as much as 10 inches of snow near Big Springs, 9 inches north of Chappell, and 8 inches south of Grant as of Sunday morning.

North Platte PostUpdated at 1:45pm CDTThe Nebraska Department of Transportation announced around 1:40 p.m. CDT Sunday afternoon that Interstate 80 is now open to resume travel in Nebraska. They add that winter conditions exist not only in the Panhandle but also in Wyoming and in Colorado<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaDOT%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0eXTmxmpAiWwaW6Ghbj1wjeCFdj3Y6UneH8c3bnQwywfBQdE4YRGe9mdhXWXtZSzTl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="715" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The National Weather Service in North Platte reported snowfall accumulations as much as 10 inches of snow near Big Springs, 9 inches north of Chappell, and 8 inches south of Grant as of Sunday morning.

UPDATE: I-80 is now open in Nebraska

While North Platte dodged the snowstorm this weekend, the National Weather Service in North Platte is predicting wintry weather will return Sunday night.

The NWS said Imperial received 10 inches of snow, and Ogallala and Kearney had reports of 8 inches.

To start the work week, there is a 20 percent chance of overnight snow in Lincoln County, increasing to 40 percent to 60 percent through Monday night. The NWS said up to 2 inches of accumulation is possible.

The daytime high Monday is expected to be in the mid-30s, with the mercury beginning to tick up Tuesday. Highs Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the mid-40s, jumping to the low-60s by Thursday.

The next chance of precipitation in the long-term forecast is Thursday night, when there is a slight chance of rain showers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679854040877.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte PostWhile North Platte dodged the snowstorm this weekend, the National Weather Service in North Platte is predicting wintry weather will return Sunday night.The NWS said Imperial received 10 inches of snow, and Ogallala and Kearney had reports of 8 inches.To start the work week, there is a 20 percent chance of overnight snow in Lincoln County, increasing to 40 percent to 60 percent through Monday night. The NWS said up to 2 inches of accumulation is possible.The daytime high Monday is expected to be in the mid-30s, with the mercury beginning to tick up Tuesday. Highs Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the mid-40s, jumping to the low-60s by Thursday.The next chance of precipitation in the long-term forecast is Thursday night, when there is a slight chance of rain showers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A few locations across southwest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nebraska?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nebraska</a> saw snowfall amounts of up to 10 inches. Here are some of the highest snowfall amounts we have received as of 11am CT Sunday. For more snowfall amounts check out this link: <a href="https://t.co/MNl0b0TJxo">https://t.co/MNl0b0TJxo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/OnHzDS0FaZ">pic.twitter.com/OnHzDS0FaZ</a>&mdash; NWS North Platte (@NWSNorthPlatte) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSNorthPlatte/status/1640039150320775168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Chance of snowfall returns to North Platte this week

<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/2023/3/1679826066381.png" alt="Michael Joseph Pearsall - Child Abuse (non-injury), Child Abuse (Injury)" />
 <figcaption>Michael Joseph Pearsall - Child Abuse (non-injury), Child Abuse (Injury)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679826083876.png" alt="Guadalupe Leyvea Ramirez - Possession of Weapon" />
 <figcaption>Guadalupe Leyvea Ramirez - Possession of Weapon</figcaption>
 </figure>***KEITH COUNTY JAIL<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679826108986.png" alt="Barry Neil Bynum - Terroristic Threat/State Offenses, Weapon Offenses, Assault" />
 <figcaption>Barry Neil Bynum - Terroristic Threat/State Offenses, Weapon Offenses, Assault</figcaption>
 </figure>***BUFFALO COUNTY JAIL<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679826139776.png" alt="Travis Koplin - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault with Prior, 3rd Degree Assault" />
 <figcaption>Travis Koplin - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault with Prior, 3rd Degree Assault</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679826156780.png" alt="Rodney C Whiteface - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault with Prior" />
 <figcaption>Rodney C Whiteface - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault with Prior</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: March 26, 2023

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Monday at the Lincoln County Courthouse.

Commissioners will receive an update on the Inland Port Authority, as well as discussion on naming the authority.

Commissioners also will consider entering into an interlocal agreement with Morrill County for inmate housing.

The complete agenda is below, and the meeting will be streamed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@lincolncountynebraska8132/streams">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677879357038.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Monday at the Lincoln County Courthouse.Commissioners will receive an update on the Inland Port Authority, as well as discussion on naming the authority.Commissioners also will consider entering into an interlocal agreement with Morrill County for inmate housing.The complete agenda is below, and the meeting will be streamed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@lincolncountynebraska8132/streams">HERE</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679679077017.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679679095883.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Lincoln County Commission will meet Monday morning

United States Attorney 
Steven Russell announced that Jose O. Maes, 38, of Colorado Springs, 
Colorado, was sentenced today in Lincoln by Senior United 
States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 31 years
 in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the 
intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture with a
 prior violent felony conviction. Maes was convicted of the offense in 
November of 2022 after a three-day trial.&nbsp; Following
 the prison term, Maes will serve 15 years on supervised release. There
 is no parole in the federal system.

Testimony and evidence 
presented at trial showed between June of 2020 and February 12, 2021, 
Maes was involved in a methamphetamine distribution organization which 
transported multiple pounds of methamphetamine
 from the Colorado Springs, Colorado, area to the Lincoln and Omaha, 
Nebraska/Council Bluffs, Iowa areas between the latter part of 2020 and 
February 12, 2022.

On February 11, 2022, 
investigators with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force saw
 Maes meet with two co-conspirators at the Horseshoe Casino in Council 
Bluffs. The three were engaged in what appeared
 to be the transfer of drugs in the casino parking garage.&nbsp; Shortly 
thereafter, an exchange of cash occurred at a nearby gas station.&nbsp; Later
 that evening, the two co-conspirators, driving separate vehicles, were 
stopped on westbound Interstate 80 on their way
 back to Lincoln by the Nebraska State Patrol.&nbsp; Both vehicles were 
searched, and a total of approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, 
numerous fentanyl pills, two handguns and $5,000 in cash were found.

As a result of these 
stops and searches, Iowa investigators were told Maes was believed to 
have returned to the casinos and was likely in possession of 
methamphetamine, cash and a firearm.&nbsp; Around 2:30 a.m. on
 February 12, 2022, an investigator from the Iowa Division of Narcotics 
Enforcement and a Council Bluffs Police Officer found Maes’s car in the 
Harrah’s Casino parking garage.&nbsp; Maes evaded efforts to contact him.&nbsp; 
This resulted in a pursuit involving multiple
 law enforcement agencies which ended approximately 30 miles away in a 
rural area of Pottawattamie County, Iowa.&nbsp; A search of Maes’s car 
resulted in the seizure of ¼ ounce of methamphetamine, a few fentanyl 
pills, a loaded handgun with an extended magazine
 and more than $34,153 in cash.&nbsp; That cash was later forfeited to the 
United States of America by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

This case was 
investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, the 
Nebraska State Patrol, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the 
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Division
 of Intelligence, the Council Bluffs Police Department, the 
Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department, the Iowa State Patrol, the 
Omaha Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney 
Steven Russell announced that Jose O. Maes, 38, of Colorado Springs, 
Colorado, was sentenced today in Lincoln by Senior United 
States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 31 years
 in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the 
intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture with a
 prior violent felony conviction. Maes was convicted of the offense in 
November of 2022 after a three-day trial.&nbsp; Following
 the prison term, Maes will serve 15 years on supervised release. There
 is no parole in the federal system.Testimony and evidence 
presented at trial showed between June of 2020 and February 12, 2021, 
Maes was involved in a methamphetamine distribution organization which 
transported multiple pounds of methamphetamine
 from the Colorado Springs, Colorado, area to the Lincoln and Omaha, 
Nebraska/Council Bluffs, Iowa areas between the latter part of 2020 and 
February 12, 2022.On February 11, 2022, 
investigators with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force saw
 Maes meet with two co-conspirators at the Horseshoe Casino in Council 
Bluffs. The three were engaged in what appeared
 to be the transfer of drugs in the casino parking garage.&nbsp; Shortly 
thereafter, an exchange of cash occurred at a nearby gas station.&nbsp; Later
 that evening, the two co-conspirators, driving separate vehicles, were 
stopped on westbound Interstate 80 on their way
 back to Lincoln by the Nebraska State Patrol.&nbsp; Both vehicles were 
searched, and a total of approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, 
numerous fentanyl pills, two handguns and $5,000 in cash were found.As a result of these 
stops and searches, Iowa investigators were told Maes was believed to 
have returned to the casinos and was likely in possession of 
methamphetamine, cash and a firearm.&nbsp; Around 2:30 a.m. on
 February 12, 2022, an investigator from the Iowa Division of Narcotics 
Enforcement and a Council Bluffs Police Officer found Maes’s car in the 
Harrah’s Casino parking garage.&nbsp; Maes evaded efforts to contact him.&nbsp; 
This resulted in a pursuit involving multiple
 law enforcement agencies which ended approximately 30 miles away in a 
rural area of Pottawattamie County, Iowa.&nbsp; A search of Maes’s car 
resulted in the seizure of ¼ ounce of methamphetamine, a few fentanyl 
pills, a loaded handgun with an extended magazine
 and more than $34,153 in cash.&nbsp; That cash was later forfeited to the 
United States of America by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).This case was 
investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, the 
Nebraska State Patrol, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the 
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Division
 of Intelligence, the Council Bluffs Police Department, the 
Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department, the Iowa State Patrol, the 
Omaha Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Colo. man sentenced  for conspiracy to distribute meth

It’s fair to say that 2022 brought unique weather to all portions of Nebraska. From tornadoes, to
giant hailstones to wildfires and dust storms, our weather has been impactful. The National
Weather Service remains committed to working with leaders from across the state to build
“Weather-Ready” communities.


March 27-31 is Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week. We encourage everyone to take
time to review and practice your severe weather plan for your home or office. If you don’t have a
plan, this is a great time to consider developing one and sharing it with others. Preparing an emer-
gency kit with basic supplies such as food, water, blankets and a flashlight can save precious time
when reacting to an actual event. By working together to ensure we are ready for disaster, we can
better prepare our families, friends, and communities for these times.


Although it is not common for severe weather to occur in the winter, Nebraska has had at least one
reported tornado during each month of the year since official records have been kept. The reports
we receive from our partners and the public contribute to keeping our neighbors and fellow Ne-
braskans safe when disaster strikes.


The ground truth provided gives forecasters an idea of what a storm is doing. These reports are
used in research aimed at better understanding how storms work. Your storm reports play a vital
role in keeping others safe, both now and in the years to come.


Tornadoes reported across Nebraska in 2022 were down greatly from the 30-year average of 49.
Only 26 tornadoes occurred in the state last year. April had the most tornadoes with 10, with June
coming in second with 9.


Storm reports are eyewitness reports providing critical in-
formation to meteorologists making warning decisions.
This real time information allows forecasters to have
ground truth of what is actually happening below where
the radar cannot see.


We are grateful to our storm spotters, partners, and local
community members for your continued support and as-
sistance in providing this information.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679327835736.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceIt’s fair to say that 2022 brought unique weather to all portions of Nebraska. From tornadoes, to
giant hailstones to wildfires and dust storms, our weather has been impactful. The National
Weather Service remains committed to working with leaders from across the state to build
“Weather-Ready” communities.
March 27-31 is Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week. We encourage everyone to take
time to review and practice your severe weather plan for your home or office. If you don’t have a
plan, this is a great time to consider developing one and sharing it with others. Preparing an emer-
gency kit with basic supplies such as food, water, blankets and a flashlight can save precious time
when reacting to an actual event. By working together to ensure we are ready for disaster, we can
better prepare our families, friends, and communities for these times.
Your Storm Reports in Action
Although it is not common for severe weather to occur in the winter, Nebraska has had at least one
reported tornado during each month of the year since official records have been kept. The reports
we receive from our partners and the public contribute to keeping our neighbors and fellow Ne-
braskans safe when disaster strikes.
The ground truth provided gives forecasters an idea of what a storm is doing. These reports are
used in research aimed at better understanding how storms work. Your storm reports play a vital
role in keeping others safe, both now and in the years to come.
Tornado Number Trends
Tornadoes reported across Nebraska in 2022 were down greatly from the 30-year average of 49.
Only 26 tornadoes occurred in the state last year. April had the most tornadoes with 10, with June
coming in second with 9.
Storm reports are eyewitness reports providing critical in-
formation to meteorologists making warning decisions.
This real time information allows forecasters to have
ground truth of what is actually happening below where
the radar cannot see.
We are grateful to our storm spotters, partners, and local
community members for your continued support and as-
sistance in providing this information.

Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 27-31

By ADRIAN SMITH R-Third Congressional District

Elementary and secondary education has earned a 
spotlight nationwide, especially after schools went online during the 
pandemic. The unique setting provided parents a firsthand look at what 
goes on inside classrooms. Many didn’t like what they found and demanded
 greater involvement in determining their children’s educational content
 and experiences. While the solution isn’t about public vs. private 
schools, in the debates we saw spring up in countless school board 
meetings across the country, the message from parents across America has
 been clear: No one is more invested in students’ success than their own
 parents.

I am proud to say I am a product of Nebraska’s 
public school system. Nebraska is fortunate to have many dedicated 
educators in our public school systems who worked tirelessly to resume 
in-person learning and keep students engaged, but other regions around 
the country cannot say the same. Students trapped in failing schools 
deserve options, and parents committed to ensuring their children 
receive a high-quality education should not be treated like intrusive 
criminals.

One of the main pillars of House Republicans’ 
Commitment to America is a future that’s built on freedom. This week, we
 followed through on that promise by passing H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of
 Rights Act, legislation led by my colleague, Representative Julia 
Letlow. To empower parents to make the best decisions for their 
children, this legislation recognizes their rights to be heard and to 
know what’s being taught in schools. It also affirms their rights to see
 the school budget and spending. Parents are, after all, the primary 
stakeholders and funders of education. The Parents Bill of Rights also 
acknowledges parents’ primary interest in student safety through their 
right to protect their child’s privacy and be updated on any violent 
incidents at school.

In order for every student to have the best chance 
to succeed, the voices of parents must be heard. The Parents Bill of 
Rights is a result of us listening to those voices and a great step 
forward toward improving education options for American families.

Parents – not government – should always have the 
final say in what kind of education their child receives, no matter 
where they live or their socioeconomic status. In order to expand this 
freedom for every family in America, I have partnered with 
Representative Burgess Owens to introduce the Educational Choice for 
Children Act (ECCA).

ECCA would create a pool of annual tax credits for 
private, non-profit scholarship granting organizations, or SGOs, in each
 state and in the District of Columbia. These SGOs would then allocate 
one-for-one tax credits to donor families and businesses and grant 
scholarships to families. The scholarships could be used to pay for 
traditional tuition costs as well as tutoring, supplies, and other needs
 for families in rural areas where their local district can’t fully meet
 their needs and where traditional private school options don’t exist.

Because this process would be facilitated by 
private, non-governmental SGOs, the government would not be involved in 
delivering these scholarships. By creating an incentive through the tax 
code, this program would not be dependent whatsoever on funding from 
state education budgets or the U.S. Department of Education, meaning it 
will not compromise public school funding. This legislation isn’t about 
public vs. private schools – it is an innovative policy mechanism to 
provide deserving students of all backgrounds with more options to fund 
their education needs, something we should all be able to agree on.

In the last few years, many states, including 
Nebraska, have already or are considering new programs which clearly 
demonstrate the benefits of school choice. Increasing these education 
options will only benefit families and empower schools to serve students
 better.

At the federal level, Republicans are making good on
 our commitment to parents and students. By protecting the rights of 
parents to make the best decision for their children’s education and 
increasing the opportunities students have to succeed, we will achieve a
 future built on freedom.

Sincerely, Adrian Smith, Member of Congress

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652238257248.jpeg" alt="Adrian Smith" />
 <figcaption>Adrian Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>By ADRIAN SMITH R-Third Congressional DistrictElementary and secondary education has earned a 
spotlight nationwide, especially after schools went online during the 
pandemic. The unique setting provided parents a firsthand look at what 
goes on inside classrooms. Many didn’t like what they found and demanded
 greater involvement in determining their children’s educational content
 and experiences. While the solution isn’t about public vs. private 
schools, in the debates we saw spring up in countless school board 
meetings across the country, the message from parents across America has
 been clear: No one is more invested in students’ success than their own
 parents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I am proud to say I am a product of Nebraska’s 
public school system. Nebraska is fortunate to have many dedicated 
educators in our public school systems who worked tirelessly to resume 
in-person learning and keep students engaged, but other regions around 
the country cannot say the same. Students trapped in failing schools 
deserve options, and parents committed to ensuring their children 
receive a high-quality education should not be treated like intrusive 
criminals.One of the main pillars of House Republicans’ 
Commitment to America is a future that’s built on freedom. This week, we
 followed through on that promise by passing H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of
 Rights Act, legislation led by my colleague, Representative Julia 
Letlow. To empower parents to make the best decisions for their 
children, this legislation recognizes their rights to be heard and to 
know what’s being taught in schools. It also affirms their rights to see
 the school budget and spending. Parents are, after all, the primary 
stakeholders and funders of education. The Parents Bill of Rights also 
acknowledges parents’ primary interest in student safety through their 
right to protect their child’s privacy and be updated on any violent 
incidents at school.In order for every student to have the best chance 
to succeed, the voices of parents must be heard. The Parents Bill of 
Rights is a result of us listening to those voices and a great step 
forward toward improving education options for American families.Parents – not government – should always have the 
final say in what kind of education their child receives, no matter 
where they live or their socioeconomic status. In order to expand this 
freedom for every family in America, I have partnered with 
Representative Burgess Owens to introduce the Educational Choice for 
Children Act (ECCA).ECCA would create a pool of annual tax credits for 
private, non-profit scholarship granting organizations, or SGOs, in each
 state and in the District of Columbia. These SGOs would then allocate 
one-for-one tax credits to donor families and businesses and grant 
scholarships to families. The scholarships could be used to pay for 
traditional tuition costs as well as tutoring, supplies, and other needs
 for families in rural areas where their local district can’t fully meet
 their needs and where traditional private school options don’t exist.Because this process would be facilitated by 
private, non-governmental SGOs, the government would not be involved in 
delivering these scholarships. By creating an incentive through the tax 
code, this program would not be dependent whatsoever on funding from 
state education budgets or the U.S. Department of Education, meaning it 
will not compromise public school funding. This legislation isn’t about 
public vs. private schools – it is an innovative policy mechanism to 
provide deserving students of all backgrounds with more options to fund 
their education needs, something we should all be able to agree on.In the last few years, many states, including 
Nebraska, have already or are considering new programs which clearly 
demonstrate the benefits of school choice. Increasing these education 
options will only benefit families and empower schools to serve students
 better.At the federal level, Republicans are making good on
 our commitment to parents and students. By protecting the rights of 
parents to make the best decision for their children’s education and 
increasing the opportunities students have to succeed, we will achieve a
 future built on freedom.Sincerely, Adrian Smith, Member of Congress

Rep. Adrian Smith: Achieving education freedom

BRULL —&nbsp;Keith County Area Development has announced the launch of the 2023 Mural Project in 
the community of Brule. 

"Art in public places plays an 
important role in preserving our culture, conveying the history of our 
community, and beautifying the place we call home," KCAD said in a social media release. This project 
stems from the “First Impressions” priorities identified during the 2020
 Keith County Community Vision Planning process. It is being pursued 
thanks to generous funding raised during the 2022 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/keithcobiggive/?__cft__[0]=AZUKZTK_zzriDcF0PRSoE5YpjHY74l_qCIvxm_vTLZAKGVeNGJ87ObIes1ovqnZ7hxR8b-G-eJa-13gW_FBQjW97RxJc-QYhgxcoxuLMA19Cu2zNwDz3IfThjbj9z0RHn-z-Mp044ooxgsbLcCP1QIyTLX3ItBf2KfulWr5NdCJ4V0A8D0UH_R5sr9IYGnhlUf4&amp;__tn__=kK*F">Keith County Big Give</a> and a grant from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KeithCounty/?__cft__[0]=AZUKZTK_zzriDcF0PRSoE5YpjHY74l_qCIvxm_vTLZAKGVeNGJ87ObIes1ovqnZ7hxR8b-G-eJa-13gW_FBQjW97RxJc-QYhgxcoxuLMA19Cu2zNwDz3IfThjbj9z0RHn-z-Mp044ooxgsbLcCP1QIyTLX3ItBf2KfulWr5NdCJ4V0A8D0UH_R5sr9IYGnhlUf4&amp;__tn__=kK*F">Keith County Foundation Fund</a>. This is Keith County Area Development’s second mural project. Mural project information is available on KCAD’s website at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kcad.org%2Fmural%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3YwfJHUPcZCRSes7a9OEATyKRxKLBpZdZ7CfXLOk6D1NaaCnle_ONHQs4&amp;h=AT30Aivj05oCKf1OpG5r73jiI4sddDBqklciSsakEQXqWOI66OEB1t1bVbyaQVNf_hvZ5UJod6qD42lKfmrnbmbO7FwZTp1b5jgdlItqyZ06ktGHfUByZWsVRW7_uhwSXJtc0yE&amp;__tn__=-UK*F&amp;c[0]=AT1fENAL-b3NWLCzjrg3WIsKeUpFKyGmqsFSkcdOR0K4z0JK1juQ4lKMnHCZ_fTNTWkl1bCdmPPnFHUO2fWRU34ozVOsbYsarDjY8HAJnpJKd7FQUU46jnYSSHktAIVIW-PpVCIgDQNHHlOWk5w8bH_CPZFL95jmNSD2Vj000kxupAu3YZ27guJRmTjZFRY92tEbMwyw07kS" target="_blank">www.kcad.org/mural</a>. Artist applications may be submitted online or by mail and are due April 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679596749811.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BRULL —&nbsp;Keith County Area Development has announced the launch of the 2023 Mural Project in 
the community of Brule. "Art in public places plays an 
important role in preserving our culture, conveying the history of our 
community, and beautifying the place we call home," KCAD said in a social media release. This project 
stems from the “First Impressions” priorities identified during the 2020
 Keith County Community Vision Planning process. It is being pursued 
thanks to generous funding raised during the 2022 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/keithcobiggive/?__cft__[0]=AZUKZTK_zzriDcF0PRSoE5YpjHY74l_qCIvxm_vTLZAKGVeNGJ87ObIes1ovqnZ7hxR8b-G-eJa-13gW_FBQjW97RxJc-QYhgxcoxuLMA19Cu2zNwDz3IfThjbj9z0RHn-z-Mp044ooxgsbLcCP1QIyTLX3ItBf2KfulWr5NdCJ4V0A8D0UH_R5sr9IYGnhlUf4&amp;__tn__=kK*F">Keith County Big Give</a> and a grant from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KeithCounty/?__cft__[0]=AZUKZTK_zzriDcF0PRSoE5YpjHY74l_qCIvxm_vTLZAKGVeNGJ87ObIes1ovqnZ7hxR8b-G-eJa-13gW_FBQjW97RxJc-QYhgxcoxuLMA19Cu2zNwDz3IfThjbj9z0RHn-z-Mp044ooxgsbLcCP1QIyTLX3ItBf2KfulWr5NdCJ4V0A8D0UH_R5sr9IYGnhlUf4&amp;__tn__=kK*F">Keith County Foundation Fund</a>. This is Keith County Area Development’s second mural project. Mural project information is available on KCAD’s website at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kcad.org%2Fmural%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3YwfJHUPcZCRSes7a9OEATyKRxKLBpZdZ7CfXLOk6D1NaaCnle_ONHQs4&amp;h=AT30Aivj05oCKf1OpG5r73jiI4sddDBqklciSsakEQXqWOI66OEB1t1bVbyaQVNf_hvZ5UJod6qD42lKfmrnbmbO7FwZTp1b5jgdlItqyZ06ktGHfUByZWsVRW7_uhwSXJtc0yE&amp;__tn__=-UK*F&amp;c[0]=AT1fENAL-b3NWLCzjrg3WIsKeUpFKyGmqsFSkcdOR0K4z0JK1juQ4lKMnHCZ_fTNTWkl1bCdmPPnFHUO2fWRU34ozVOsbYsarDjY8HAJnpJKd7FQUU46jnYSSHktAIVIW-PpVCIgDQNHHlOWk5w8bH_CPZFL95jmNSD2Vj000kxupAu3YZ27guJRmTjZFRY92tEbMwyw07kS" target="_blank">www.kcad.org/mural</a>. Artist applications may be submitted online or by mail and are due April 30. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKeithCountyAreaDevelopment%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0nBcp65mB2vyFeGQkKJp3YECZH8i2Cff1DUkYA1wZ4y88KgDwamgDoV7wVDz9M52ql&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="654" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Keith Co. seeking muralists for 2023 Brule art project

By BEN BECKMAN Nebraska Extension

The
 time for spring planting alfalfa is just around the corner and two 
traits often confused, are fall dormancy and winter survival.&nbsp; Let’s 
look at fall dormancy today.

Fall
 dormancy is a measure of an alfalfa plant’s ability to regrow in the 
fall after harvest and spring following winter. It is scored on a scale 
ranging from 1 to 11 with
 1 being most dormant and 11 the least.&nbsp; Higher dormancy means a 
harvested plant will focus its resources in the fall on building 
reserves to survive the winter and less on new growth.&nbsp;

This
 tendency toward slower regrowth manifests throughout the year, with 
less dormant varieties typically recovering faster in the spring and 
producing overall higher yields.&nbsp;
 Another role dormancy plays is keeping plants from starting growth 
during the random warm-ups in the fall and winter months. Plants that 
break bud during these periods are subject to winterkill.


Finally,
 fall dormancy can impact the harvest timetable.&nbsp; Lower dormancy rated 
alfalfa plants will regrow slower after harvest as well.&nbsp; This 
translates into more time to
 remove forage from the field before “windrow disease” and field traffic
 become a concern.&nbsp;


In
 the past, fall dormancy traits were linked with winter survival. With 
new varieties, this isn’t always the case, so fall dormancy needs to be 
evaluated on its own.

Variety
 selection depends upon your management, production goals, and ability 
for a stand to make it through winter without sacrificing additional 
yield.&nbsp; If you have regular
 issues with stand winterkill, a lower rated variety with improved 
dormancy.&nbsp; In Nebraska, we recommend dormancy ratings 1 through 5.&nbsp;


By BEN BECKMAN Nebraska ExtensionThe
 time for spring planting alfalfa is just around the corner and two 
traits often confused, are fall dormancy and winter survival.&nbsp; Let’s 
look at fall dormancy today.Fall
 dormancy is a measure of an alfalfa plant’s ability to regrow in the 
fall after harvest and spring following winter. It is scored on a scale 
ranging from 1 to 11 with
 1 being most dormant and 11 the least.&nbsp; Higher dormancy means a 
harvested plant will focus its resources in the fall on building 
reserves to survive the winter and less on new growth.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679669723625.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This
 tendency toward slower regrowth manifests throughout the year, with 
less dormant varieties typically recovering faster in the spring and 
producing overall higher yields.&nbsp;
 Another role dormancy plays is keeping plants from starting growth 
during the random warm-ups in the fall and winter months. Plants that 
break bud during these periods are subject to winterkill.
Finally,
 fall dormancy can impact the harvest timetable.&nbsp; Lower dormancy rated 
alfalfa plants will regrow slower after harvest as well.&nbsp; This 
translates into more time to
 remove forage from the field before “windrow disease” and field traffic
 become a concern.&nbsp;
In
 the past, fall dormancy traits were linked with winter survival. With 
new varieties, this isn’t always the case, so fall dormancy needs to be 
evaluated on its own.Variety
 selection depends upon your management, production goals, and ability 
for a stand to make it through winter without sacrificing additional 
yield.&nbsp; If you have regular
 issues with stand winterkill, a lower rated variety with improved 
dormancy.&nbsp; In Nebraska, we recommend dormancy ratings 1 through 5.&nbsp;

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