Beef, an unlimited golf package to The Prairie Club golf course in Valentine and a FIREDISC® portable propane cooker are just a few of the items that will be up for grabs during the Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team’s annual spring fundraising rodeo March 12.

The event, which will be at the Kiplinger Arena in McCook, will include a silent auction from 5-7 p.m. and a live auction at 6 p.m. The rodeo performance will follow at 7 p.m.

“We have two steers that will be auctioned with all proceeds from one going to the family of former head rodeo team coach Garrett Nokes and proceeds from the other benefitting the rodeo team,” said Brenda Peters, member of The Wranglers, the rodeo team’s booster committee. “Additional auction items include a stock tank bench and boot scraper among many other things.”

A team jacket presentation and Dual Excellence Scholarship ceremony are also planned for the evening, and a winner will be named in the drawing for a Traeger Pro Series wood-fired pellet grill. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the door. They are $5 each or five for $20.

The many festivities will take the place of the team’s traditional banquet in North Platte. The public is invited to attend all of them at a cost of $10 per person with the exception of children 12 and younger who will be admitted free.

Activities will continue at 10 a.m. March 13 with slack and a second 7 p.m. performance.&nbsp;Doors open at 5 p.m. both nights.

Concessions and team merchandise will be for sale throughout the event. The meal on March 12 will include prime rib sandwiches in addition to a full concession menu full of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, supreme nachos and numerous other treats.

Proceeds from the fundraising rodeo will go toward a combination of scholarships, practice equipment and team travel expenses.

The event is sanctioned by both the Nebraska State Rodeo Association and the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association. It is sponsored in part by a grant from Red Willow County Tourism.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614723959189.png" alt="A bench made out of a stock tank is one of the many items that will be auctioned during the Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team’s annual spring fundraising rodeo March 12 in McCook." />
 <figcaption>A bench made out of a stock tank is one of the many items that will be auctioned during the Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team’s annual spring fundraising rodeo March 12 in McCook.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Heather Johnson-MPCCBeef, an unlimited golf package to The Prairie Club golf course in Valentine and a FIREDISC® portable propane cooker are just a few of the items that will be up for grabs during the Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team’s annual spring fundraising rodeo March 12.The event, which will be at the Kiplinger Arena in McCook, will include a silent auction from 5-7 p.m. and a live auction at 6 p.m. The rodeo performance will follow at 7 p.m.“We have two steers that will be auctioned with all proceeds from one going to the family of former head rodeo team coach Garrett Nokes and proceeds from the other benefitting the rodeo team,” said Brenda Peters, member of The Wranglers, the rodeo team’s booster committee. “Additional auction items include a stock tank bench and boot scraper among many other things.”A team jacket presentation and Dual Excellence Scholarship ceremony are also planned for the evening, and a winner will be named in the drawing for a Traeger Pro Series wood-fired pellet grill. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the door. They are $5 each or five for $20.The many festivities will take the place of the team’s traditional banquet in North Platte. The public is invited to attend all of them at a cost of $10 per person with the exception of children 12 and younger who will be admitted free.Activities will continue at 10 a.m. March 13 with slack and a second 7 p.m. performance.&nbsp;Doors open at 5 p.m. both nights.Concessions and team merchandise will be for sale throughout the event. The meal on March 12 will include prime rib sandwiches in addition to a full concession menu full of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, supreme nachos and numerous other treats.Proceeds from the fundraising rodeo will go toward a combination of scholarships, practice equipment and team travel expenses.The event is sanctioned by both the Nebraska State Rodeo Association and the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association. It is sponsored in part by a grant from Red Willow County Tourism.

Auctions/scholarship ceremony to be part of MPCC fundraising rodeo

After being removed from her position last year for holding auditions at the end of her driveway, the North Platte High School Color Guard team is getting their coach back.

The NPHS Activities Department announced that Shannon Hudson will be returning as the head coach of the team.

Hudson was let go by the school as the Color Guard coach in May after she held tryouts for the team at the end of her driveway in a socially distanced manner. District officials felt this violated COVID-related restrictions that had been put in place by the school and West Central District Health Department. As the news broke, the community rallied behind Hudson and urged the School District to reverse their decision.

"We are excited to have Ms. Hudson leading our Color Guard once more and know she will continue having a positive impact on our program and students at NPHS," said Activities Director Jordan Cudney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614724884867.png" alt="Hudson" />
 <figcaption>Hudson</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-NP PostAfter being removed from her position last year for holding auditions at the end of her driveway, the North Platte High School Color Guard team is getting their coach back.The NPHS Activities Department announced that Shannon Hudson will be returning as the head coach of the team.Hudson was let go by the school as the Color Guard coach in May after she held tryouts for the team at the end of her driveway in a socially distanced manner. District officials felt this violated COVID-related restrictions that had been put in place by the school and West Central District Health Department. As the news broke, the community rallied behind Hudson and urged the School District to reverse their decision."We are excited to have Ms. Hudson leading our Color Guard once more and know she will continue having a positive impact on our program and students at NPHS," said Activities Director Jordan Cudney.

NPHS Color Guard coach Shannon Hudson returns

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska health officials administered nearly 87,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines last week as the state worked to distribute more shots.

The number of doses of the vaccines administered jumped to 86,737 last week from the previous week's total of 52,731.

State health officials said 436,474 doses of the vaccines have now been administered, and 10% of Nebraska's population has now been fully vaccinated.

The state said 201,346 cases of the virus and 2,084 deaths linked to COVID-19 have been reported in Nebraska since the beginning of the pandemic.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, from 500.29 new cases per day on Feb. 15 to 271.57 new cases per day on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska health officials administered nearly 87,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines last week as the state worked to distribute more shots.The number of doses of the vaccines administered jumped to 86,737 last week from the previous week's total of 52,731.State health officials said 436,474 doses of the vaccines have now been administered, and 10% of Nebraska's population has now been fully vaccinated.The state said 201,346 cases of the virus and 2,084 deaths linked to COVID-19 have been reported in Nebraska since the beginning of the pandemic.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, from 500.29 new cases per day on Feb. 15 to 271.57 new cases per day on Monday.

Nebraska administered nearly 87,000 vaccine doses last week

By&nbsp;<a href="https://news.unl.edu/written-by/leslie-reed-university-communication/">Leslie Reed | University Communication</a>

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is planning to hold its May 2021 undergraduate commencement ceremonies in person at Memorial Stadium, Chancellor Ronnie Green announced&nbsp;today.

The May 8 event will be the first time since December 2019 — before the start of the coronavirus pandemic — that the university has held a full-fledged commencement ceremony in person. Commencement celebrations were conducted virtually in May, August and December&nbsp;2020.

“I am very excited that our&nbsp;UNL&nbsp;graduates will have the opportunity to cross the stage and have their families there with them to celebrate this incredible milestone in their lives,” Green said. “Commencement at&nbsp;UNL&nbsp;is a very special tradition, made even more special this year by being able to celebrate in such an iconic Husker&nbsp;setting.”

Tickets, which will be free of charge, will be required for admission. More details will be provided at a later date about the ticketing process and other aspects of the&nbsp;ceremonies.

So that graduates and their guests can maintain proper distancing, undergraduates will be divided into two groups for separate ceremonies at Memorial&nbsp;Stadium.

Students from the following colleges will participate in the ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May&nbsp;8:

Students from the following colleges will participate in the ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday, May&nbsp;8:

The College of Law commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 7, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Doctoral and master’s degrees will be conferred by the Office of Graduate Studies at 4 p.m. May 7, also at Pinnacle Bank&nbsp;Arena.

All commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed and available to watch&nbsp;<a href="https://commencement.unl.edu/">here</a>.

Organizers are partnering with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department to ensure proper distancing between attendees and to minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission. Graduates and their guests at all ceremonies will be required to wear face&nbsp;coverings.

If inclement weather arises, Sunday, May 9, has been set aside as an alternate date for the undergraduate commencement ceremonies. More details will be forthcoming. Check the website above for&nbsp;updates.

Because of the need to maintain social distancing during the continuing pandemic, these events will be limited to May 2021 graduates and their guests. Future ceremonies will be offered to 2020 graduates who wish to return to campus for an in-person celebration of their&nbsp;degrees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608946549223.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the UNL NewsroomBy&nbsp;<a href="https://news.unl.edu/written-by/leslie-reed-university-communication/">Leslie Reed | University Communication</a>The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is planning to hold its May 2021 undergraduate commencement ceremonies in person at Memorial Stadium, Chancellor Ronnie Green announced&nbsp;today.The May 8 event will be the first time since December 2019 — before the start of the coronavirus pandemic — that the university has held a full-fledged commencement ceremony in person. Commencement celebrations were conducted virtually in May, August and December&nbsp;2020.“I am very excited that our&nbsp;UNL&nbsp;graduates will have the opportunity to cross the stage and have their families there with them to celebrate this incredible milestone in their lives,” Green said. “Commencement at&nbsp;UNL&nbsp;is a very special tradition, made even more special this year by being able to celebrate in such an iconic Husker&nbsp;setting.”Tickets, which will be free of charge, will be required for admission. More details will be provided at a later date about the ticketing process and other aspects of the&nbsp;ceremonies.So that graduates and their guests can maintain proper distancing, undergraduates will be divided into two groups for separate ceremonies at Memorial&nbsp;Stadium.Students from the following colleges will participate in the ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May&nbsp;8:<ul>
 <li>College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural&nbsp;Resources</li><li>College of&nbsp;Architecture</li><li>College of&nbsp;Business</li><li>College of Journalism and Mass&nbsp;Communications</li><li>Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing&nbsp;Arts</li><li>UNO&nbsp;College of Public Affairs and Community&nbsp;Service</li>
 </ul>Students from the following colleges will participate in the ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday, May&nbsp;8:<ul>
 <li>College of Arts and&nbsp;Sciences</li><li>College of Education and Human&nbsp;Sciences</li><li>College of&nbsp;Engineering</li>
 </ul>The College of Law commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 7, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Doctoral and master’s degrees will be conferred by the Office of Graduate Studies at 4 p.m. May 7, also at Pinnacle Bank&nbsp;Arena.All commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed and available to watch&nbsp;<a href="https://commencement.unl.edu/">here</a>.Organizers are partnering with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department to ensure proper distancing between attendees and to minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission. Graduates and their guests at all ceremonies will be required to wear face&nbsp;coverings.If inclement weather arises, Sunday, May 9, has been set aside as an alternate date for the undergraduate commencement ceremonies. More details will be forthcoming. Check the website above for&nbsp;updates.Because of the need to maintain social distancing during the continuing pandemic, these events will be limited to May 2021 graduates and their guests. Future ceremonies will be offered to 2020 graduates who wish to return to campus for an in-person celebration of their&nbsp;degrees.

UNL to hold in-person commencement in May

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska woman has pleaded not guilty to murder for the November stabbing death of her boyfriend in North Platte.

Harlie Saathoff, 20, entered the not guilty plea Monday in Lincoln County District Court to counts of second-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, the North Platte Telegraph&nbsp;<a href="https://nptelegraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-county-court-judge-sends-stabbing-case-to-district-court/article_49a37390-512b-11eb-80a3-9bbb12498071.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Police have said it was Saathoff who called 911 on Nov. 12 to report she had stabbed 20-year-old Bryce Wood during an argument. Arriving officers and medics found Wood lying face down in a pool of blood in a bedroom. Investigators said they also found an 11-inch kitchen knife on the bedroom floor of the apartment Wood and Saathoof shared.

Police said Saathoff admitted using the knife to stab Wood. Saathoff has said she retrieved the knife to protect herself from Wood, and her attorney has argued that the stabbing and Wood's death were unintentional.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614709676543.jpeg" alt="Saathoff" />
 <figcaption>Saathoff</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska woman has pleaded not guilty to murder for the November stabbing death of her boyfriend in North Platte.Harlie Saathoff, 20, entered the not guilty plea Monday in Lincoln County District Court to counts of second-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, the North Platte Telegraph&nbsp;<a href="https://nptelegraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-county-court-judge-sends-stabbing-case-to-district-court/article_49a37390-512b-11eb-80a3-9bbb12498071.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.Police have said it was Saathoff who called 911 on Nov. 12 to report she had stabbed 20-year-old Bryce Wood during an argument. Arriving officers and medics found Wood lying face down in a pool of blood in a bedroom. Investigators said they also found an 11-inch kitchen knife on the bedroom floor of the apartment Wood and Saathoof shared.Police said Saathoff admitted using the knife to stab Wood. Saathoff has said she retrieved the knife to protect herself from Wood, and her attorney has argued that the stabbing and Wood's death were unintentional.

North Platte woman pleads not guilty to killing boyfriend

News Release North Platte Police Department

Scammers have been contacting North Platte residents through text messaging and pretending to be a Priest from a local church. 

 The scammers are requesting assistance in helping other parishioners who are in need.  The scammers ask that the citizens go purchase gift cards and send the numbers on the back to the scammers. 

 DO NOT DO THIS!  Once those numbers are given, it is very unlikely you will recover your money. 

 Remember, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.  If you have any questions or need to report a scam, please contact us at 535-6789.

News Release North Platte Police DepartmentScammers have been contacting North Platte residents through text messaging and pretending to be a Priest from a local church. The scammers are requesting assistance in helping other parishioners who are in need. The scammers ask that the citizens go purchase gift cards and send the numbers on the back to the scammers. DO NOT DO THIS! Once those numbers are given, it is very unlikely you will recover your money. Remember, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. If you have any questions or need to report a scam, please contact us at 535-6789.

North Platte police warn of scam involving fake priest

GERING – A virtual program from the Wildcat Hills Nature Center will explore the traditions and celebrations of the spring equinox. The program will be 10 a.m. MST on Saturday, March 13.

The spring equinox, which is the astronomical first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, is March 20 this year. After the equinox, the northern half of the globe will begin tilting closer to the sun.

Amanda Filipi, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor education specialist who is presenting the program, hopes the educational opportunity will spark new traditions for families who participate.

To register for the free program, which will be on the meeting platform Zoom, visit <a href="https://tinyurl.com/4so74egs">https://tinyurl.com/4so74egs</a>.

GERING – A virtual program from the Wildcat Hills Nature Center will explore the traditions and celebrations of the spring equinox. The program will be 10 a.m. MST on Saturday, March 13.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587140447752.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Great Plains James" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Great Plains James</figcaption>
 </figure>The spring equinox, which is the astronomical first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, is March 20 this year. After the equinox, the northern half of the globe will begin tilting closer to the sun.Amanda Filipi, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor education specialist who is presenting the program, hopes the educational opportunity will spark new traditions for families who participate.To register for the free program, which will be on the meeting platform Zoom, visit <a href="https://tinyurl.com/4so74egs">https://tinyurl.com/4so74egs</a>.

Spring equinox is program topic at Wildcat Hills Nature Center

March 6th&nbsp;marks one year since the first positive case of coronavirus was confirmed in Nebraska.&nbsp; Over the past year, it’s been an all-hands-on-deck effort to protect hospital capacity, support our healthcare workers, and help keep Nebraskans healthy.&nbsp; We continue to see encouraging trends in our fight against the coronavirus.&nbsp; During the past week, the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations has been at its lowest point in over six months.&nbsp; And by the latest measures, over a quarter-million Nebraskans have now received their initial dose of vaccine.

Throughout the pandemic, Nebraska has struck a balance between slowing the spread of the virus, while helping people lead a more normal life.&nbsp; We kept businesses open instead of imposing a strict lockdown.&nbsp; We engaged faith communities to find ways for them to join together and worship.&nbsp; We worked hard to put protocols in place so that students could return to school.&nbsp; These efforts helped people stay connected, while minimizing disruptions to Nebraskans’ livelihoods and educations.

Through it all, we’ve been working to grow opportunities and keep our state moving forward. &nbsp;We’ve created an environment where existing businesses like Scoular and Becton Dickinson have chosen to expand and where major companies like Amazon have made new investments.&nbsp; We’ve also made it possible for Main Street to thrive, ranking among the best states in America for small business performance during 2020.&nbsp; These successes have helped us achieve the nation’s lowest unemployment rate for five months in a row.

According to the University of Nebraska Bureau of Business Research (NU-BBR), the future looks bright. &nbsp;On February 24th, NU-BBR reported that Nebraska’s leading economic indicator—which predicts near-term trends—has risen for the fourth consecutive month.&nbsp; “The rising indicator provides another signal that economic growth will be solid in Nebraska through mid-2021,” said Dr. Eric Thompson, director of NU-BBR.&nbsp; Dr. Thompson relayed encouraging data from state businesses, noting that “respondents to the January&nbsp;Survey of Nebraska Business&nbsp;reported plans to expand sales and employment over the next six months.”

Nebraska’s economy continues to deliver great opportunities in the midst of the pandemic, resulting in strong tax revenues.&nbsp; Last Friday, the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board voted to increase the State’s projected revenues by $462 million. &nbsp;The increased forecast gives the State the opportunity to continue controlling spending, so we can deliver even more property tax relief for the people of Nebraska.

This session, the Legislature will debate and pass the next two-year budget for the State of Nebraska.&nbsp; My budget recommendation controls spending by limiting the average annual rate of growth to 1.5%.

My top priority continues to be property tax relief. &nbsp;Property taxes have been increasing faster than Nebraska’s families can afford.&nbsp; By controlling spending in the context of strong revenue growth, the Legislature can deliver significant property tax relief to Nebraska families. &nbsp;In January, my budget proposed $1.36 billion in relief over the next two years. &nbsp;With the new and improved forecast, the Legislature is now positioned to deliver even more property tax relief.

While we reduce the property tax burden, we will still achieve other key priorities, including expanding educational opportunities and protecting public safety.&nbsp; I’m proposing for the State to invest a record-high amount of aid—$1.1 billion—in schools in each of the next two fiscal years. &nbsp;Every child is unique and deserves the best educational setting for his or her needs, whether that’s a public school, private school, or homeschool.&nbsp; My budget includes $4 million in K-12 Opportunity Scholarships to give more students from low-income families the opportunity to attend private schools. &nbsp;I’m also recommending a $3 million investment in the textbook loan program for private school students. &nbsp;Empowering all Nebraska families with the freedom to choose the best educational options for their children is one of the best ways we can help the next generation achieve their dreams.

My budget includes $12 million for Nebraska Career Scholarships over the next two years at our community colleges, state colleges, and public universities.&nbsp; I’m also recommending $3 million to expand the Career Scholarship program to the private colleges in our state.&nbsp; This will bring the total number of career scholarships to at least 2,110 by 2023.&nbsp; These scholarships are equipping Nebraska’s young adults to take great jobs in high-demand fields such as healthcare and manufacturing.

Our strong fiscal position also gives us the opportunity to make a critical investment in public safety.&nbsp; The Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), which opened in 1869, is a decaying structure nearing the end of its lifespan.&nbsp; My budget proposes building a replacement for the NSP in anticipation of the current facility aging out of service by the end of the decade.&nbsp; In the interest of protecting our communities and giving our corrections officers a safe work environment, we must ensure that we have sufficient operational capacity to adequately manage our inmate population in the years ahead.&nbsp; My plan would invest the initial funds needed to have the NSP’s modernized replacement completed and operational by 2025.

Thanks to Nebraska’s strong economy, the Legislature can deliver significant property tax relief, invest in our schools, train the next generation of leaders in key industries, and protect public safety.&nbsp; You can view my plan to accomplish these priorities at&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.nebraska.gov/biennium-2021-2023.html" target="_blank">budget.nebraska.gov/biennium-2021-2023.html</a>.&nbsp; If you want additional property tax relief, call your State Senator to make your voice heard.&nbsp; You can find their information at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cfb6ed77d403540e7adb908d8dcf9ce62%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637502312758271205%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=gltCblNTWx1V9mmZGzLhcLIMUnpH0vy%2BnC9w%2FbIOZC8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLegislature.gov</a>. &nbsp;If you have questions about my budget proposal, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.

March 6th&nbsp;marks one year since the first positive case of coronavirus was confirmed in Nebraska.&nbsp; Over the past year, it’s been an all-hands-on-deck effort to protect hospital capacity, support our healthcare workers, and help keep Nebraskans healthy.&nbsp; We continue to see encouraging trends in our fight against the coronavirus.&nbsp; During the past week, the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations has been at its lowest point in over six months.&nbsp; And by the latest measures, over a quarter-million Nebraskans have now received their initial dose of vaccine.Throughout the pandemic, Nebraska has struck a balance between slowing the spread of the virus, while helping people lead a more normal life.&nbsp; We kept businesses open instead of imposing a strict lockdown.&nbsp; We engaged faith communities to find ways for them to join together and worship.&nbsp; We worked hard to put protocols in place so that students could return to school.&nbsp; These efforts helped people stay connected, while minimizing disruptions to Nebraskans’ livelihoods and educations.Through it all, we’ve been working to grow opportunities and keep our state moving forward. &nbsp;We’ve created an environment where existing businesses like Scoular and Becton Dickinson have chosen to expand and where major companies like Amazon have made new investments.&nbsp; We’ve also made it possible for Main Street to thrive, ranking among the best states in America for small business performance during 2020.&nbsp; These successes have helped us achieve the nation’s lowest unemployment rate for five months in a row.According to the University of Nebraska Bureau of Business Research (NU-BBR), the future looks bright. &nbsp;On February 24th, NU-BBR reported that Nebraska’s leading economic indicator—which predicts near-term trends—has risen for the fourth consecutive month.&nbsp; “The rising indicator provides another signal that economic growth will be solid in Nebraska through mid-2021,” said Dr. Eric Thompson, director of NU-BBR.&nbsp; Dr. Thompson relayed encouraging data from state businesses, noting that “respondents to the January&nbsp;Survey of Nebraska Business&nbsp;reported plans to expand sales and employment over the next six months.”Nebraska’s economy continues to deliver great opportunities in the midst of the pandemic, resulting in strong tax revenues.&nbsp; Last Friday, the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board voted to increase the State’s projected revenues by $462 million. &nbsp;The increased forecast gives the State the opportunity to continue controlling spending, so we can deliver even more property tax relief for the people of Nebraska.This session, the Legislature will debate and pass the next two-year budget for the State of Nebraska.&nbsp; My budget recommendation controls spending by limiting the average annual rate of growth to 1.5%.My top priority continues to be property tax relief. &nbsp;Property taxes have been increasing faster than Nebraska’s families can afford.&nbsp; By controlling spending in the context of strong revenue growth, the Legislature can deliver significant property tax relief to Nebraska families. &nbsp;In January, my budget proposed $1.36 billion in relief over the next two years. &nbsp;With the new and improved forecast, the Legislature is now positioned to deliver even more property tax relief.While we reduce the property tax burden, we will still achieve other key priorities, including expanding educational opportunities and protecting public safety.&nbsp; I’m proposing for the State to invest a record-high amount of aid—$1.1 billion—in schools in each of the next two fiscal years. &nbsp;Every child is unique and deserves the best educational setting for his or her needs, whether that’s a public school, private school, or homeschool.&nbsp; My budget includes $4 million in K-12 Opportunity Scholarships to give more students from low-income families the opportunity to attend private schools. &nbsp;I’m also recommending a $3 million investment in the textbook loan program for private school students. &nbsp;Empowering all Nebraska families with the freedom to choose the best educational options for their children is one of the best ways we can help the next generation achieve their dreams.My budget includes $12 million for Nebraska Career Scholarships over the next two years at our community colleges, state colleges, and public universities.&nbsp; I’m also recommending $3 million to expand the Career Scholarship program to the private colleges in our state.&nbsp; This will bring the total number of career scholarships to at least 2,110 by 2023.&nbsp; These scholarships are equipping Nebraska’s young adults to take great jobs in high-demand fields such as healthcare and manufacturing.Our strong fiscal position also gives us the opportunity to make a critical investment in public safety.&nbsp; The Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), which opened in 1869, is a decaying structure nearing the end of its lifespan.&nbsp; My budget proposes building a replacement for the NSP in anticipation of the current facility aging out of service by the end of the decade.&nbsp; In the interest of protecting our communities and giving our corrections officers a safe work environment, we must ensure that we have sufficient operational capacity to adequately manage our inmate population in the years ahead.&nbsp; My plan would invest the initial funds needed to have the NSP’s modernized replacement completed and operational by 2025.Thanks to Nebraska’s strong economy, the Legislature can deliver significant property tax relief, invest in our schools, train the next generation of leaders in key industries, and protect public safety.&nbsp; You can view my plan to accomplish these priorities at&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.nebraska.gov/biennium-2021-2023.html" target="_blank">budget.nebraska.gov/biennium-2021-2023.html</a>.&nbsp; If you want additional property tax relief, call your State Senator to make your voice heard.&nbsp; You can find their information at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cfb6ed77d403540e7adb908d8dcf9ce62%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637502312758271205%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=gltCblNTWx1V9mmZGzLhcLIMUnpH0vy%2BnC9w%2FbIOZC8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLegislature.gov</a>. &nbsp;If you have questions about my budget proposal, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.

Gov. Ricketts: Controlling spending for property tax relief

News Release 1 Book 4 North Platte

Island
of Sea Women
by Lisa See was recently selected as the 1 Book 4 North Platte for
2021.

This
historical novel will introduce readers to the unique culture of
“haenyeo,” who are  women divers who use no breathing equipment
as they harvest the seaweed, shellfish, anemone, octopus,  and other
sea creatures In the water that surrounds Jeju, a strategically
located Korean Island.

Sherry
Polk said the 1Book 4 North Platte committee chose Island
of Sea Women
because it takes us to an exotic island and introduce us to strong
and resilient women, but it also deals with universal themes like
family relationships, gender roles, friendship, courage, coping with
tragedy, surviving tyranny, and forgiveness.

Polk
added that readers can escape the stress and sadness of the pandemic
through books that allow us go to different times and places and to
share the experiences of people whose lives are much different from
ours.  


Other
members of the committee are Connie Brittan, Kathy Fowler, Brenda
Robinson, Connie Ruhlman, and Phyllis Swigart.  


The
novel follows the lives of two very close friends--both of whom
become “haenyeo”  as young girls. Although the girls come from
totally different backgrounds, their friendship continues as they
reach adulthood, marry, and have children. Like other inhabitants of
the island, they endure repressive occupation by the Japanese in the
1930s, the turmoil of World War II in the 1940s, and cruel oppression
by the South Korean dictatorship in the 1940s and 1950s.
Unfortunately the bond between the two friends is broken by a tragic
event that is beyond their control.

As
haenyeo,
women develop incredible strength, agility, and courage. Before
diving, they breathe deeply. They often dive as deep as 30 meters
and hold their breath for about three minutes. During a day they
will dive many times. In Jeju, the women divers are the breadwinners
for their families, and their husbands stay home and care for the
children.

In
the past the girls and women wore only lightweight cotton suits for
diving, but now they use scuba diving suits.  Unfortunately very few
young women want to become divers.  As a result many of the divers
are in their 60s, 70s or 80s.  


According
to a review in the Los Angeles Times, Lisa See became interested in
the haenyeo
culture when she saw an article about them in a doctor’s office. 
To learn about the history and culture of Jeju and its amazing
women divers, See spent about 10 years doing research.

She
traveled to Korea and Jeju, where she interviewed many women divers
and some men who had lived through very difficult times.  The
characters in the novel are fictional but they are based on people
whom See interviewed.

See,
who is Chinese-American, is the author of several best-selling books
about Chinese history and culture.  Also she explores family
relationships and women’s friendships.  See grew up in Los Angeles.
 She lived with her mother but spent much time with her father’s
people in China Town.  &nbsp;Her
first book,&nbsp;On
Gold Mountain: The One Hundred Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American
Family(1995),
was a national best seller and a&nbsp;New
York Times Notable
Book.

Island
of Sea Women
was the selection for One Book One Maryland in 2020.

According
to the Los Angeles Times article, See noticed that Island
of Sea Women was
viewed differently as the pandemic dominated American life. When the
book was first published in 2019, people asked about the divers’
strength and endurance, but, more recently readers have focused on
the divers’ psychological resilience and courage that enabled them
to survive the cruelty, deprivation, and oppression that took place
in Jeju in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Jeju,
which is located in the Korean Strait, south of the mainland, is now
a tourist destination.  Its beautiful beaches, dormant volcanos, lava
tubes, and spectacular scenery attract more than 15 million visitors
a year. 


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614692018557.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release 1 Book 4 North PlatteIsland
of Sea Women
by Lisa See was recently selected as the 1 Book 4 North Platte for
2021. This
historical novel will introduce readers to the unique culture of
“haenyeo,” who are women divers who use no breathing equipment
as they harvest the seaweed, shellfish, anemone, octopus, and other
sea creatures In the water that surrounds Jeju, a strategically
located Korean Island.Sherry
Polk said the 1Book 4 North Platte committee chose Island
of Sea Women
because it takes us to an exotic island and introduce us to strong
and resilient women, but it also deals with universal themes like
family relationships, gender roles, friendship, courage, coping with
tragedy, surviving tyranny, and forgiveness.Polk
added that readers can escape the stress and sadness of the pandemic
through books that allow us go to different times and places and to
share the experiences of people whose lives are much different from
ours. 
Other
members of the committee are Connie Brittan, Kathy Fowler, Brenda
Robinson, Connie Ruhlman, and Phyllis Swigart. 
The
novel follows the lives of two very close friends--both of whom
become “haenyeo” as young girls. Although the girls come from
totally different backgrounds, their friendship continues as they
reach adulthood, marry, and have children. Like other inhabitants of
the island, they endure repressive occupation by the Japanese in the
1930s, the turmoil of World War II in the 1940s, and cruel oppression
by the South Korean dictatorship in the 1940s and 1950s.
Unfortunately the bond between the two friends is broken by a tragic
event that is beyond their control.As
haenyeo,
women develop incredible strength, agility, and courage. Before
diving, they breathe deeply. They often dive as deep as 30 meters
and hold their breath for about three minutes. During a day they
will dive many times. In Jeju, the women divers are the breadwinners
for their families, and their husbands stay home and care for the
children. 
In
the past the girls and women wore only lightweight cotton suits for
diving, but now they use scuba diving suits. Unfortunately very few
young women want to become divers. As a result many of the divers
are in their 60s, 70s or 80s. 
According
to a review in the Los Angeles Times, Lisa See became interested in
the haenyeo
culture when she saw an article about them in a doctor’s office. 
To learn about the history and culture of Jeju and its amazing
women divers, See spent about 10 years doing research. 
She
traveled to Korea and Jeju, where she interviewed many women divers
and some men who had lived through very difficult times. The
characters in the novel are fictional but they are based on people
whom See interviewed.See,
who is Chinese-American, is the author of several best-selling books
about Chinese history and culture. Also she explores family
relationships and women’s friendships. See grew up in Los Angeles.
 She lived with her mother but spent much time with her father’s
people in China Town. &nbsp;Her
first book,&nbsp;On
Gold Mountain: The One Hundred Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American
Family(1995),
was a national best seller and a&nbsp;New
York Times Notable
Book.Island
of Sea Women
was the selection for One Book One Maryland in 2020.According
to the Los Angeles Times article, See noticed that Island
of Sea Women was
viewed differently as the pandemic dominated American life. When the
book was first published in 2019, people asked about the divers’
strength and endurance, but, more recently readers have focused on
the divers’ psychological resilience and courage that enabled them
to survive the cruelty, deprivation, and oppression that took place
in Jeju in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.Jeju,
which is located in the Korean Strait, south of the mainland, is now
a tourist destination. Its beautiful beaches, dormant volcanos, lava
tubes, and spectacular scenery attract more than 15 million visitors
a year.

'Island of Sea Women' selected as 2021 1 Book 4 North Platte

News Release Alzheimer's Association

he 2021 Facts and Figures report provides an in-depth look at
the latest national statistics on Alzheimer’s prevalence,
incidence, mortality, costs of care and impact on caregivers. New
disease-related statistics for Nebraska revealed the following:

The
Facts and Figures report shows that Alzheimer’s disease and other
dementias continue be a significant burden for many Nebraska
families. Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association
Nebraska Chapter, Sharon Stephens said, “We must continue to work
toward advancing new treatments that can stop or slow the progression
of Alzheimer’s, while also continuing to provide care and support
services to help all those affected.”

The report also
examines the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on
people living with Alzheimer’s. According to the report, there
were at least 42,000 more deaths from Alzheimer’s and
other dementias in 2020 compared with averages over the previous
five years – a 16% increase.

In Nebraska there
were 319 more deaths from Alzheimer’s and dementia in
2020 than compared to averages over the past five years – a
17.9% increase.

<a></a>
“While more study is needed to understand the
exact reasons why deaths attributable to Alzheimer’s and dementia
during the pandemic have increased so dramatically, we do know
individuals living with Alzheimer’s, particularly those living in
long-term care settings are extremely vulnerable,” said Angel
Horton Frank, Director of Communications for the Alzheimer’s
Association Nebraska Chapter. “In addition, many caregivers have
been unable to visit loved ones in these settings, resulting in
social isolation for the care recipient and causing enormous stress
for these families.”

For the first time,
the accompanying special report, “Race, Ethnicity and
Alzheimer’s in America,” examines perspectives and
experiences of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native and White Americans in
regard to Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

Findings in the
report, reveal that non-White racial/ethnic populations expect and
experience more barriers when accessing dementia care, have less
trust in medical research and are less confident that they have
access to health professionals who understand their ethnic and racial
background and experiences. Among the findings: 


2021
Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures: At a Glance

Prevalence,
Incidence and Mortality

Additional data
from the report is included below. Full text of the 2021 Alzheimer’s
Disease Facts and Figures report, including the accompanying
special report, “Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer’s in America,”
can be viewed at <a href="about:blank">alz.org/facts</a>.
The report will also appear in the March 2021 issue of Alzheimer’s
&amp; Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Alzheimer’s
Association Facts and Figures report also provides an annual
look at the latest national statistics and information on Alzheimer’s
prevalence, incidence, mortality and morbidity, costs of care and
caregiving, both nationally and state-by-state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

About 2021
Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures&nbsp;

The Alzheimer's
Association 2021 Alzheimer's Disease
Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive compilation of
national statistics and information on Alzheimer’s disease and
related dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimer’s on
individuals, families, government and the nation’s health care
system. Since its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the
preeminent source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer’s
issues. The Facts and Figures report is an official
publication of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Versta
Research conducted two surveys on behalf of the Alzheimer’s
Association: (1) U.S. adults and (2)
current or recent caregivers of adults age 50 or older with cognitive
issues. Respondents were asked about access to care and support
services, trust in providers and the health care system,
participation in clinical trials and research, and caregiver
experiences. Surveys were conducted October 26 - November 11, 2020.
Data was collected by NORC at the University of Chicago via the
AmeriSpeak®
panel. AmeriSpeak is a probability-based panel of all U.S.
households.  


The
survey included 945 White respondents. Oversamples of Hispanic
(n=541), Black (n=515) and Asian Americans (n=412) were weighted back
to their true population proportions for statistical analysis and
reporting. For full inclusion of Native Americans, the same survey
was administered to an additional sample of 406 Native Americans
recruited through online (non-probability) panels with sampling
stratified and data weighted on gender, age, income and education to
match U.S. Census Bureau data. The surveys were offered in both
English and Spanish. For complete
details regarding survey methodology, see page 73 of the report.

About the
Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to
end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global
research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing
quality care and support. Our vision&nbsp;is a world without
Alzheimer's and all other dementia.&nbsp;For more information, visit
<a href="http://alz.org/">alz.org</a>
or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614689270254.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Alzheimer's Association
he 2021 Facts and Figures report provides an in-depth look at
the latest national statistics on Alzheimer’s prevalence,
incidence, mortality, costs of care and impact on caregivers. New
disease-related statistics for Nebraska revealed the following: 
<ul>
 <li>Number of
	Nebraska residents aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s:
	35,000
	</li><li>Estimated
	number of Nebraska residents living with Alzheimer’s in 2025:
	40,000
	</li><li>Percentage
	change: 14.3%
	</li><li>Statewide
	deaths from Alzheimer’s disease (2019): 768
	</li><li>Number of Iowa
	and Nebraska residents serving as unpaid family caregivers: 61,000
	</li><li>Total hours of
	unpaid care provided: 51 million
	</li><li>Total value of
	unpaid care: $894 million
</li>
 </ul>The
Facts and Figures report shows that Alzheimer’s disease and other
dementias continue be a significant burden for many Nebraska
families. Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association
Nebraska Chapter, Sharon Stephens said, “We must continue to work
toward advancing new treatments that can stop or slow the progression
of Alzheimer’s, while also continuing to provide care and support
services to help all those affected.”The report also
examines the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on
people living with Alzheimer’s. According to the report, there
were at least 42,000 more deaths from Alzheimer’s and
other dementias in 2020 compared with averages over the previous
five years – a 16% increase. 
In Nebraska there
were 319 more deaths from Alzheimer’s and dementia in
2020 than compared to averages over the past five years – a
17.9% increase. 
<a></a>
“While more study is needed to understand the
exact reasons why deaths attributable to Alzheimer’s and dementia
during the pandemic have increased so dramatically, we do know
individuals living with Alzheimer’s, particularly those living in
long-term care settings are extremely vulnerable,” said Angel
Horton Frank, Director of Communications for the Alzheimer’s
Association Nebraska Chapter. “In addition, many caregivers have
been unable to visit loved ones in these settings, resulting in
social isolation for the care recipient and causing enormous stress
for these families.”For the first time,
the accompanying special report, “Race, Ethnicity and
Alzheimer’s in America,” examines perspectives and
experiences of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native and White Americans in
regard to Alzheimer’s and dementia care.Findings in the
report, reveal that non-White racial/ethnic populations expect and
experience more barriers when accessing dementia care, have less
trust in medical research and are less confident that they have
access to health professionals who understand their ethnic and racial
background and experiences. Among the findings: 
<ul>
 <li>Two-thirds of
	Black Americans (66%) believe it is harder for them to get excellent
	care for Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Likewise, 2 in 5
	Native Americans (40%) and Hispanic Americans (39%) believe their
	own race or ethnicity makes it harder to get care, as do one-third
	of Asian Americans (34%).
	</li><li>Nearly
	two-thirds of Black Americans (62%) believe that medical research is
	biased against people of color — a view shared by substantial
	numbers of Asian Americans (45%), Native Americans (40%) and
	Hispanic Americans (36%) as well. 
	
	</li><li>Only half
	of Black Americans (53%) trust a future cure for Alzheimer’s will
	be shared equally regardless of race, color or ethnicity.
	</li><li>Fewer than half
	of Black (48%) and Native Americans (47%) feel confident they have
	access to providers who understand their ethnic or racial background
	and experiences, and only about 3 in 5 Asian Americans (63%) and
	Hispanics (59%) likewise feel confident. 
	
</li>
 </ul>2021
Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures: At a GlancePrevalence,
Incidence and Mortality<ul>
 <li>An estimated
	6.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with
	Alzheimer’s dementia in 2021. 
	
	</li><li>More
	than 1 in 9 people (11.3%) age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s
	dementia.
	</li><li>Two-thirds
	of Americans over age 65 with Alzheimer’s dementia (3.8 million)
	are women.
	</li><li>Deaths
	due to Alzheimer’s between 2000 and 2019, has more than doubled,
	increasing 145%.
	</li><li>1 in 3
	seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
</li>
 </ul>Caregiving<ul>
 <li>In 2020, more
	than 11 million caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other
	dementias provided an estimated 15.3 billion hours of
	unpaid care, a contribution to the nation valued at
	$257 billion.&nbsp;
	</li><li>Nearly half of
	all caregivers (48%) who provide help to older adults do so for
	someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.&nbsp;
	</li><li>Approximately
	two-thirds of caregivers are women, and one-third of dementia
	caregivers are daughters.
	</li><li>Forty-one
	percent of caregivers have a household income of $50,000 or less.
</li>
 </ul>Cost of Care<ul>
 <li>In 2021, total
	payments for all individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias
	are estimated at $355 billion (not including unpaid caregiving).
		
	</li><li>Medicare and
	Medicaid are expected to cover $239 billion or 67% of the total
	health care and long-term care payments for people with Alzheimer’s
	or other dementias. Out-of-pocket spending is expected to be $76
	billion.&nbsp;
	</li><li>Total
	payments for health care, long-term care and hospice care for people
	with Alzheimer’s and other dementias are projected to increase to
	more than $1.1 trillion in 2050.
	</li><li>The total
	lifetime cost of care for someone with dementia is estimated at
	$373,527.&nbsp;
</li>
 </ul>Additional data
from the report is included below. Full text of the 2021 Alzheimer’s
Disease Facts and Figures report, including the accompanying
special report, “Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer’s in America,”
can be viewed at <a href="about:blank">alz.org/facts</a>.
The report will also appear in the March 2021 issue of Alzheimer’s
&amp; Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.Updated
Alzheimer’s StatisticsThe Alzheimer’s
Association Facts and Figures report also provides an annual
look at the latest national statistics and information on Alzheimer’s
prevalence, incidence, mortality and morbidity, costs of care and
caregiving, both nationally and state-by-state.&nbsp;&nbsp;About 2021
Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures&nbsp;The Alzheimer's
Association 2021 Alzheimer's Disease
Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive compilation of
national statistics and information on Alzheimer’s disease and
related dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimer’s on
individuals, families, government and the nation’s health care
system. Since its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the
preeminent source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer’s
issues. The Facts and Figures report is an official
publication of the Alzheimer’s Association.About the
SurveyVersta
Research conducted two surveys on behalf of the Alzheimer’s
Association: (1) U.S. adults and (2)
current or recent caregivers of adults age 50 or older with cognitive
issues. Respondents were asked about access to care and support
services, trust in providers and the health care system,
participation in clinical trials and research, and caregiver
experiences. Surveys were conducted October 26 - November 11, 2020.
Data was collected by NORC at the University of Chicago via the
AmeriSpeak®
panel. AmeriSpeak is a probability-based panel of all U.S.
households. 
The
survey included 945 White respondents. Oversamples of Hispanic
(n=541), Black (n=515) and Asian Americans (n=412) were weighted back
to their true population proportions for statistical analysis and
reporting. For full inclusion of Native Americans, the same survey
was administered to an additional sample of 406 Native Americans
recruited through online (non-probability) panels with sampling
stratified and data weighted on gender, age, income and education to
match U.S. Census Bureau data. The surveys were offered in both
English and Spanish. For complete
details regarding survey methodology, see page 73 of the report.About the
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to
end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global
research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing
quality care and support. Our vision&nbsp;is a world without
Alzheimer's and all other dementia.&nbsp;For more information, visit
<a href="http://alz.org/">alz.org</a>
or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Report shows latest statistics on Alzheimer’s in Nebraska

BELLEVUE, Neb.--(<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.businesswire.com/">BUSINESS WIRE</a>)--Phi Theta Kappa has named Bellevue University, one of the nation’s leaders in preparing students for lifelong career success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, to its prestigious 2021 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll.

The Honor Roll recognizes the top four-year colleges and universities nationwide for creating dynamic and innovative pathways to support community college students.

Bellevue University was the only Nebraska institution recognized on the Honor Roll and one of 150 institutions recognized nationwide.

According to Phi Theta Kappa, colleges were selected based on their Transfer Friendliness Rating, which is determined by the online profile the college creates in PTK Connect. PTK Connect is Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool that helps students find their best-fit colleges, career pathways and more. The tool includes specific information about admissions practices, cost of attendance, campus life, recruitment practices and peer reviews and reflects the transfer student experience at specific colleges. The top 25% highest-rated colleges are named to the PTK Transfer Honor Roll.

Dr. Mary Hawkins, Bellevue University President, noted that Phi Theta Kappa is important in encouraging and recognizing the scholarship of community college students. “Through the Honor Roll, Phi Theta Kappa recognizes the commitment Bellevue University makes to help community college graduates advance and build on their success by completing their bachelor’s degrees.”

“After helping more than 20,000 community college transfer students earn their bachelor’s degrees, our experience confirms that our most successful students are those who first earn an associate degree,” said Dr. Hawkins. She added that Bellevue University partners with a nationwide network of community colleges to “support their commitment to building workforce-ready talent.”

“The Transfer Honor Roll reflects the growing importance of recognizing and responding to the needs of transfer students,” Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “This award is given to four-year colleges and universities with proven outcomes for transfer success. They are the best at providing a supportive and smooth transition from community college — equating to increased rates of bachelor’s degree attainment for transfer students.”

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military-friendly and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614688589136.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Associated PressBELLEVUE, Neb.--(<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.businesswire.com/">BUSINESS WIRE</a>)--Phi Theta Kappa has named Bellevue University, one of the nation’s leaders in preparing students for lifelong career success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, to its prestigious 2021 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll.The Honor Roll recognizes the top four-year colleges and universities nationwide for creating dynamic and innovative pathways to support community college students.Bellevue University was the only Nebraska institution recognized on the Honor Roll and one of 150 institutions recognized nationwide.According to Phi Theta Kappa, colleges were selected based on their Transfer Friendliness Rating, which is determined by the online profile the college creates in PTK Connect. PTK Connect is Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool that helps students find their best-fit colleges, career pathways and more. The tool includes specific information about admissions practices, cost of attendance, campus life, recruitment practices and peer reviews and reflects the transfer student experience at specific colleges. The top 25% highest-rated colleges are named to the PTK Transfer Honor Roll.Dr. Mary Hawkins, Bellevue University President, noted that Phi Theta Kappa is important in encouraging and recognizing the scholarship of community college students. “Through the Honor Roll, Phi Theta Kappa recognizes the commitment Bellevue University makes to help community college graduates advance and build on their success by completing their bachelor’s degrees.”“After helping more than 20,000 community college transfer students earn their bachelor’s degrees, our experience confirms that our most successful students are those who first earn an associate degree,” said Dr. Hawkins. She added that Bellevue University partners with a nationwide network of community colleges to “support their commitment to building workforce-ready talent.”“The Transfer Honor Roll reflects the growing importance of recognizing and responding to the needs of transfer students,” Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “This award is given to four-year colleges and universities with proven outcomes for transfer success. They are the best at providing a supportive and smooth transition from community college — equating to increased rates of bachelor’s degree attainment for transfer students.”Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military-friendly and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).

Bellevue University named top college for community college transfer students

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The coronavirus pandemic has caused many Nebraska businesses to shutter, and is forcing others to pause plans for future growth. Nebraska lawmakers are considering proposed updates to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/incentives/microenterprise" target="_blank">Nebraska Advantage Microenterprise Tax Credit Act</a>, originally passed in 2005. Johnathan Hladik, policy director at the Center for Rural Affairs, said boosting the credit will help Main Street mom-and-pop businesses recover. "Every Nebraska community has felt the consequence; every rural community has felt the consequence," Hladik observed. "And the Microenterprise Tax Credit can help these businesses recover by encouraging and facilitating strategic new investments." <a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/107/PDF/Intro/LB366.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 366</a>&nbsp;would increase the maximum lifetime credit from $10,000 to $20,000, which Hladik said is necessary to keep up with rising costs. The measure also would allow family members to use the credit so long as the businesses and ownership are completely separate, and would extend the program through 2024. <a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/107/PDF/Intro/LB74.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 74</a>, a measure calling for ending the tax credit and moving resources to the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=81-12,154" target="_blank">Business Innovation Act</a>, was indefinitely postponed by the Revenue Committee. Microbusinesses make up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cfra.org/blog/small-business-matters-nebraska" target="_blank">more than 85%</a>&nbsp;of all businesses in Nebraska. Andrea McClintic, executive director of the Dawson County Area Economic Development Council, said the tax credit is currently the only option available for small, family-owned businesses that communities depend on. "Your dentist, and the convenience store, the grocery store, the flower shop; all of those microbusinesses would be able to utilize these funds that don't qualify for the majority of other state or federal programs," McClintic explained. Legislative Bill 366 also would require more detailed reporting and greater transparency to help lawmakers decide if the program is a good investment. Hladik noted many lawmakers don't realize the program's impact on job creation in the state. He pointed to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/audit/micro_2018.pdf" target="_blank">2018 Audit</a>&nbsp;which found that the cost per job created through the Microenterprise Tax Credit was between $2,000 and $10,000. "And that is a tremendous return on investment," Hladik contended. "We've seen programs through the Nebraska Advantage Act, the state's primary business incentive tool, cost about $300,000 per job."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614686166021.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eric GalatasLINCOLN, Neb. -- The coronavirus pandemic has caused many Nebraska businesses to shutter, and is forcing others to pause plans for future growth. Nebraska lawmakers are considering proposed updates to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/incentives/microenterprise" target="_blank">Nebraska Advantage Microenterprise Tax Credit Act</a>, originally passed in 2005. Johnathan Hladik, policy director at the Center for Rural Affairs, said boosting the credit will help Main Street mom-and-pop businesses recover. "Every Nebraska community has felt the consequence; every rural community has felt the consequence," Hladik observed. "And the Microenterprise Tax Credit can help these businesses recover by encouraging and facilitating strategic new investments." <a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/107/PDF/Intro/LB366.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 366</a>&nbsp;would increase the maximum lifetime credit from $10,000 to $20,000, which Hladik said is necessary to keep up with rising costs. The measure also would allow family members to use the credit so long as the businesses and ownership are completely separate, and would extend the program through 2024. <a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/107/PDF/Intro/LB74.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 74</a>, a measure calling for ending the tax credit and moving resources to the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=81-12,154" target="_blank">Business Innovation Act</a>, was indefinitely postponed by the Revenue Committee. Microbusinesses make up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cfra.org/blog/small-business-matters-nebraska" target="_blank">more than 85%</a>&nbsp;of all businesses in Nebraska. Andrea McClintic, executive director of the Dawson County Area Economic Development Council, said the tax credit is currently the only option available for small, family-owned businesses that communities depend on. "Your dentist, and the convenience store, the grocery store, the flower shop; all of those microbusinesses would be able to utilize these funds that don't qualify for the majority of other state or federal programs," McClintic explained. Legislative Bill 366 also would require more detailed reporting and greater transparency to help lawmakers decide if the program is a good investment. Hladik noted many lawmakers don't realize the program's impact on job creation in the state. He pointed to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/audit/micro_2018.pdf" target="_blank">2018 Audit</a>&nbsp;which found that the cost per job created through the Microenterprise Tax Credit was between $2,000 and $10,000. "And that is a tremendous return on investment," Hladik contended. "We've seen programs through the Nebraska Advantage Act, the state's primary business incentive tool, cost about $300,000 per job."

Nebraska's COVID economic recovery linked to Microenterprise Tax Credit

By LACEY NEWLIN <a href="https://www.hpj.com/ag_news/wind-energy-a-breeze-or-a-bust-for-rural-america/article_b162f790-77bd-11eb-beff-fb391dfc4f8f.html#utm_source=hpj.com&amp;utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Flists%2Fhpj-weekly%2F%3F-dc%3D1614362416&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=headline">High Plains Journal</a>

Built to withstand hurricane level 
winds with blades longer than a Boeing 747, the massive wind turbines 
popping up across the plains of rural America are hard to miss. With the
 Biden administration taking the helm in 2021, touting clean and 
renewable energy as a main objective, it seems energy sources, like 
wind, will only gain momentum.

The
 president made good on his energy stance when he recently signed an 
executive order to replace the 645,000 federal vehicle fleet with 
electric cars, truck and vans. Much to the dismay of many oil and gas 
workers, he also signed an executive order to halt the Keystone Pipeline
 and ended federal subsidies for fossil fuels with the stroke of a pen. 
To counteract his plans to slow down oil and gas production, POTUS 
announced an objective to double United States offshore wind capacity by
 2030. These efforts are part of the Biden administration’s goal of 
reaching a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, which would put 
the U.S. on a path to a net-zero economy by 2050.

Right now only about 15% of the world’s 
power is produced by renewable energy, and to meet these somewhat 
fanciful energy ambitions, change could be coming in a big way. 
Uncertainty of how these shifts will affect rural Americans and 
agriculture is palpable. Since half of the wind energy in the U.S. is 
produced in rural areas such Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa and Kansas, wind 
energy will have a significant effect on these communities—for better or
 for worse.

Finally, a good reason for the wind to blow

According
 to the Center for Climate and Energy Solution, wind energy is the 
second largest renewable energy source after hydropower. One of the 
reasons wind turbines are considered to be a key to the future of energy
 is that they do not produce any greenhouse gases or pollutants while in
 operation and are considerably cheap to run. The U.S. Department of 
Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy describes wind
 power as one of the lowest-priced energy sources available, costing 
$0.01 to $0.02 per kilowatt per hour after the production tax credit.

Power
 prices are also more stable than coal, gas or oil because electricity 
from wind farms is sold at a fixed price over a long period of time. 
Unlike fossil fuels, wind is renewable, sustainable and as anyone across
 the plains of Texas, Oklahoma or Kansas can attest, the wind only seems
 to blow stronger each year. Finally, wind is a domestic source of 
energy that cannot be hijacked or price gouged by foreign countries.

According
 to the American Wind Energy Association, there are nearly 60,000 wind 
turbines operating in 41 states and two U.S. territories. Construction 
activity reached a new record in the first quarter of 2020, with 24,690 
megawatts under construction across the country and many of the 
individuals profiting from these wind projects are farmers and ranchers.

Brady
 Weeks, president of Allegiant Land Services &amp; Consulting, in 
Seiling, Oklahoma, and landowner with wind turbines on his property, 
plays the middleman between landowners and energy companies during 
contract negotiations. He works with oil, gas and renewable energy 
companies to secure leases, so he sees all sides of these industries and
 recognizes wind power for its benefits to rural property owners.

“Everyone
 knows when you get an oil and gas well it has a chance to be a barn 
burner or maybe it’s just average, but one thing that you do know in the
 oil and gas industry is that it is going to drop off eventually,” Weeks
 explained. “The takeaway from wind energy from a land owner’s 
standpoint is the generational income, and on top of that it is an 
increasing revenue stream that could last for 40 to 50 years. Our state 
is built around oil and gas, so we go up and down with that industry, 
which is kind of our downfall. The beauty of wind energy is that it is 
not a commodity like oil. It’s steady and doesn’t jump around.”

Weeks
 said the checks landowners are cut each year are dependent on how big 
their turbines are, but with newer contracts many landowners can expect 
$10,000 to $15,000 per turbine annually. Additionally, Weeks said the 
industry is moving toward bigger turbines and fewer of them, so payments
 are getting larger compared to what they were 20 years ago.

“Depending
 on the turbine and the megawatt capacity, with these newer projects 
landowners could be getting paid anywhere from $500,000 to $750,000 per 
turbine over the life of the contracts,” Weeks said. “It’s serious 
money. If you look at that from a landowner’s perspective, it’s a 
no-brainer. You may miss a crop, but you have another source of income.”

Fortunately,
 landowners are still able to use the land around the turbines for 
agriculture like crops or livestock, with minimal production area taken 
out of commission.

“Usually one
 turbine is going to remove one and half to two acres out of 
production,” he said. “We haven’t perfected the invisible turbine yet, 
but the surface impact is minimal.”

However,
 the property owner is not the only one to benefit financially from wind
 turbines. According to Weeks, the oil and gas industry pays a gross 
production tax, which is distributed across all the counties in the 
state. However, with wind energy projects, all the taxes stay in the 
county where the wind turbines stand, keeping the revenue stream local. 
Weeks said some larger wind farm projects—depending on the megawatt 
capacity—could be anywhere from $400 million to even billion dollar 
investments, which will benefit rural America, not only with tax 
dollars, but with good paying jobs that bring families to farming 
communities and keep small towns alive.

“Any money you can bring in from bigger 
companies to small, rural America is only going to improve the 
survivability of producers,” Weeks explained.

In
 fact, in Dewey County, Oklahoma, where Weeks resides, the schools are 
able to stay off the state school funding formula due in large part to 
the amount of taxes paid through wind turbine companies. Although many 
fear wind turbine installation across the plains because they associate 
them with the Green New Deal and calls for taxes on cow flatulence, to 
Weeks, there is a place for oil, gas and renewable energy in this 
country and the more energy production in his state, the better—no 
matter the type.

“I think we 
need to focus on the positives of wind energy and how the oil and gas 
and wind industries can coexist and work together on the grid,” he said.
 “Some people see it as an us versus them mentality and it couldn’t be 
any further from the truth from the landowner’s perspective. Yes, I 
think renewables are going to become more prevalent, but I think we’ll 
always be drilling for oil. The bottom line is Trump never stopped the 
windmills and Biden will never stop the fracking.”

Wind power is green energy and benefits 
rural landowners and communities financially, but some still see them as
 noisy eyesores that besmirch sunset views and take away for the beauty 
of the High Plains. Although wind turbines have a good reputation among 
most in the renewable energy sector, one must only look to the 
Environmental Protection Agency, of all places, to get the dirt on this 
clean energy. An EPA renewable energy briefing paper published January 
2021 painted wind turbines in a less than glowing light when it stated 
that there are chemical management concerns as wind turbines contain 
oils and other lubricants that can leak out and contaminate soil and 
water.

Additionally, EPA said 
although wind turbines produce carbon-neutral energy, large amounts of 
fossil fuels are needed to install, transport and monitor turbines. The 
paper also said in most leases, wind farm operators are responsible for 
returning the land to its previous state at the end of the wind farm’s 
life, but if the windmill owner goes out of business before the end of 
the lease, the landowner is responsible for decommissioning and removal.
 Additionally, farmers have complained of difficulties crop dusting 
where wind turbines are present and the radio frequencies emitted from 
the turbines are known to foul up GPS systems.

Although
 they are known for being environmentally friendly, the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service says between 140,000 and 500,000 birds of over 200 
species are killed each year by wind turbines in the U.S. alone. The FWS
 predicts the average bird deaths from turbine collisions could reach 
1.4 million a year if wind farms are increased with the DOE’s mandates. 
Wind turbines can also affect animal habitats like that of the lesser 
prairie-chicken, which is listed as a vulnerable species. Wind turbines 
and lesser prairie-chickens require the same rural plains in Kansas, 
Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado and they do not coexist well 
together. Lesser prairie-chickens fear vertical structures because their
 instincts associate them with raptor perches, making it difficult for 
them to find nesting areas to lay their eggs. Aside from this list of 
concerns wind energy’s seemingly squeaky clean reputation can be marred 
with one simple fact, decommissioned blades are piling up in landfills.

“Windmills
 are perhaps the least energy-producing and most physically difficult 
renewable waste stream to deal with,” the EPA briefing stated. “These 
behemoth power generators are not only laborious and expensive to 
transport and install, but they are burdensome to remove and recycle 
too.”

The briefing paper goes 
on to reveal the larger the wind turbine, the larger the blade diameter,
 and the more power generated, so turbine manufacturers are incentivized
 to install the largest turbines they can, which makes them more 
difficult to dispose. Although 85% of the turbine, including steel, 
copper wire, electronics and gears, can be recycled, the blades are made
 of fiberglass or carbon fiber—depending on their age—leaving companies 
with few choices when blades reach the end of their lifetime. Of the 
8,000 blades decommissioned each year, most are scrapped and buried in 
one of three landfills in the U.S. that accepts them, including Lake 
Mills, Iowa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Casper, Wyoming. The Casper 
Municipal Landfill alone is home to almost 900 blades that are buried 30
 feet underground.

The topic of
 wind turbine blade graveyards is not only timely because of the current
 push toward 100% renewable energy, but also because blades last about 
20 to 25 years, so many of the original turbines that were installed 
when wind energy became popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s are 
reaching the end of their life, so this issue will only grow without 
some major problem solving by the wind industry.

The
 EPA’s briefing paper summed it up best when it stated: “Until such a 
time as windmills can be efficiently dismantled so that component 
elements are separated out into units small enough to enter the existing
 waste stream and be reused or properly disposed of, each windfarm is a 
towering promise of future wreckage.”

Fortunately,
 wind energy companies are focused on discovering ways to recycle old 
blades and engineer the new blades to be reused in the future. A company
 called Global Fiberglass Solutions has devised a patented solution to 
break down the old blades and press them into pellets and fiber boards 
to be used for flooring and walls. GFS has opened plants in Texas and 
Iowa where they are able to process 99.9% of a blade and expect to break
 down 6,000 to 7,000 blades per year per plant—which is a big step in 
the right direction.

Whether 
they are spinning 300 feet high in the sky or buried 30 feet under, wind
 turbines will continue to play a part in the world’s energy production 
and rural America can prepare itself by learning the advantages and 
drawbacks of wind energy production and what is just hot air.

Lacey Newlin can be reached at 620-227-1871 or <a href="mailto:lnewlin@hpj.com">lnewlin@hpj.com</a>. Republished with permission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614369153575.png" alt="According to the American Wind Energy Association, there are nearly 60,000 wind turbines operating in 41 states and two U.S. territories. Construction activity reached a new record in the first quarter of 2020, with 24,690 megawatts under construction across the country and many of the individuals profiting from these wind projects are farmers and ranchers. Photo by Lacey Newlin" />
 <figcaption>According to the American Wind Energy Association, there are nearly 60,000 wind turbines operating in 41 states and two U.S. territories. Construction activity reached a new record in the first quarter of 2020, with 24,690 megawatts under construction across the country and many of the individuals profiting from these wind projects are farmers and ranchers. Photo by Lacey Newlin</figcaption>
 </figure>By LACEY NEWLIN <a href="https://www.hpj.com/ag_news/wind-energy-a-breeze-or-a-bust-for-rural-america/article_b162f790-77bd-11eb-beff-fb391dfc4f8f.html#utm_source=hpj.com&amp;utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Flists%2Fhpj-weekly%2F%3F-dc%3D1614362416&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=headline">High Plains Journal</a>Built to withstand hurricane level 
winds with blades longer than a Boeing 747, the massive wind turbines 
popping up across the plains of rural America are hard to miss. With the
 Biden administration taking the helm in 2021, touting clean and 
renewable energy as a main objective, it seems energy sources, like 
wind, will only gain momentum.The
 president made good on his energy stance when he recently signed an 
executive order to replace the 645,000 federal vehicle fleet with 
electric cars, truck and vans. Much to the dismay of many oil and gas 
workers, he also signed an executive order to halt the Keystone Pipeline
 and ended federal subsidies for fossil fuels with the stroke of a pen. 
To counteract his plans to slow down oil and gas production, POTUS 
announced an objective to double United States offshore wind capacity by
 2030. These efforts are part of the Biden administration’s goal of 
reaching a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, which would put 
the U.S. on a path to a net-zero economy by 2050.Right now only about 15% of the world’s 
power is produced by renewable energy, and to meet these somewhat 
fanciful energy ambitions, change could be coming in a big way. 
Uncertainty of how these shifts will affect rural Americans and 
agriculture is palpable. Since half of the wind energy in the U.S. is 
produced in rural areas such Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa and Kansas, wind 
energy will have a significant effect on these communities—for better or
 for worse.<h2>Finally, a good reason for the wind to blow</h2>According
 to the Center for Climate and Energy Solution, wind energy is the 
second largest renewable energy source after hydropower. One of the 
reasons wind turbines are considered to be a key to the future of energy
 is that they do not produce any greenhouse gases or pollutants while in
 operation and are considerably cheap to run. The U.S. Department of 
Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy describes wind
 power as one of the lowest-priced energy sources available, costing 
$0.01 to $0.02 per kilowatt per hour after the production tax credit.Power
 prices are also more stable than coal, gas or oil because electricity 
from wind farms is sold at a fixed price over a long period of time. 
Unlike fossil fuels, wind is renewable, sustainable and as anyone across
 the plains of Texas, Oklahoma or Kansas can attest, the wind only seems
 to blow stronger each year. Finally, wind is a domestic source of 
energy that cannot be hijacked or price gouged by foreign countries.According
 to the American Wind Energy Association, there are nearly 60,000 wind 
turbines operating in 41 states and two U.S. territories. Construction 
activity reached a new record in the first quarter of 2020, with 24,690 
megawatts under construction across the country and many of the 
individuals profiting from these wind projects are farmers and ranchers.Brady
 Weeks, president of Allegiant Land Services &amp; Consulting, in 
Seiling, Oklahoma, and landowner with wind turbines on his property, 
plays the middleman between landowners and energy companies during 
contract negotiations. He works with oil, gas and renewable energy 
companies to secure leases, so he sees all sides of these industries and
 recognizes wind power for its benefits to rural property owners.“Everyone
 knows when you get an oil and gas well it has a chance to be a barn 
burner or maybe it’s just average, but one thing that you do know in the
 oil and gas industry is that it is going to drop off eventually,” Weeks
 explained. “The takeaway from wind energy from a land owner’s 
standpoint is the generational income, and on top of that it is an 
increasing revenue stream that could last for 40 to 50 years. Our state 
is built around oil and gas, so we go up and down with that industry, 
which is kind of our downfall. The beauty of wind energy is that it is 
not a commodity like oil. It’s steady and doesn’t jump around.”Weeks
 said the checks landowners are cut each year are dependent on how big 
their turbines are, but with newer contracts many landowners can expect 
$10,000 to $15,000 per turbine annually. Additionally, Weeks said the 
industry is moving toward bigger turbines and fewer of them, so payments
 are getting larger compared to what they were 20 years ago.“Depending
 on the turbine and the megawatt capacity, with these newer projects 
landowners could be getting paid anywhere from $500,000 to $750,000 per 
turbine over the life of the contracts,” Weeks said. “It’s serious 
money. If you look at that from a landowner’s perspective, it’s a 
no-brainer. You may miss a crop, but you have another source of income.”Fortunately,
 landowners are still able to use the land around the turbines for 
agriculture like crops or livestock, with minimal production area taken 
out of commission.“Usually one
 turbine is going to remove one and half to two acres out of 
production,” he said. “We haven’t perfected the invisible turbine yet, 
but the surface impact is minimal.”However,
 the property owner is not the only one to benefit financially from wind
 turbines. According to Weeks, the oil and gas industry pays a gross 
production tax, which is distributed across all the counties in the 
state. However, with wind energy projects, all the taxes stay in the 
county where the wind turbines stand, keeping the revenue stream local. 
Weeks said some larger wind farm projects—depending on the megawatt 
capacity—could be anywhere from $400 million to even billion dollar 
investments, which will benefit rural America, not only with tax 
dollars, but with good paying jobs that bring families to farming 
communities and keep small towns alive.“Any money you can bring in from bigger 
companies to small, rural America is only going to improve the 
survivability of producers,” Weeks explained.In
 fact, in Dewey County, Oklahoma, where Weeks resides, the schools are 
able to stay off the state school funding formula due in large part to 
the amount of taxes paid through wind turbine companies. Although many 
fear wind turbine installation across the plains because they associate 
them with the Green New Deal and calls for taxes on cow flatulence, to 
Weeks, there is a place for oil, gas and renewable energy in this 
country and the more energy production in his state, the better—no 
matter the type.“I think we 
need to focus on the positives of wind energy and how the oil and gas 
and wind industries can coexist and work together on the grid,” he said.
 “Some people see it as an us versus them mentality and it couldn’t be 
any further from the truth from the landowner’s perspective. Yes, I 
think renewables are going to become more prevalent, but I think we’ll 
always be drilling for oil. The bottom line is Trump never stopped the 
windmills and Biden will never stop the fracking.”<h2>How clean is wind energy?</h2>Wind power is green energy and benefits 
rural landowners and communities financially, but some still see them as
 noisy eyesores that besmirch sunset views and take away for the beauty 
of the High Plains. Although wind turbines have a good reputation among 
most in the renewable energy sector, one must only look to the 
Environmental Protection Agency, of all places, to get the dirt on this 
clean energy. An EPA renewable energy briefing paper published January 
2021 painted wind turbines in a less than glowing light when it stated 
that there are chemical management concerns as wind turbines contain 
oils and other lubricants that can leak out and contaminate soil and 
water.Additionally, EPA said 
although wind turbines produce carbon-neutral energy, large amounts of 
fossil fuels are needed to install, transport and monitor turbines. The 
paper also said in most leases, wind farm operators are responsible for 
returning the land to its previous state at the end of the wind farm’s 
life, but if the windmill owner goes out of business before the end of 
the lease, the landowner is responsible for decommissioning and removal.
 Additionally, farmers have complained of difficulties crop dusting 
where wind turbines are present and the radio frequencies emitted from 
the turbines are known to foul up GPS systems.Although
 they are known for being environmentally friendly, the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service says between 140,000 and 500,000 birds of over 200 
species are killed each year by wind turbines in the U.S. alone. The FWS
 predicts the average bird deaths from turbine collisions could reach 
1.4 million a year if wind farms are increased with the DOE’s mandates. 
Wind turbines can also affect animal habitats like that of the lesser 
prairie-chicken, which is listed as a vulnerable species. Wind turbines 
and lesser prairie-chickens require the same rural plains in Kansas, 
Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado and they do not coexist well 
together. Lesser prairie-chickens fear vertical structures because their
 instincts associate them with raptor perches, making it difficult for 
them to find nesting areas to lay their eggs. Aside from this list of 
concerns wind energy’s seemingly squeaky clean reputation can be marred 
with one simple fact, decommissioned blades are piling up in landfills.“Windmills
 are perhaps the least energy-producing and most physically difficult 
renewable waste stream to deal with,” the EPA briefing stated. “These 
behemoth power generators are not only laborious and expensive to 
transport and install, but they are burdensome to remove and recycle 
too.”The briefing paper goes 
on to reveal the larger the wind turbine, the larger the blade diameter,
 and the more power generated, so turbine manufacturers are incentivized
 to install the largest turbines they can, which makes them more 
difficult to dispose. Although 85% of the turbine, including steel, 
copper wire, electronics and gears, can be recycled, the blades are made
 of fiberglass or carbon fiber—depending on their age—leaving companies 
with few choices when blades reach the end of their lifetime. Of the 
8,000 blades decommissioned each year, most are scrapped and buried in 
one of three landfills in the U.S. that accepts them, including Lake 
Mills, Iowa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Casper, Wyoming. The Casper 
Municipal Landfill alone is home to almost 900 blades that are buried 30
 feet underground.The topic of
 wind turbine blade graveyards is not only timely because of the current
 push toward 100% renewable energy, but also because blades last about 
20 to 25 years, so many of the original turbines that were installed 
when wind energy became popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s are 
reaching the end of their life, so this issue will only grow without 
some major problem solving by the wind industry.The
 EPA’s briefing paper summed it up best when it stated: “Until such a 
time as windmills can be efficiently dismantled so that component 
elements are separated out into units small enough to enter the existing
 waste stream and be reused or properly disposed of, each windfarm is a 
towering promise of future wreckage.”Fortunately,
 wind energy companies are focused on discovering ways to recycle old 
blades and engineer the new blades to be reused in the future. A company
 called Global Fiberglass Solutions has devised a patented solution to 
break down the old blades and press them into pellets and fiber boards 
to be used for flooring and walls. GFS has opened plants in Texas and 
Iowa where they are able to process 99.9% of a blade and expect to break
 down 6,000 to 7,000 blades per year per plant—which is a big step in 
the right direction.Whether 
they are spinning 300 feet high in the sky or buried 30 feet under, wind
 turbines will continue to play a part in the world’s energy production 
and rural America can prepare itself by learning the advantages and 
drawbacks of wind energy production and what is just hot air.Lacey Newlin can be reached at 620-227-1871 or <a href="mailto:lnewlin@hpj.com">lnewlin@hpj.com</a>. Republished with permission.

Wind energy: A breeze or a bust for rural America?

A North Platte man was arrested after he was allegedly seen stealing license plates.

According to North Platte police, on February 24 at 8:20 PM an officer took a theft report in the 300 block of west 11th Street.&nbsp; 

Police say the victim indicated they saw a male approach their vehicle and remove the license plate from it. The suspect left with the plate in a similar vehicle to the victim's Dodge Avenger.&nbsp; 

Investigators say on February 25 at 7:45 PM an officer saw a Dodge Avenger with the stolen plate attached driving near 12th and Tabor Streets.&nbsp; 

A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Ryan Tilley.&nbsp; However, police say Tilley gave the officer a false name.&nbsp; 

After further investigation, police say it was determined Tilley was the male who stole the license plate and, as a result, he was arrested for theft and obstruction.&nbsp; 

Additionally, police say a large fixed blade knife was located in between the driver's seat and center console.&nbsp; As a convicted felon, Tilley is prohibited from possessing a deadly weapon.&nbsp; He was also cited for fictitious plates and no proof of insurance, and also had outstanding warrants from another county.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614653119711.jpeg" alt="Tilley" />
 <figcaption>Tilley</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-NP PostA North Platte man was arrested after he was allegedly seen stealing license plates.According to North Platte police, on February 24 at 8:20 PM an officer took a theft report in the 300 block of west 11th Street.&nbsp; Police say the victim indicated they saw a male approach their vehicle and remove the license plate from it. The suspect left with the plate in a similar vehicle to the victim's Dodge Avenger.&nbsp; Investigators say on February 25 at 7:45 PM an officer saw a Dodge Avenger with the stolen plate attached driving near 12th and Tabor Streets.&nbsp; A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Ryan Tilley.&nbsp; However, police say Tilley gave the officer a false name.&nbsp; After further investigation, police say it was determined Tilley was the male who stole the license plate and, as a result, he was arrested for theft and obstruction.&nbsp; Additionally, police say a large fixed blade knife was located in between the driver's seat and center console.&nbsp; As a convicted felon, Tilley is prohibited from possessing a deadly weapon.&nbsp; He was also cited for fictitious plates and no proof of insurance, and also had outstanding warrants from another county.

North Platte man accused of giving false info after stealing plates

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - State regulators filed a lawsuit Monday accusing a Nebraska ethanol plant of repeatedly failing to comply with their orders to clean up wastewater and old, pesticide-laced seed corn.

The lawsuit comes amid growing complaints about the AltEn plant near Mead, a town of fewer than 600 people about 37 miles west of Omaha.

Mead residents have complained about a stench coming from the plant since shortly after it opened in 2015. They've reported bloody noses, headaches and trouble breathing, although no one has studied whether those problems are tied to the plant. Officials said the corn waste has been stockpiled at the plant and spread over nearby fields.

State officials in Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts' administration said they tried to work with plant managers to clean up the affected area and gave the company a full year to comply, but their administrative orders weren't followed. The lawsuit filed in Saunders County District Court seeks a judge's order to force the plant to act and impose civil penalties as punishment.

"What's driving this is a poorly run corporation that fails to recognize the authority of the state," Attorney General Doug Peterson said at a news conference to announce the lawsuit.

Peterson said he will try to force the company to pay the state's costs from the lawsuit, although it's possible AltEn could seek bankruptcy protection.

Unlike most ethanol plants that buy corn for processing, AltEn uses surplus seeds that it receives at no cost. The seeds are often coated with agricultural chemicals, making their leftover residue unsuitable for use as an animal feed supplement.

Jim Macy, the director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, said his agency doesn't believe the chemicals have migrated into the soil or groundwater in Mead. Officials were testing the area to confirm that it is safe.

But Macy said testing of a water in a ditch near the plant showed high levels of neonicotinoids, a group of insecticides that have been blamed for killing large numbers of bees.

"This is a truly rare case," Macy said, promising that the state will hold AltEn accountable.

A phone message left at AltEn's business office wasn't immediately returned. Ricketts, a staunch ethanol supporter, said the company was "terribly managed" and "does not reflect the ethanol industry in Nebraska."

The 97-page lawsuit accuses the company of dumping waste in area where it was likely to contaminate water and land, discharging a pollutant into state waters without a permit, failing to follow the orders of state regulators, and other allegations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564587252207.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - State regulators filed a lawsuit Monday accusing a Nebraska ethanol plant of repeatedly failing to comply with their orders to clean up wastewater and old, pesticide-laced seed corn.The lawsuit comes amid growing complaints about the AltEn plant near Mead, a town of fewer than 600 people about 37 miles west of Omaha.Mead residents have complained about a stench coming from the plant since shortly after it opened in 2015. They've reported bloody noses, headaches and trouble breathing, although no one has studied whether those problems are tied to the plant. Officials said the corn waste has been stockpiled at the plant and spread over nearby fields.State officials in Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts' administration said they tried to work with plant managers to clean up the affected area and gave the company a full year to comply, but their administrative orders weren't followed. The lawsuit filed in Saunders County District Court seeks a judge's order to force the plant to act and impose civil penalties as punishment."What's driving this is a poorly run corporation that fails to recognize the authority of the state," Attorney General Doug Peterson said at a news conference to announce the lawsuit.Peterson said he will try to force the company to pay the state's costs from the lawsuit, although it's possible AltEn could seek bankruptcy protection.Unlike most ethanol plants that buy corn for processing, AltEn uses surplus seeds that it receives at no cost. The seeds are often coated with agricultural chemicals, making their leftover residue unsuitable for use as an animal feed supplement.Jim Macy, the director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, said his agency doesn't believe the chemicals have migrated into the soil or groundwater in Mead. Officials were testing the area to confirm that it is safe.But Macy said testing of a water in a ditch near the plant showed high levels of neonicotinoids, a group of insecticides that have been blamed for killing large numbers of bees."This is a truly rare case," Macy said, promising that the state will hold AltEn accountable.A phone message left at AltEn's business office wasn't immediately returned. Ricketts, a staunch ethanol supporter, said the company was "terribly managed" and "does not reflect the ethanol industry in Nebraska."The 97-page lawsuit accuses the company of dumping waste in area where it was likely to contaminate water and land, discharging a pollutant into state waters without a permit, failing to follow the orders of state regulators, and other allegations.

Nebraska regulators sue ethanol plant, citing pollution


The
Great Plains Health Board of Directors announced today that Great
Plains Health Chief Executive Officer Mel McNea will retire this
December. McNea’s distinguished career with Great Plains Health
spans more than 30 years, serving seven of those years as chief
executive officer. 


A
national and local search will begin immediately to name McNea’s
successor. 


McNea
began his healthcare career at Great Plains Health in 1987 as an
ultrasound technician. McNea was quickly promoted to director of
diagnostic imaging, leading
that department through tremendous growth in volume and changes in
technology and process improvement. In 2004, he was promoted to vice
president of operations, which later changed to chief operations
officer. He
was appointed chief executive officer in 2014. McNea was recognized
as CEO of the Year by the North Platte Chamber and Development
Corporation as well as being distinguished with the prestigious
Nebraska Hospital Association’s Excellence in Service Award. Under
McNea’s leadership, Great Plains Health was named one of 19 Top
Rural Hospitals in the nation by the national quality evaluation
group The Leapfrog Group in both 2019 and 2020.

“We
want to thank Mel for his tireless dedication, leadership and
unwavering commitment to patients, staff, physicians and the
community. He has led Great Plains Health through a period of
constant change and has set a clear and strategic vision that has
produced tremendous growth and improved quality and experience for
our patients, said Dr. Ned Mack, Great Plains Health Board chairman.
“Mel positioned Great Plains Health well to exceed the growing
healthcare needs of our region and to become the most trusted
healthcare community in the region. He will, no doubt, leave a
lasting legacy.” 


“Looking
back over my 32 years at Great Plains Health, I am so proud of the
passion and commitment that our employees bring to patient care every
day of their lives,” said McNea. “Whether in the midst of a
pandemic or in the daily quest for excellence, I am so proud of the
work that we have done together to improve healthcare for our
region.” 


<a></a>
McNea
grew up in rural North Dakota and saw first-hand through his parents’
journey in healthcare what lack of services can do. He vowed to work
tirelessly to ensure that patients in this region, not only would not
have to travel far for their care, but more importantly, would not
have to settle for lower quality simply because they live in a rural
area, said Mack.

Under
McNea’s leadership Great Plains Health has experienced
unprecedented growth, quality improvement and expansion. During his
tenure, Great Plains Health has grown by more than 300 employees and
18 specialties in the past seven years. 


According
to Mack, McNea’s genuine leadership and passion for healthcare
excellence have brought many successful strategic initiatives to
fruition, including the addition of a heart and vascular program, a
new patient tower, a new medical office building, the development of
the Great Plains Physician Network, a clinically integrated network,
a wound healing center, the first mobile CT program in western
Nebraska and, most recently, the first neurosurgery program in this
part of the state.

Prior
to his tenure at Great Plains Health, McNea was the director of
radiology at St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neil, Nebraska, and at St.
Andrew's Hospital in Bottineau, North Dakota.

“McNea
has led healthcare transformation in west-central Nebraska with
passion, integrity and boundless energy, all with one goal in mind –
to improve access to healthcare to the citizens of western Nebraska,
eastern Colorado and northern Kansas,” said Mack.

“Mel’s
steady leadership will be missed not only at Great Plains Health, but
in the community as well. While he will still be part of Great Plains
Health until December, there is much work to be done in the meantime
to fill his shoes,” said Mack. 


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614645412962.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Great Plains Health
The
Great Plains Health Board of Directors announced today that Great
Plains Health Chief Executive Officer Mel McNea will retire this
December. McNea’s distinguished career with Great Plains Health
spans more than 30 years, serving seven of those years as chief
executive officer. 
A
national and local search will begin immediately to name McNea’s
successor. 
McNea
began his healthcare career at Great Plains Health in 1987 as an
ultrasound technician. McNea was quickly promoted to director of
diagnostic imaging, leading
that department through tremendous growth in volume and changes in
technology and process improvement. In 2004, he was promoted to vice
president of operations, which later changed to chief operations
officer. He
was appointed chief executive officer in 2014. McNea was recognized
as CEO of the Year by the North Platte Chamber and Development
Corporation as well as being distinguished with the prestigious
Nebraska Hospital Association’s Excellence in Service Award. Under
McNea’s leadership, Great Plains Health was named one of 19 Top
Rural Hospitals in the nation by the national quality evaluation
group The Leapfrog Group in both 2019 and 2020.“We
want to thank Mel for his tireless dedication, leadership and
unwavering commitment to patients, staff, physicians and the
community. He has led Great Plains Health through a period of
constant change and has set a clear and strategic vision that has
produced tremendous growth and improved quality and experience for
our patients, said Dr. Ned Mack, Great Plains Health Board chairman.
“Mel positioned Great Plains Health well to exceed the growing
healthcare needs of our region and to become the most trusted
healthcare community in the region. He will, no doubt, leave a
lasting legacy.” 
“Looking
back over my 32 years at Great Plains Health, I am so proud of the
passion and commitment that our employees bring to patient care every
day of their lives,” said McNea. “Whether in the midst of a
pandemic or in the daily quest for excellence, I am so proud of the
work that we have done together to improve healthcare for our
region.” 
<a></a>
McNea
grew up in rural North Dakota and saw first-hand through his parents’
journey in healthcare what lack of services can do. He vowed to work
tirelessly to ensure that patients in this region, not only would not
have to travel far for their care, but more importantly, would not
have to settle for lower quality simply because they live in a rural
area, said Mack.Under
McNea’s leadership Great Plains Health has experienced
unprecedented growth, quality improvement and expansion. During his
tenure, Great Plains Health has grown by more than 300 employees and
18 specialties in the past seven years. 
According
to Mack, McNea’s genuine leadership and passion for healthcare
excellence have brought many successful strategic initiatives to
fruition, including the addition of a heart and vascular program, a
new patient tower, a new medical office building, the development of
the Great Plains Physician Network, a clinically integrated network,
a wound healing center, the first mobile CT program in western
Nebraska and, most recently, the first neurosurgery program in this
part of the state.Prior
to his tenure at Great Plains Health, McNea was the director of
radiology at St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neil, Nebraska, and at St.
Andrew's Hospital in Bottineau, North Dakota.“McNea
has led healthcare transformation in west-central Nebraska with
passion, integrity and boundless energy, all with one goal in mind –
to improve access to healthcare to the citizens of western Nebraska,
eastern Colorado and northern Kansas,” said Mack.“Mel’s
steady leadership will be missed not only at Great Plains Health, but
in the community as well. While he will still be part of Great Plains
Health until December, there is much work to be done in the meantime
to fill his shoes,” said Mack.

Great Plains Health CEO to retire in December

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska could get its first doses of drug-maker Johnson &amp; Johnson's new coronavirus vaccine as early as this week, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Monday.

Ricketts said the state has been allowed to order up 15,000 doses, but state officials don't yet know how much they'll get.

The announcement came days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnson-johnson-1-shot-dose-cleared-f13611719ad8d1655ed7b354af75a9a9" target="_blank">approved the vaccine,</a>&nbsp;clearing the way for a third shot that's shown to be effective. Unlike the vaccines from manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna, which require two doses to provide full immunity, the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine can be delivered in one shot.

Ricketts said the state also expects to get 18,720 Pfizer doses and 17,000 Moderna doses this week. He said he was told on a recent call between governors and the White House that the Johnson &amp; Johnson supplies may be inconsistent for the first few weeks of the rollout.

"We may be allowed to order 15,000 this week, but may not be able to get that many in weeks two and three," he said a coronavirus news conference.

Ricketts said residents who go to a clinic to get vaccinated will only be able to choose the vaccine that's available on site, at least for now. He said the newly approved Johnson &amp; Johnson won't change the state's plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-pete-ricketts-nebraska-coronavirus-pandemic-2668c4173fcc9185dcdfe42b4a1badae" target="_blank">focus almost entirely on residents who are at least 65 years old,</a>&nbsp;the demographic that has been most likely to die from the virus in Nebraska.

But he said the greater flexibility of the one-dose vaccine could be helpful in rural areas or with certain groups that are harder to reach for a follow-up shot.

Nebraska has confirmed 200,946 virus cases and 2,082 deaths since the pandemic began, according to the state's online tracking portal. Roughly 83% of those who have died were 65 or older.

The number of new, known cases and the number of people hospitalized with the virus continue to trend downward since the record highs set in mid-November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602590971875.png" alt="Vaccine photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Vaccine photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska could get its first doses of drug-maker Johnson &amp; Johnson's new coronavirus vaccine as early as this week, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Monday.Ricketts said the state has been allowed to order up 15,000 doses, but state officials don't yet know how much they'll get.The announcement came days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnson-johnson-1-shot-dose-cleared-f13611719ad8d1655ed7b354af75a9a9" target="_blank">approved the vaccine,</a>&nbsp;clearing the way for a third shot that's shown to be effective. Unlike the vaccines from manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna, which require two doses to provide full immunity, the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine can be delivered in one shot.Ricketts said the state also expects to get 18,720 Pfizer doses and 17,000 Moderna doses this week. He said he was told on a recent call between governors and the White House that the Johnson &amp; Johnson supplies may be inconsistent for the first few weeks of the rollout."We may be allowed to order 15,000 this week, but may not be able to get that many in weeks two and three," he said a coronavirus news conference.Ricketts said residents who go to a clinic to get vaccinated will only be able to choose the vaccine that's available on site, at least for now. He said the newly approved Johnson &amp; Johnson won't change the state's plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-pete-ricketts-nebraska-coronavirus-pandemic-2668c4173fcc9185dcdfe42b4a1badae" target="_blank">focus almost entirely on residents who are at least 65 years old,</a>&nbsp;the demographic that has been most likely to die from the virus in Nebraska.But he said the greater flexibility of the one-dose vaccine could be helpful in rural areas or with certain groups that are harder to reach for a follow-up shot.Nebraska has confirmed 200,946 virus cases and 2,082 deaths since the pandemic began, according to the state's online tracking portal. Roughly 83% of those who have died were 65 or older.The number of new, known cases and the number of people hospitalized with the virus continue to trend downward since the record highs set in mid-November.

Ricketts: Nebraska could receive new J&J vaccine this week

The North Platte High School Activities Department has announced the new head coach for the NPHS Pacers dance team.

According to Activities Director Jordan Cudney, Audri Pelton has been named the new head coach of the Pacers.

Pelton is a 2002 graduate of NPHS and teaches in the North Platte Public School system.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614639085462.png" alt="Pelton" />
 <figcaption>Pelton</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott CarlsonThe North Platte High School Activities Department has announced the new head coach for the NPHS Pacers dance team.According to Activities Director Jordan Cudney, Audri Pelton has been named the new head coach of the Pacers.Pelton is a 2002 graduate of NPHS and teaches in the North Platte Public School system.Pelton will be taking over the team this coming season."Audri brings an extensive background in dance to the Pacers program and we look forward to her start as a Bulldog," said Cudney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614639032393.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

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