All in all, Old Man Winter has been pretty generous to us so far. But that's about to change.

Forecasters are predicting daily lows below zero for most of next week, and with that comes the reminder to protect your pipes.

Officials at Municipal Light and Water are reminding residents that sub-zero temperatures can pose a risk to their plumbing.

But, they say, the potential disaster is easily averted by simply running a small amount of water.&nbsp;

According to ML&amp;W, running just a 1/8 inch stream of water can prevent the main water service from freezing and prevent costly repairs.&nbsp;

However, if running a thin stream of water isn't your thing, ML&amp;W has a device that can be easily installed on your toilet tank to keep the water running constantly. If interested, contact ML&amp;W at 308-535-6740.

Officials also say checking to ensure that your foundation vents are closed and inspecting your home for cracks or openings that would allow cold air into the crawlspace is strongly advised.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612547679434.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By Post StaffAll in all, Old Man Winter has been pretty generous to us so far. But that's about to change.Forecasters are predicting daily lows below zero for most of next week, and with that comes the reminder to protect your pipes.Officials at Municipal Light and Water are reminding residents that sub-zero temperatures can pose a risk to their plumbing.But, they say, the potential disaster is easily averted by simply running a small amount of water.&nbsp;According to ML&amp;W, running just a 1/8 inch stream of water can prevent the main water service from freezing and prevent costly repairs.&nbsp;However, if running a thin stream of water isn't your thing, ML&amp;W has a device that can be easily installed on your toilet tank to keep the water running constantly. If interested, contact ML&amp;W at 308-535-6740.Officials also say checking to ensure that your foundation vents are closed and inspecting your home for cracks or openings that would allow cold air into the crawlspace is strongly advised.

Don't forget to protect your pipes as temps drop below zero next week

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska is pushing back against some fellow Republicans who want the state party to formally censure him for his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump after the U.S. Capitol riot.

Sasse on Thursday posted a YouTube video response to county GOP activists in Nebraska who want him to be censured after he said Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-nebraska-ben-sasse-united-states-b70c84333111797967e21d44e5d6798b" target="_blank">deserved some blame</a>&nbsp;for inciting the riot.

The Nebraska Republican Party's State Central Committee is expected to vote Feb. 13 on a possible censure. The committee has censured Sasse once before, in March 2016, after he leveled other criticism against then-candidate Trump. A censure from the party is essentially a public reprimand that lets party activists voice their disapproval.

"I'm not going to spend any time trying to talk you out of another censure," Sasse said in the video. "I listen to Nebraskans every day, and very few of them are as angry about life as some of the people on this committee - not all of you, but a lot. Political addicts don't represent most Nebraska conservatives."

Sasse said party activists are "hacked off" that he condemned Trump's statements to a crowd just before the riot and that he isn't "bending the knee to one guy." He also pointed to his voting record as one of the most conservative members of the U.S. Senate.

"Let's be clear about why this is happening," he said. "It's because I still believe, as you used to, that politics isn't about the weird worship of one guy."

Sasse has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2dbe1d8a1e01461e8e4c9975a91f449f" target="_blank">openly critical of Trump</a>, drawing criticism from some Nebraska Republicans who wanted him to be loyal to party candidates. Activists have also expressed frustration that Sasse used the GOP label and party resources when he ran for office in Nebraska, but then refused to support their chosen presidential nominee.

Sasse toned down the criticism briefly in 2019 and highlighted areas of agreement with the president when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f13d665b8390496a84f98157748ec223" target="_blank">running for reelection against a pro-Trump primary challenger</a>. Trump later endorsed Sasse, saying he had done a "wonderful job" representing Nebraska. But a year later, he called on Republicans to replace the senator after Sasse criticized him again.

Nebraska Republican Party Executive Director Ryan Hamilton said the party's state central committee will decide whether to censure Sasse by a membership vote.

Hamilton said the party has received thousands of phone and email messages expressing dissatisfaction with Sasse after he said Trump "consistently lied" and promoted conspiracy theories after he lost the presidential election. Hamilton said he was aware of at least eight different petitions from local party activists calling for Sasse to be censured again.

Asked Friday whether he would support a censure of Sasse, Gov. Pete Ricketts noted that the senator has been a consistent conservative throughout his Senate career, but acknowledged that he has "heard a lot of frustration" from constituents about Sasse's public statements. Ricketts, a Republican and Trump supporter, said he would rather see party members talk to Sasse directly about their concerns.

"I think a dialogue would be a better approach," Ricketts said. "That's what I would encourage people to do."

One of the censorship motions came from Scotts Bluff County Republicans in rural, western Nebraska, one of the most pro-Trump areas of the country. Some party activists have said they're frustrated by what they see as Sasse's unwillingness to address them directly.

In an open letter to Sasse, County GOP Chairwoman Kolene Woodward said local Republicans were frustrated by his frequent criticism of the former president.

"You were elected to represent the people of Nebraska who overwhelmingly voted for President Trump," Woodward wrote in the letter. "Your actions are a selfish, political ploy."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1564937419455.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska is pushing back against some fellow Republicans who want the state party to formally censure him for his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump after the U.S. Capitol riot.Sasse on Thursday posted a YouTube video response to county GOP activists in Nebraska who want him to be censured after he said Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-nebraska-ben-sasse-united-states-b70c84333111797967e21d44e5d6798b" target="_blank">deserved some blame</a>&nbsp;for inciting the riot.The Nebraska Republican Party's State Central Committee is expected to vote Feb. 13 on a possible censure. The committee has censured Sasse once before, in March 2016, after he leveled other criticism against then-candidate Trump. A censure from the party is essentially a public reprimand that lets party activists voice their disapproval."I'm not going to spend any time trying to talk you out of another censure," Sasse said in the video. "I listen to Nebraskans every day, and very few of them are as angry about life as some of the people on this committee - not all of you, but a lot. Political addicts don't represent most Nebraska conservatives."Sasse said party activists are "hacked off" that he condemned Trump's statements to a crowd just before the riot and that he isn't "bending the knee to one guy." He also pointed to his voting record as one of the most conservative members of the U.S. Senate."Let's be clear about why this is happening," he said. "It's because I still believe, as you used to, that politics isn't about the weird worship of one guy."Sasse has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2dbe1d8a1e01461e8e4c9975a91f449f" target="_blank">openly critical of Trump</a>, drawing criticism from some Nebraska Republicans who wanted him to be loyal to party candidates. Activists have also expressed frustration that Sasse used the GOP label and party resources when he ran for office in Nebraska, but then refused to support their chosen presidential nominee.Sasse toned down the criticism briefly in 2019 and highlighted areas of agreement with the president when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f13d665b8390496a84f98157748ec223" target="_blank">running for reelection against a pro-Trump primary challenger</a>. Trump later endorsed Sasse, saying he had done a "wonderful job" representing Nebraska. But a year later, he called on Republicans to replace the senator after Sasse criticized him again.Nebraska Republican Party Executive Director Ryan Hamilton said the party's state central committee will decide whether to censure Sasse by a membership vote.Hamilton said the party has received thousands of phone and email messages expressing dissatisfaction with Sasse after he said Trump "consistently lied" and promoted conspiracy theories after he lost the presidential election. Hamilton said he was aware of at least eight different petitions from local party activists calling for Sasse to be censured again.Asked Friday whether he would support a censure of Sasse, Gov. Pete Ricketts noted that the senator has been a consistent conservative throughout his Senate career, but acknowledged that he has "heard a lot of frustration" from constituents about Sasse's public statements. Ricketts, a Republican and Trump supporter, said he would rather see party members talk to Sasse directly about their concerns."I think a dialogue would be a better approach," Ricketts said. "That's what I would encourage people to do."One of the censorship motions came from Scotts Bluff County Republicans in rural, western Nebraska, one of the most pro-Trump areas of the country. Some party activists have said they're frustrated by what they see as Sasse's unwillingness to address them directly.In an open letter to Sasse, County GOP Chairwoman Kolene Woodward said local Republicans were frustrated by his frequent criticism of the former president."You were elected to represent the people of Nebraska who overwhelmingly voted for President Trump," Woodward wrote in the letter. "Your actions are a selfish, political ploy."

Nebraska US Sen. Sasse pushes back against GOP activists

On this episode of the Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fox and Friends host Steve Doocy.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Fox and Friends host Steve Doocy" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/9ajyr-f9cee2?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of the Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fox and Friends host Steve Doocy.

🎤Forward Ever: Fox and Friends host Steve Doocy

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - The man accused of burning down a Nebraska church was not responsible by reason of insanity, a judge ruled Thursday.

Mathew Poehler, 40, of Shelton, was charged with second-degree arson after the Zion Lutheran Church in rural Buffalo County was destroyed by fire on Dec. 11, 2019.

Investigators said the fire started when Poehler poured diesel fuel in a bucket of flowers and set it on fire, KNOP-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.knopnews2.com/2021/02/04/rural-shelton-church-arson-suspect-ruled-not-responsible/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Poehler's attorney filed a plea of not responsible by reason of insanity.

During a trial in February, Poehler's attorney presented a psychiatric report that said Poehler had bipolar schizoaffective disorder and at the time of the fire "he did not know or understand the nature and consequences of his actions in burning the church and did not know the difference between right and wrong."

On Thursday, Buffalo County District Judge John Marsh ruled in favor of the insanity plea. He ordered a future court hearing to determine whether Poehler was a danger to himself or others and whether he would be dangerous in the future.

Pending that hearing, Poehler is free on bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612523730580.png" alt="Poehler" />
 <figcaption>Poehler</figcaption>
 </figure>KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - The man accused of burning down a Nebraska church was not responsible by reason of insanity, a judge ruled Thursday.Mathew Poehler, 40, of Shelton, was charged with second-degree arson after the Zion Lutheran Church in rural Buffalo County was destroyed by fire on Dec. 11, 2019.Investigators said the fire started when Poehler poured diesel fuel in a bucket of flowers and set it on fire, KNOP-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.knopnews2.com/2021/02/04/rural-shelton-church-arson-suspect-ruled-not-responsible/" target="_blank">reported</a>.Poehler's attorney filed a plea of not responsible by reason of insanity.During a trial in February, Poehler's attorney presented a psychiatric report that said Poehler had bipolar schizoaffective disorder and at the time of the fire "he did not know or understand the nature and consequences of his actions in burning the church and did not know the difference between right and wrong."On Thursday, Buffalo County District Judge John Marsh ruled in favor of the insanity plea. He ordered a future court hearing to determine whether Poehler was a danger to himself or others and whether he would be dangerous in the future.Pending that hearing, Poehler is free on bond.

Man found not responsible for burning down Nebraska church

The West Central District Health Department COVID-19 community risk dial moved down this week.


The risk dial moved from a 3.62 down to a 3.42, which is in the
elevated risk level. There were changes in the following variables
that contributed to movement in the dial:

The COVID-19 Risk Dial contains
recommended guidance to help prevent and control the spread of
COVID-19.

While in the Elevated Risk category,
physical distance of 6 feet or greater, wearing face coverings when
outside the home, frequent handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer),
staying home if you are having flu-like or COVID-like symptoms,
disinfecting high touch surfaces, and having at-risk and vulnerable
people remain home are recommended as the greatest tools in reducing
the spread of COVID-19. For more information on recommendations for
the various risk categories of the WCDHD Community Risk Dial, please
visit the COVID-19 Risk Dial page on our website.

There have been 64 cases of COVID-19
for the time period of 1/27/2021 to 2/2/2021. As a reminder, WCDHD
will be posting a COVID-19 case number update on a weekly basis with
the risk dial update. 


Visit the Risk Dial page <a href="https://wcdhd.org/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">HERE</a>

View the WCDHD COVID-19 Dashboard <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation">HERE&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612524192225.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The West Central District Health Department COVID-19 community risk dial moved down this week.
The risk dial moved from a 3.62 down to a 3.42, which is in the
elevated risk level. There were changes in the following variables
that contributed to movement in the dial:We had a decrease in the following: 
<ul>
 <li>Measure ID R4: Average Daily
	Hospitalization
	</li><li>Measure ID R8: Testing
	Availability
	</li><li>Measure ID R9: Average Testing
	Turnaround Time
</li>
 </ul>The COVID-19 Risk Dial contains
recommended guidance to help prevent and control the spread of
COVID-19.While in the Elevated Risk category,
physical distance of 6 feet or greater, wearing face coverings when
outside the home, frequent handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer),
staying home if you are having flu-like or COVID-like symptoms,
disinfecting high touch surfaces, and having at-risk and vulnerable
people remain home are recommended as the greatest tools in reducing
the spread of COVID-19. For more information on recommendations for
the various risk categories of the WCDHD Community Risk Dial, please
visit the COVID-19 Risk Dial page on our website.There have been 64 cases of COVID-19
for the time period of 1/27/2021 to 2/2/2021. As a reminder, WCDHD
will be posting a COVID-19 case number update on a weekly basis with
the risk dial update. 
Visit the Risk Dial page <a href="https://wcdhd.org/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">HERE</a>View the WCDHD COVID-19 Dashboard <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation">HERE&nbsp;</a>

WCDHD community risk dial moves down to Elevated level

BROKEN BOW, Neb. (AP) - A Broken Bow accountant has agreed to turn herself in on theft charges - as soon as she's released from a hospital where she's being treated for injuries from a car crash last week, authorities said.

Authorities had been searching for Connie Ulmer, 50, to serve an arrest warrant charging her with four counts of theft, the Grand Island Independent reported. The Nebraska State Patrol discovered she was hospitalized, and a spokesman with the patrol said officials have been in contact with her attorney, who said she would turn herself in when she is released from the hospital.

Police suspect Ulmer of stealing more than $45,000 from the Broken Bow Booster Club, which raises money for activities at Broken Bow Public Schools. Ulmer had been the treasurer of the club.

Investigators said Ulmer, who has an accounting business in Broken Bow, used much of the money stolen was used to pay for the costs of her child attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

BROKEN BOW, Neb. (AP) - A Broken Bow accountant has agreed to turn herself in on theft charges - as soon as she's released from a hospital where she's being treated for injuries from a car crash last week, authorities said.Authorities had been searching for Connie Ulmer, 50, to serve an arrest warrant charging her with four counts of theft, the Grand Island Independent reported. The Nebraska State Patrol discovered she was hospitalized, and a spokesman with the patrol said officials have been in contact with her attorney, who said she would turn herself in when she is released from the hospital.Police suspect Ulmer of stealing more than $45,000 from the Broken Bow Booster Club, which raises money for activities at Broken Bow Public Schools. Ulmer had been the treasurer of the club.Investigators said Ulmer, who has an accounting business in Broken Bow, used much of the money stolen was used to pay for the costs of her child attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Broken Bow accountant accused of theft from booster club

The Alliance Fire Department responded to 1100 block of Platte Avenue on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 6:33 a.m. regarding smoke coming from the basement of a house.

At approximately 06:40 a.m. there was little to no smoke showing from the front of the house. 

"Upon entry there was a moderate amount of smoke coming from the basement," Alliance Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker said. "The fire was located in a room on the west side of the home. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and the smoke was ventilated from the home."

A female and juvenile male were in the house during the fire and were transported to Box Butte General Hospital for observation for potential smoke inhalation. 

"The fire department responded with 13 firefighters, one ambulance, one fire engine, one aerial ladder truck and one command vehicle," Shoemaker said.&nbsp;

The Alliance Fire Department was assisted by the Alliance Police Department, City of Alliance Public Works/Electrical Department and Black Hills Energy.

The fire remains under investigation by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Investigation Division and Alliance Fire Department.

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostThe Alliance Fire Department responded to 1100 block of Platte Avenue on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 6:33 a.m. regarding smoke coming from the basement of a house.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612474864233.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 06:40 a.m. there was little to no smoke showing from the front of the house. "Upon entry there was a moderate amount of smoke coming from the basement," Alliance Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker said. "The fire was located in a room on the west side of the home. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and the smoke was ventilated from the home."A female and juvenile male were in the house during the fire and were transported to Box Butte General Hospital for observation for potential smoke inhalation. "The fire department responded with 13 firefighters, one ambulance, one fire engine, one aerial ladder truck and one command vehicle," Shoemaker said.&nbsp;The Alliance Fire Department was assisted by the Alliance Police Department, City of Alliance Public Works/Electrical Department and Black Hills Energy.The fire remains under investigation by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Investigation Division and Alliance Fire Department.

AVFD battle early morning house fire 

LINCOLN, Neb. -- President Joe Biden's proposal to expand the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation/2021/01/20/president-biden-announces-american-rescue-plan/" target="_blank">Child Tax Credit</a>&nbsp;would help reduce child poverty and extend the credit to nearly half of all Black and Hispanic children, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://itep.org/child-tax-credit-enhancements-under-the-american-rescue-plan/" target="_blank">new analysis</a>&nbsp;by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Amy Hanauer, executive director for the institute, said the move will help working people in Nebraska who actually pay a larger share of their income in payroll, sales and other state and local taxes, but don't earn enough to pay federal income tax. "The changes to the Child Tax Credit no longer punish you for being in that situation," Hanauer explained. "And they say, 'OK, your child deserves a credit,' just like any upper-middle-income child would deserve a credit." Hanauer emphasized expanding access to the cash-back credit, part of the administration's COVID relief plan, would put an additional $2,200 on average into the pockets of 99% of Nebraska families with children. Previously, only wealthy and middle-income families could claim the credit. Critics warned Biden's relief package would increase the budget deficit and give money to people who are not currently struggling economically. Hanauer argued lawmakers now opposed to sending $1,400 in direct payments to workers had no concerns about expanding deficits when tax cuts put $50,000 on average into the pockets of America's wealthiest families. She believes Biden's plan will help struggling families, and state and local economies. "We're making sure that the poorest people and those who really need it get help," Hanauer contended. "But we're making sure that this is really something that is helping almost all of us. And that will in turn be reinjected right back into the economy, because people have been holding back on spending." In addition to cash payments and the Child Tax Credit expansion, Biden's plan also calls for increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit. Hanauer added these three measures would send targeted relief to the bottom 60% of taxpayers, who would see an average benefit of $3,500.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612457582549.png" alt="Expanding access to the Child Tax Credit is projected to provide 99% of Nebraska families with children an additional $2,200 on average. (Arek Socha/Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>Expanding access to the Child Tax Credit is projected to provide 99% of Nebraska families with children an additional $2,200 on average. (Arek Socha/Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>From Nebraska News ConnectionBy Eric GalatasLINCOLN, Neb. -- President Joe Biden's proposal to expand the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation/2021/01/20/president-biden-announces-american-rescue-plan/" target="_blank">Child Tax Credit</a>&nbsp;would help reduce child poverty and extend the credit to nearly half of all Black and Hispanic children, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://itep.org/child-tax-credit-enhancements-under-the-american-rescue-plan/" target="_blank">new analysis</a>&nbsp;by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Amy Hanauer, executive director for the institute, said the move will help working people in Nebraska who actually pay a larger share of their income in payroll, sales and other state and local taxes, but don't earn enough to pay federal income tax. "The changes to the Child Tax Credit no longer punish you for being in that situation," Hanauer explained. "And they say, 'OK, your child deserves a credit,' just like any upper-middle-income child would deserve a credit." Hanauer emphasized expanding access to the cash-back credit, part of the administration's COVID relief plan, would put an additional $2,200 on average into the pockets of 99% of Nebraska families with children. Previously, only wealthy and middle-income families could claim the credit. Critics warned Biden's relief package would increase the budget deficit and give money to people who are not currently struggling economically. Hanauer argued lawmakers now opposed to sending $1,400 in direct payments to workers had no concerns about expanding deficits when tax cuts put $50,000 on average into the pockets of America's wealthiest families. She believes Biden's plan will help struggling families, and state and local economies. "We're making sure that the poorest people and those who really need it get help," Hanauer contended. "But we're making sure that this is really something that is helping almost all of us. And that will in turn be reinjected right back into the economy, because people have been holding back on spending." In addition to cash payments and the Child Tax Credit expansion, Biden's plan also calls for increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit. Hanauer added these three measures would send targeted relief to the bottom 60% of taxpayers, who would see an average benefit of $3,500.

Report: Biden relief package could reduce child poverty in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will receive $2.59 million over five years as part of a multistate settlement with a firm that worked with opioid manufacturers to promote addictive painkillers, Attorney General Doug Peterson said Thursday.

Peterson said Nebraska is part of a coalition of 53 attorneys general who collectively won $573 million in a settlement with McKinsey &amp; Company, one of the world's largest consulting firms. The settlement will be split among 47 states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

The settlement will be used to address problems caused by opioids in the participating states. It's the first multistate opioid settlement to result in a substantial payout to states.

"Today's filing is a significant action towards Nebraska's effort to combat the opioid epidemic and to hold accountable those who are responsible for creating and perpetuating the crisis," Peterson said in a statement.

Nebraska lawmakers passed the Opioid Prevention and Treatment Act in 2020, a law that requires all opioid settlement money received to go into a special fund for treatment, prevention and law enforcement purposes aimed at the epidemic.

The settlement calls for McKinsey to prepare internal documents detailing its work with Purdue Pharma and other opioid companies for public disclosure online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1572037176389.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will receive $2.59 million over five years as part of a multistate settlement with a firm that worked with opioid manufacturers to promote addictive painkillers, Attorney General Doug Peterson said Thursday.Peterson said Nebraska is part of a coalition of 53 attorneys general who collectively won $573 million in a settlement with McKinsey &amp; Company, one of the world's largest consulting firms. The settlement will be split among 47 states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.The settlement will be used to address problems caused by opioids in the participating states. It's the first multistate opioid settlement to result in a substantial payout to states."Today's filing is a significant action towards Nebraska's effort to combat the opioid epidemic and to hold accountable those who are responsible for creating and perpetuating the crisis," Peterson said in a statement.Nebraska lawmakers passed the Opioid Prevention and Treatment Act in 2020, a law that requires all opioid settlement money received to go into a special fund for treatment, prevention and law enforcement purposes aimed at the epidemic.The settlement calls for McKinsey to prepare internal documents detailing its work with Purdue Pharma and other opioid companies for public disclosure online.

Nebraska to get $2.59M as part of national opioid settlement

Kyle and Cecelia Lawrence chat about the North Platte Public Library's efforts to support our local healthcare workers through "Hearts for Healthcare Heroes."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582239655657.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kyle and Cecelia Lawrence chat about the North Platte Public Library's efforts to support our local healthcare workers through "Hearts for Healthcare Heroes."<div><iframe title="🎧 Post Podcast: North Platte Public Library supports Hearts for Healthcare Heroes" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/vjk3j-f9b4a7?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>

🎧 Post Podcast: North Platte Public Library supports Hearts for Healthcare Heroes

On Feb. 3&nbsp; at approximately 11:54 a.m. an officer with the Alliance Police Department observed a motor-vehicle accident near the intersection of 10th and Buchfinck Avenue. 

A 2015 GMC Yukon driven by a juvenile male was traveling southbound on the 1000 block of Buchfinck Avenue approaching 10th Street.&nbsp;Another juvenile male was also in the vehicle. 

"The driver of the GMC Yukon never stopped for the stop sign or the intersection," Alliance Police Sergeant Cody Buskirk said. "The Yukon continued through the intersection, over the sidewalk and through a chain link fence leading into a horse pasture."

The officer on scene immediately had EMS dispatched and the juveniles were examined for injury. 

"No severe injuries were reported," Buskirk added. "A traffic citation is pending."

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612456036303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Feb. 3&nbsp; at approximately 11:54 a.m. an officer with the Alliance Police Department observed a motor-vehicle accident near the intersection of 10th and Buchfinck Avenue. A 2015 GMC Yukon driven by a juvenile male was traveling southbound on the 1000 block of Buchfinck Avenue approaching 10th Street.&nbsp;Another juvenile male was also in the vehicle. "The driver of the GMC Yukon never stopped for the stop sign or the intersection," Alliance Police Sergeant Cody Buskirk said. "The Yukon continued through the intersection, over the sidewalk and through a chain link fence leading into a horse pasture."The officer on scene immediately had EMS dispatched and the juveniles were examined for injury. "No severe injuries were reported," Buskirk added. "A traffic citation is pending."

Alliance juvenile crashes through fence into pasture

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will receive 21% more doses of coronavirus vaccines this week as the state continues to work to speed up distribution of the shots.

The state said it is scheduled to receive 55,950 doses of the vaccines this week. That is up from 46,400 a week ago.

The increase in doses should help boost distribution of the vaccine statewide. The 19 local health districts across Nebraska are finishing up the first phase of the campaign when health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities were the focus, and now they are all starting to vaccinate people 65 and older and some essential workers.

The state said 3.9% of the state's population has now received both required doses of one of the two vaccines. Nebraska has administered 207,111 of the 300,400 doses it has been allocated so far.

The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus declined Wednesday to 278 from Tuesday's 305. That total has fallen steadily since the November peak of 987.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, going from 806.86 new cases per day on Jan. 20 to 560 new cases per day on Wednesday. The state said 192,549 virus cases and 1,952 deaths have been reported in the state since the pandemic began.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612456198845.jpeg" alt="Great Plains Health Pharmacist Jason North prepares the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine last month." />
 <figcaption>Great Plains Health Pharmacist Jason North prepares the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine last month.</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will receive 21% more doses of coronavirus vaccines this week as the state continues to work to speed up distribution of the shots.The state said it is scheduled to receive 55,950 doses of the vaccines this week. That is up from 46,400 a week ago.The increase in doses should help boost distribution of the vaccine statewide. The 19 local health districts across Nebraska are finishing up the first phase of the campaign when health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities were the focus, and now they are all starting to vaccinate people 65 and older and some essential workers.The state said 3.9% of the state's population has now received both required doses of one of the two vaccines. Nebraska has administered 207,111 of the 300,400 doses it has been allocated so far.The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus declined Wednesday to 278 from Tuesday's 305. That total has fallen steadily since the November peak of 987.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, going from 806.86 new cases per day on Jan. 20 to 560 new cases per day on Wednesday. The state said 192,549 virus cases and 1,952 deaths have been reported in the state since the pandemic began.

Nebraska will receive 21% more vaccine doses this week

The North Platte Public Transit will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2021, in observance of President’s Day. There will be no bus service on this day. Public Transit will be open on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 with normal hours – 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For more information call the business office at 535-8560 or to schedule a ride call the dispatcher at 532-1370.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612449966273.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The North Platte Public Transit will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2021, in observance of President’s Day. There will be no bus service on this day. Public Transit will be open on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 with normal hours – 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.For more information call the business office at 535-8560 or to schedule a ride call the dispatcher at 532-1370.

North Platte Public Transit to be closed for Presidents Day

Josiah Wriedt, of Norfolk, is North Platte Community College’s Business Student of the Month for February.

“Josiah is a model student with impeccable character,” said Sean Tossi, business and office technology instructor. “His work ethic, attention to detail and campus involvement make him a valuable student of business and the overarching campus community. Josiah is always willing to lend his time to help others. I firmly believe he will continue to succeed in his future professional and scholarly endeavors.”

Wriedt graduated from Elkhorn Valley High School, in Tilden, in 2020. He is currently studying agribusiness at NPCC and is on track to earn an associate degree in 2022.

“I selected NPCC because it is suitable for my agribusiness degree,” Wriedt said. “North Platte and the western part of Nebraska have always been an interest to me. It helped that my brother came to NPCC for agribusiness first. The instructors, including the ones who taught my brother, are helping me a lot.”

Wriedt’s long term plans are to one day own a farm or ranch, have a family and continue to support the 4-H and FFA programs.

Until then, he is focused on his studies, serving as a student assistant for the Knights Men’s Basketball Team and serving as Student Senate vice president.

Outside of college, Wriedt’s interests include Star Wars, hanging out with friends, sports, farm work and going to rodeos.

His parents are James and Michelle Wriedt, of Norfolk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612448552760.png" alt="Josiah Wriedt" />
 <figcaption>Josiah Wriedt</figcaption>
 </figure>Josiah Wriedt, of Norfolk, is North Platte Community College’s Business Student of the Month for February.“Josiah is a model student with impeccable character,” said Sean Tossi, business and office technology instructor. “His work ethic, attention to detail and campus involvement make him a valuable student of business and the overarching campus community. Josiah is always willing to lend his time to help others. I firmly believe he will continue to succeed in his future professional and scholarly endeavors.”Wriedt graduated from Elkhorn Valley High School, in Tilden, in 2020. He is currently studying agribusiness at NPCC and is on track to earn an associate degree in 2022.“I selected NPCC because it is suitable for my agribusiness degree,” Wriedt said. “North Platte and the western part of Nebraska have always been an interest to me. It helped that my brother came to NPCC for agribusiness first. The instructors, including the ones who taught my brother, are helping me a lot.”Wriedt’s long term plans are to one day own a farm or ranch, have a family and continue to support the 4-H and FFA programs.Until then, he is focused on his studies, serving as a student assistant for the Knights Men’s Basketball Team and serving as Student Senate vice president.Outside of college, Wriedt’s interests include Star Wars, hanging out with friends, sports, farm work and going to rodeos.His parents are James and Michelle Wriedt, of Norfolk.

Wriedt named NPCC Business Student of the Month

CHADRON – Nearly 200 Nebraska high school students from 25 high schools participated in the Fourth Annual Best of the West Virtual Business Invitational Jan. 26-28, co-hosted by Chadron State College and the Nebraska Council on Economic Education (NCEE).

The virtual environment nearly doubled the attendance, according to NCEE Chadron Center administrator Dr. Gary Dusek.

“The result of the virtual contest was much more competition. We expect to be back to an in-person contest next year, but we hope many of the schools that attended for the first time will come to the CSC campus,” Dusek said.

The competition included written tests in nine subjects, as well as a job interview contest for seniors. In the team standings, Boyd County placed first, followed by Cambridge, and Lincoln East.

CSC faculty members Dr. Richard Koza, Terrie Wood, and Christopher McCarthy, judged the job interview contest. Volunteers from the Nebraska Business Development Center and student members of Phi Beta Lambda also assisted with the event.

The Best of the West Business Invitational followed Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competition guidelines. Dusek said by doing so, the competition served to prepare the students for the virtual FBLA State Leadership Conference in April.

<a href="https://chadronstate.smugmug.com/Events/Events-2020/Best-of-the-West" target="_blank">Results</a>

Teams:&nbsp;1, Boyd County; 2, Cambridge; and 3, Lincoln East.

Accounting:&nbsp;1, Caden Tingelhoff of Wahoo; 2, Ian Tomlin of Cambridge; 3, Ben Thrasher of Wahoo; 4, Bethany Stocker of Red Cloud; and 5, Dali Del Toro of Hemingford.

Business Calculations:&nbsp;1, Isabella Cao of Kearney; 2, Sela Rikli of Elmwood-Murdock; 3, Caden Tingelhoff of Wahoo; 4, Shane Horwart of Cambridge; and 5, Luke Polacek of Wahoo.

Business Communications:&nbsp;1, Isabella Cao of Kearney; 2, Saylor Rother of Johnson County Central; 3, Teja Farley of Syracuse; 4, Sela Rikli of Elmwood-Murdock; and 5, Brayden Almgren of Boyd County.

Economics:&nbsp;1, Aleena Nguyen of Lincoln Southwest; 2, Akash Nooka of Lincoln East; 3, Shane Horwart of Cambridge; 4, Kenneth Ou of Lincoln East; and 5, Luke Greisen of Lincoln East.

Intro to Business:&nbsp;1, McKenzie Snyder of Boyd County; 2, Harsimran Kaur of Alliance; 3, Emma Rasmussen of Cambridge; 4, Trevor Goesch of Boyd County; 5, Jacey Kent of Cambridge.

Introduction to FBLA:&nbsp;1, Alexandra Howell of Fillmore Central; 2, Paige Drueke of Boyd County; 3, Liz Kersch of Boyd County; 4, Lanie Lachtenberg of Boyd County; and 5, Sadie Birky of Fillmore Central.

Financial Math:&nbsp;1, Autumn Iversen of Wahoo; 2, Annaka Digmann of Alliance; 3, Alyssa Hellwege of Lincoln North Star; 4, Carver Hauptman of Alliance; and 5, Brooke Milam of Newman Grove.

Marketing:&nbsp;1, Kenneth Ou of Lincoln East; 2, Isabella Cao of Kearney; 3, Shane Horwart of Cambridge; 4, Zoran Curgus of Lincoln East; and 5, Neeraj Kadubandi and Lincoln East.

Personal Finance:&nbsp;1, Kylie Newkirk of Lincoln North Star; 2, Tyler Vander Woude of Lincoln Southeast; 3, Tait Vasa of Arthur County; 4, Shelbee Burke of Alliance; and 5, Myles Osmera of South Platte.

Job Interview:&nbsp;1, Lauryn Hoffman of Boyd County; 2, Kennady Stack, Chadron; 3, Jacob Harrison of Concordia; 4, Teja Farley of Syracuse; 5, Kali Nedrow of Fillmore Central; and 6, Macy Kamler of Shickley.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Nearly 200 Nebraska high school students from 25 high schools participated in the Fourth Annual Best of the West Virtual Business Invitational Jan. 26-28, co-hosted by Chadron State College and the Nebraska Council on Economic Education (NCEE).The virtual environment nearly doubled the attendance, according to NCEE Chadron Center administrator Dr. Gary Dusek.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612404708688.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The result of the virtual contest was much more competition. We expect to be back to an in-person contest next year, but we hope many of the schools that attended for the first time will come to the CSC campus,” Dusek said.The competition included written tests in nine subjects, as well as a job interview contest for seniors. In the team standings, Boyd County placed first, followed by Cambridge, and Lincoln East.CSC faculty members Dr. Richard Koza, Terrie Wood, and Christopher McCarthy, judged the job interview contest. Volunteers from the Nebraska Business Development Center and student members of Phi Beta Lambda also assisted with the event.The Best of the West Business Invitational followed Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competition guidelines. Dusek said by doing so, the competition served to prepare the students for the virtual FBLA State Leadership Conference in April.<a href="https://chadronstate.smugmug.com/Events/Events-2020/Best-of-the-West" target="_blank">Results</a>Teams:&nbsp;1, Boyd County; 2, Cambridge; and 3, Lincoln East.Accounting:&nbsp;1, Caden Tingelhoff of Wahoo; 2, Ian Tomlin of Cambridge; 3, Ben Thrasher of Wahoo; 4, Bethany Stocker of Red Cloud; and 5, Dali Del Toro of Hemingford.Business Calculations:&nbsp;1, Isabella Cao of Kearney; 2, Sela Rikli of Elmwood-Murdock; 3, Caden Tingelhoff of Wahoo; 4, Shane Horwart of Cambridge; and 5, Luke Polacek of Wahoo.Business Communications:&nbsp;1, Isabella Cao of Kearney; 2, Saylor Rother of Johnson County Central; 3, Teja Farley of Syracuse; 4, Sela Rikli of Elmwood-Murdock; and 5, Brayden Almgren of Boyd County.Economics:&nbsp;1, Aleena Nguyen of Lincoln Southwest; 2, Akash Nooka of Lincoln East; 3, Shane Horwart of Cambridge; 4, Kenneth Ou of Lincoln East; and 5, Luke Greisen of Lincoln East.Intro to Business:&nbsp;1, McKenzie Snyder of Boyd County; 2, Harsimran Kaur of Alliance; 3, Emma Rasmussen of Cambridge; 4, Trevor Goesch of Boyd County; 5, Jacey Kent of Cambridge.Introduction to FBLA:&nbsp;1, Alexandra Howell of Fillmore Central; 2, Paige Drueke of Boyd County; 3, Liz Kersch of Boyd County; 4, Lanie Lachtenberg of Boyd County; and 5, Sadie Birky of Fillmore Central.Financial Math:&nbsp;1, Autumn Iversen of Wahoo; 2, Annaka Digmann of Alliance; 3, Alyssa Hellwege of Lincoln North Star; 4, Carver Hauptman of Alliance; and 5, Brooke Milam of Newman Grove.Marketing:&nbsp;1, Kenneth Ou of Lincoln East; 2, Isabella Cao of Kearney; 3, Shane Horwart of Cambridge; 4, Zoran Curgus of Lincoln East; and 5, Neeraj Kadubandi and Lincoln East.Personal Finance:&nbsp;1, Kylie Newkirk of Lincoln North Star; 2, Tyler Vander Woude of Lincoln Southeast; 3, Tait Vasa of Arthur County; 4, Shelbee Burke of Alliance; and 5, Myles Osmera of South Platte.Job Interview:&nbsp;1, Lauryn Hoffman of Boyd County; 2, Kennady Stack, Chadron; 3, Jacob Harrison of Concordia; 4, Teja Farley of Syracuse; 5, Kali Nedrow of Fillmore Central; and 6, Macy Kamler of Shickley.

CSC 'Best of the West' results announced

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A bill to boost training requirements for Nebraska law enforcement officers won key support Wednesday from some of the state's largest police groups, but smaller agencies balked at the cost and other measures designed to increase transparency faced stiff resistance.

Organizations representing Omaha police officers and Nebraska police chiefs endorsed a proposal that would require a minimum of 40 hours of training for officers every year, up from the current 20. The measure would also ban police chokeholds, mandate psychological evaluations for new hires, bar departments from employing officers before they're certified and require agencies to adopt use-of-force policies.

The bill "will increase the professionalism of our police force by raising minimum standards," Sen. Steve Lathrop, of Omaha, said in testimony before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee.

But two lawmakers who represent largely Black districts in north Omaha said they wanted even tougher accountability laws, including a public database of law enforcement misconduct - an idea opposed by law enforcement officers.

"The people in my community want transparency," said Sen. Terrell McKinney, of Omaha, who sponsored one of the public database measures.

Sen. Justin Wayne, of Omaha, noted that Nebraska already has a public database for firefighters, because they're certified as emergency medical technicians.

He argued that the database would help assure the public that officer misconduct is punished, pointing to Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer's statement in a Tuesday legislative hearing that he has fired at least 40 officers in his eight years as chief.

"Do you know how far that would go in our community if we knew that?" Wayne said.

But Sen. Suzanne Geist, of Lincoln, said a public database that discloses small infractions could have a "chilling effect" that deters some applicants and makes it harder for departments to fill open jobs.

The bills pending in the Judiciary Committee were introduced in the wake of last year's George Floyd protests that led to violent clashes between some protesters and Omaha and Lincoln police.

Jim Maguire, president of the Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police, said the training bill created a "thoughtful process" that balanced the public interest with the rights of front-line officers. He said it's especially important for agencies to have minimum requirements for their use-of-force policies instead of the current patchwork throughout the state. Some smaller departments don't even have specific procedures for when an officer shoots a person, he said.

"It's a good thing for everyone to have a baseline," Maguire said.

Aaron Hanson of the Omaha Police Officers Association said his organization was initially concerned about the training bill in the current "hyper-charged" political environment, but concluded that the changes proposed were necessary.

"We understand that with training comes enhanced professionalism," he said.

But Saunders County Sheriff Kevin Stukenholtz said he was concerned that the new training requirements would put additional strain on his small-town department and others.

"It's an expensive proposition for law enforcement agencies," he said. "It requires an expansion of every sheriff's budget in Nebraska."

Don Wesley, a lobbyist for seven smaller and mid-sized Nebraska cities, said some towns are already struggling to recruit and retain officers, and requiring 40 hours of training would require them to pay more overtime and take officers off the streets. He said lawmakers should consider different standards for smaller cities and allow them to phase in the requirements over time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612435633196.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A bill to boost training requirements for Nebraska law enforcement officers won key support Wednesday from some of the state's largest police groups, but smaller agencies balked at the cost and other measures designed to increase transparency faced stiff resistance.Organizations representing Omaha police officers and Nebraska police chiefs endorsed a proposal that would require a minimum of 40 hours of training for officers every year, up from the current 20. The measure would also ban police chokeholds, mandate psychological evaluations for new hires, bar departments from employing officers before they're certified and require agencies to adopt use-of-force policies.The bill "will increase the professionalism of our police force by raising minimum standards," Sen. Steve Lathrop, of Omaha, said in testimony before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee.But two lawmakers who represent largely Black districts in north Omaha said they wanted even tougher accountability laws, including a public database of law enforcement misconduct - an idea opposed by law enforcement officers."The people in my community want transparency," said Sen. Terrell McKinney, of Omaha, who sponsored one of the public database measures.Sen. Justin Wayne, of Omaha, noted that Nebraska already has a public database for firefighters, because they're certified as emergency medical technicians.He argued that the database would help assure the public that officer misconduct is punished, pointing to Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer's statement in a Tuesday legislative hearing that he has fired at least 40 officers in his eight years as chief."Do you know how far that would go in our community if we knew that?" Wayne said.But Sen. Suzanne Geist, of Lincoln, said a public database that discloses small infractions could have a "chilling effect" that deters some applicants and makes it harder for departments to fill open jobs.The bills pending in the Judiciary Committee were introduced in the wake of last year's George Floyd protests that led to violent clashes between some protesters and Omaha and Lincoln police.Jim Maguire, president of the Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police, said the training bill created a "thoughtful process" that balanced the public interest with the rights of front-line officers. He said it's especially important for agencies to have minimum requirements for their use-of-force policies instead of the current patchwork throughout the state. Some smaller departments don't even have specific procedures for when an officer shoots a person, he said."It's a good thing for everyone to have a baseline," Maguire said.Aaron Hanson of the Omaha Police Officers Association said his organization was initially concerned about the training bill in the current "hyper-charged" political environment, but concluded that the changes proposed were necessary."We understand that with training comes enhanced professionalism," he said.But Saunders County Sheriff Kevin Stukenholtz said he was concerned that the new training requirements would put additional strain on his small-town department and others."It's an expensive proposition for law enforcement agencies," he said. "It requires an expansion of every sheriff's budget in Nebraska."Don Wesley, a lobbyist for seven smaller and mid-sized Nebraska cities, said some towns are already struggling to recruit and retain officers, and requiring 40 hours of training would require them to pay more overtime and take officers off the streets. He said lawmakers should consider different standards for smaller cities and allow them to phase in the requirements over time.

Police training bill wins key support, but challenges linger


Travioso.com,
a destination guide website, just released an article featuring their
version of ‘The 50 Best Breweries, Microbreweries &amp; Brewpubs In
The USA’. Pals Brewing Company is proud to be featured in this
article. Here is a link to the article:

<a href="https://www.travioso.com/en/article/best-breweries-usa/">The
50 Best Breweries, Microbreweries &amp; Brewpubs In The USA
(travioso.com)</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraviosoTravel/posts/152215783383662">
HERE</a> is a link to the Travioso.com Facebook page.


“Pals
is grateful to be included in this article and we feel fortunate to
be able to share our craft with a wide range of travelers, especially
in the summer months.  Thanks to our key location near the
Interstate, and North Platte’s vibrant tourism industry, we have
the ability to be seen and heard about nationwide”, explains
co-owner Amy Oettinger.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612391451356.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release
Travioso.com,
a destination guide website, just released an article featuring their
version of ‘The 50 Best Breweries, Microbreweries &amp; Brewpubs In
The USA’. Pals Brewing Company is proud to be featured in this
article. Here is a link to the article:
<a href="https://www.travioso.com/en/article/best-breweries-usa/">The
50 Best Breweries, Microbreweries &amp; Brewpubs In The USA
(travioso.com)</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraviosoTravel/posts/152215783383662">
HERE</a> is a link to the Travioso.com Facebook page.
“Pals
is grateful to be included in this article and we feel fortunate to
be able to share our craft with a wide range of travelers, especially
in the summer months. Thanks to our key location near the
Interstate, and North Platte’s vibrant tourism industry, we have
the ability to be seen and heard about nationwide”, explains
co-owner Amy Oettinger.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612391522177.png" alt="pals-exterior.png" />
 <figcaption>pals-exterior.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

Pals Brewing Company named to Top 50 breweries in the nation

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska is losing its top infectious disease expert to the private sector just as the state is working to distribute coronavirus vaccines.

Dr. Tom Safranek, who was Nebraska's state epidemiologist for 30 years, said Wednesday that he is retiring to take a job as chief medical officer for Omaha-based corporate health care consultant Total Wellness. Safranek joins a list of at least 181 state and local public health leaders in 38 states who have resigned, retired or been fired since the pandemic began last spring.

Many public health officials across the country have faced political criticism from people resisting mask orders and quarantines they recommended. In Nebraska, Gov. Pete Ricketts has rejected requiring masks to be worn because he has said such an order would breed resistance, but he has implemented other social distancing restrictions over the past year.

Safranek didn't directly say in his statement why he decided to leave his government job, and he didn't immediately respond to questions Wednesday. But he said he wants to help TotalWellness use its experience in providing flu shot clinics for major companies to help states distribute coronavirus vaccines.

"I'm eager to place the TotalWellness mass vaccination platform at the disposal of Nebraska and other jurisdictions, many of which are attempting to re-create this infrastructure in the middle of the crisis," Safranek said. "This could be a game-changer for state and local health departments whose workforce is increasingly fatigued one year into the COVID pandemic."

Although Safranek was not the public face of the state's response to the coronavirus, he served in a key role at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Safranek also saw his role change last fall when he became a special assistant to the department's CEO, Dannette Smith, as part of a larger reorganization. The state's Chief Medical Officer Gary Anthone has taken the lead in responding to the pandemic.

Smith praised Safranek's work over the past year in coordinating with federal and local officials about the coronavirus. Safranek, who had worked for the state agency since 1990, was recognized last year by a trade group, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, for his work.

"Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Safranek has helped to keep DHHS current on developing infectious disease processes or outbreaks in Nebraska, the U.S. and globally," Smith said.

Former state Sen. Sara Howard, who led the Legislature's Committee on Health and Human Services until she left office last month because of term limits, said it's unfortunate the state is losing Safranek.

"He is just very talented and very much a thought leader in public health so that is a big loss to the state of Nebraska," Howard said.

State spokeswoman Khalilah LeGrand said the department still has a team of epidemiologists helping with the response to the coronavirus so Nebraska is "well positioned to continue the necessary work at present." The state has been advertising for a new epidemiologist since last fall's reorganization.

Nebraska health officials said Wednesday that the state has distributed nearly 200,000 of the 300,400 vaccine doses it has been allocated so far, and 3.7% of the state's population has received both required doses of one of the vaccines.

By JOSH FUNK-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska is losing its top infectious disease expert to the private sector just as the state is working to distribute coronavirus vaccines.Dr. Tom Safranek, who was Nebraska's state epidemiologist for 30 years, said Wednesday that he is retiring to take a job as chief medical officer for Omaha-based corporate health care consultant Total Wellness. Safranek joins a list of at least 181 state and local public health leaders in 38 states who have resigned, retired or been fired since the pandemic began last spring.Many public health officials across the country have faced political criticism from people resisting mask orders and quarantines they recommended. In Nebraska, Gov. Pete Ricketts has rejected requiring masks to be worn because he has said such an order would breed resistance, but he has implemented other social distancing restrictions over the past year.Safranek didn't directly say in his statement why he decided to leave his government job, and he didn't immediately respond to questions Wednesday. But he said he wants to help TotalWellness use its experience in providing flu shot clinics for major companies to help states distribute coronavirus vaccines."I'm eager to place the TotalWellness mass vaccination platform at the disposal of Nebraska and other jurisdictions, many of which are attempting to re-create this infrastructure in the middle of the crisis," Safranek said. "This could be a game-changer for state and local health departments whose workforce is increasingly fatigued one year into the COVID pandemic."Although Safranek was not the public face of the state's response to the coronavirus, he served in a key role at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Safranek also saw his role change last fall when he became a special assistant to the department's CEO, Dannette Smith, as part of a larger reorganization. The state's Chief Medical Officer Gary Anthone has taken the lead in responding to the pandemic.Smith praised Safranek's work over the past year in coordinating with federal and local officials about the coronavirus. Safranek, who had worked for the state agency since 1990, was recognized last year by a trade group, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, for his work."Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Safranek has helped to keep DHHS current on developing infectious disease processes or outbreaks in Nebraska, the U.S. and globally," Smith said.Former state Sen. Sara Howard, who led the Legislature's Committee on Health and Human Services until she left office last month because of term limits, said it's unfortunate the state is losing Safranek."He is just very talented and very much a thought leader in public health so that is a big loss to the state of Nebraska," Howard said.State spokeswoman Khalilah LeGrand said the department still has a team of epidemiologists helping with the response to the coronavirus so Nebraska is "well positioned to continue the necessary work at present." The state has been advertising for a new epidemiologist since last fall's reorganization.Nebraska health officials said Wednesday that the state has distributed nearly 200,000 of the 300,400 vaccine doses it has been allocated so far, and 3.7% of the state's population has received both required doses of one of the vaccines.

Top Nebraska public health official takes private sector job

This legislative session, Senators can take the next step towards solving Nebraska’s high property tax problem.&nbsp; Rising property taxes not only burden family farmers and ranchers, but they drive away businesses and prevent families from achieving the American dream of homeownership.

Since taking office, my top priority has been property tax relief. &nbsp;The Legislature and I have worked together to deliver $2 billion in property tax relief since 2015.&nbsp; Last year, we successfully enacted landmark property tax relief legislation with LB 1107, which will deliver an additional $375 million in annual property tax relief when fully implemented.&nbsp; The two-year budget I’ve proposed to the Unicameral would make use of this new legislation to deliver more than $1.36 billion in additional relief to Nebraskans.

While LB 1107 was major progress, we need to make sure it makes a difference in the long run.&nbsp; Without limits on local government, local spending increases will offset much of this property tax relief from the State.&nbsp; Many taxpayers may feel like they’re stuck on a treadmill.&nbsp; Every step forward in their earnings is at risk of being canceled out by new property tax increases.

From 2010 to 2020, local governments collectively raised property taxes 4.3% percent annually, or 51.8% total.&nbsp; Over the last 10 years, income only grew at 48% and inflation at 18.7%.&nbsp; Family budgets cannot keep up with rising taxes outpacing their growth.&nbsp;

It’s time to help taxpayers who are tired of high property taxes.&nbsp; The only way to ensure the direct relief from the State makes a difference is to slow the growth of tax askings by the 2,500 local units of government that levy property taxes.&nbsp; That’s why Senator Lou Ann Linehan and I have proposed LR 22CA, which amends the State’s constitution to cap local property tax increases at 3% per year.&nbsp; If passed this session, Nebraskans would vote on the constitutional amendment in the fall election of 2022.

Nebraskans are tired of seeing their tax bills grow faster than tax relief and their family budgets.&nbsp; This has been a recurring pattern over the years, and without LR 22CA we’ll see it again. &nbsp;In 1990, the Legislature raised the sales tax and income tax to create TEEOSA (the State’s formula for giving aid to public schools).&nbsp; Over three years, the amount of state aid to schools more than doubled from $253 million to $524 million at a time when school enrollment was increasing about one percent a year.&nbsp; While school property taxes went down for two years, they had returned to the same record high by 1993.&nbsp; In 1998, the Legislature increased state aid through TEEOSA by about $125 million, or a 27% increase.&nbsp; In 1999, property taxes still went up about $48 million.&nbsp; And finally in 2005, the Legislature boosted state aid another $70 million, or 10% in one year.&nbsp; In 2006, property taxes went up $161 million statewide.

That’s why LR 22CA is needed.&nbsp; The Legislature could strip away the authority of local units of government to levy property taxes at all, or the State could control levies and systems of valuation centrally.&nbsp; However, a cap on the annual rate of growth is the best way to protect Nebraska’s system of local control.&nbsp; LR 22CA slows spending growth, maintains the local decision-making Nebraskans cherish, and gives the people of Nebraska a voice in the process.

It is my belief that if the Legislature doesn’t place a reasonable limit on the growth rate of local property taxes, then voters will take matters into their own hands and strip local governments of their authority to tax property. &nbsp;Something similar happened 50 years ago when voters repealed the State’s authority to levy property taxes.&nbsp; Prohibiting the State from taxing property didn’t fix the problem because local governments could still tax with few limits. &nbsp;

As debate begins on LR 22CA, local government lobbyists will argue that it’s too restrictive.&nbsp; That simply isn’t true.&nbsp; Whenever local governments see the need to exceed 3% annual growth, they can ask voters to override the limit. &nbsp;There’s no reason for financially responsible local governments to fear extra accountability from the people in their communities.&nbsp; Nebraskans are responsible and civic-minded, and they willingly support needed services. &nbsp;&nbsp;

If you support property tax relief and LR 22CA, please consider reaching out to your State Senator.&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%7C610ffd1ec99e4c9feacd08d8c7936498%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637478783148185405%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=ThyjA%2Bai73KLCWRocio%2FHcQgONcBQd1kIOymPo9p1nM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.nebraskalegislature.gov</a>. &nbsp;If you have other questions, please email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; Property taxes keep growing faster than families can afford—even with additional tax relief.&nbsp; It’s time for the Legislature to take decisive action, so we can keep the Good Life growing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560600869383.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Governor's Weekly ColumnBy Governor Pete RickettsThis legislative session, Senators can take the next step towards solving Nebraska’s high property tax problem.&nbsp; Rising property taxes not only burden family farmers and ranchers, but they drive away businesses and prevent families from achieving the American dream of homeownership.Since taking office, my top priority has been property tax relief. &nbsp;The Legislature and I have worked together to deliver $2 billion in property tax relief since 2015.&nbsp; Last year, we successfully enacted landmark property tax relief legislation with LB 1107, which will deliver an additional $375 million in annual property tax relief when fully implemented.&nbsp; The two-year budget I’ve proposed to the Unicameral would make use of this new legislation to deliver more than $1.36 billion in additional relief to Nebraskans.While LB 1107 was major progress, we need to make sure it makes a difference in the long run.&nbsp; Without limits on local government, local spending increases will offset much of this property tax relief from the State.&nbsp; Many taxpayers may feel like they’re stuck on a treadmill.&nbsp; Every step forward in their earnings is at risk of being canceled out by new property tax increases.From 2010 to 2020, local governments collectively raised property taxes 4.3% percent annually, or 51.8% total.&nbsp; Over the last 10 years, income only grew at 48% and inflation at 18.7%.&nbsp; Family budgets cannot keep up with rising taxes outpacing their growth.&nbsp;It’s time to help taxpayers who are tired of high property taxes.&nbsp; The only way to ensure the direct relief from the State makes a difference is to slow the growth of tax askings by the 2,500 local units of government that levy property taxes.&nbsp; That’s why Senator Lou Ann Linehan and I have proposed LR 22CA, which amends the State’s constitution to cap local property tax increases at 3% per year.&nbsp; If passed this session, Nebraskans would vote on the constitutional amendment in the fall election of 2022.Nebraskans are tired of seeing their tax bills grow faster than tax relief and their family budgets.&nbsp; This has been a recurring pattern over the years, and without LR 22CA we’ll see it again. &nbsp;In 1990, the Legislature raised the sales tax and income tax to create TEEOSA (the State’s formula for giving aid to public schools).&nbsp; Over three years, the amount of state aid to schools more than doubled from $253 million to $524 million at a time when school enrollment was increasing about one percent a year.&nbsp; While school property taxes went down for two years, they had returned to the same record high by 1993.&nbsp; In 1998, the Legislature increased state aid through TEEOSA by about $125 million, or a 27% increase.&nbsp; In 1999, property taxes still went up about $48 million.&nbsp; And finally in 2005, the Legislature boosted state aid another $70 million, or 10% in one year.&nbsp; In 2006, property taxes went up $161 million statewide.That’s why LR 22CA is needed.&nbsp; The Legislature could strip away the authority of local units of government to levy property taxes at all, or the State could control levies and systems of valuation centrally.&nbsp; However, a cap on the annual rate of growth is the best way to protect Nebraska’s system of local control.&nbsp; LR 22CA slows spending growth, maintains the local decision-making Nebraskans cherish, and gives the people of Nebraska a voice in the process.It is my belief that if the Legislature doesn’t place a reasonable limit on the growth rate of local property taxes, then voters will take matters into their own hands and strip local governments of their authority to tax property. &nbsp;Something similar happened 50 years ago when voters repealed the State’s authority to levy property taxes.&nbsp; Prohibiting the State from taxing property didn’t fix the problem because local governments could still tax with few limits. &nbsp;As debate begins on LR 22CA, local government lobbyists will argue that it’s too restrictive.&nbsp; That simply isn’t true.&nbsp; Whenever local governments see the need to exceed 3% annual growth, they can ask voters to override the limit. &nbsp;There’s no reason for financially responsible local governments to fear extra accountability from the people in their communities.&nbsp; Nebraskans are responsible and civic-minded, and they willingly support needed services. &nbsp;&nbsp;If you support property tax relief and LR 22CA, please consider reaching out to your State Senator.&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%7C610ffd1ec99e4c9feacd08d8c7936498%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637478783148185405%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=ThyjA%2Bai73KLCWRocio%2FHcQgONcBQd1kIOymPo9p1nM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.nebraskalegislature.gov</a>. &nbsp;If you have other questions, please email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; Property taxes keep growing faster than families can afford—even with additional tax relief.&nbsp; It’s time for the Legislature to take decisive action, so we can keep the Good Life growing.

Ricketts: The property tax treadmill 

Scotty C sits down with Ron Nordyke from Chappell, who is the featured artist at the Prairie Arts Center this month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582239655657.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Scotty C sits down with Ron Nordyke from Chappell, who is the featured artist at the Prairie Arts Center this month.<div><iframe title="🎧 Post Podcast: The Art of Ron Nordyke at the Prairie Arts Center" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/9bxrk-f995b3?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>

🎧 Post Podcast: The art of Ron Nordyke at the Prairie Arts Center

LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers can start planning fishing vacations or researching their strategies for the year with the 2021 Fishing Forecast, a publication available from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The publication contains fish sampling data, along with a forecast of where anglers may find large quantities and large sizes of certain fish in various waters across the state.

Game and Parks biologists annually sample fish populations. Some of the largest bodies of waters are sampled every year, while other fisheries are sampled once every few years. Sampling gives the agency information needed to manage fish populations, but that information also is a good predictor of the fishing that can be expected in the coming year.

The 2021 Fishing Forecast may be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDMuMzQ1Mjc3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaW5nZm9yZWNhc3QvIn0.hMesPIYOc-DdibHiQTm8uT93NyzwJCC2_IMV3yEZYhA/s/1372948182/br/97002113259-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/fishingforecast</a>&nbsp;at Game and Parks permitting offices, or wherever fishing permits are sold.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559645338374.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers can start planning fishing vacations or researching their strategies for the year with the 2021 Fishing Forecast, a publication available from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.The publication contains fish sampling data, along with a forecast of where anglers may find large quantities and large sizes of certain fish in various waters across the state.Game and Parks biologists annually sample fish populations. Some of the largest bodies of waters are sampled every year, while other fisheries are sampled once every few years. Sampling gives the agency information needed to manage fish populations, but that information also is a good predictor of the fishing that can be expected in the coming year.The 2021 Fishing Forecast may be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDMuMzQ1Mjc3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaW5nZm9yZWNhc3QvIn0.hMesPIYOc-DdibHiQTm8uT93NyzwJCC2_IMV3yEZYhA/s/1372948182/br/97002113259-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/fishingforecast</a>&nbsp;at Game and Parks permitting offices, or wherever fishing permits are sold.

Start planning fishing trips with 2021 Nebraska Fishing Forecast

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (NSP)-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested two people after a pursuit that ended near North Platte Tuesday afternoon.

At approximately 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed an eastbound Buick Encore speeding near Hershey, at mile marker 164, on Interstate 80. The trooper performed a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the trooper learned that the passenger of the Encore, Taylon Hill, 22, of New York, New York, had an active warrant for his arrest.

As the trooper attempted to make an arrest, the Encore fled the traffic stop eastbound at a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit. The Encore reached speeds of approximately 120 miles per hour during the pursuit. Additional troopers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks to slow the vehicle. The Encore exited at North Platte, at mile marker 179, and came to a stop at a truck stop. The entire pursuit lasted approximately ten minutes.

Once the vehicle stopped, the passenger, Hill, then fled the scene on foot north towards I-80, but was quickly apprehended by additional troopers, as well as Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies and North Platte Police Officers. The driver, Christian Hall, 22, of Little Rock, Arkansas, remained with the vehicle and was taken into custody without further incident. Troopers found multiple financial transaction devices in the vehicle, including several fraudulent credit cards.

Hall was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, criminal possession of a financial transaction device, criminal possession of forgery devices, and possession of marijuana – less than one ounce. Hill was arrested for false reporting, obstructing a peace officer, failure to obey a lawful order, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana – less than one ounce, as well as the outstanding warrant. Both were lodged in Lincoln County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612352436510.jpeg" alt="Christian Hall" />
 <figcaption>Christian Hall</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (NSP)-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested two people after a pursuit that ended near North Platte Tuesday afternoon.At approximately 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed an eastbound Buick Encore speeding near Hershey, at mile marker 164, on Interstate 80. The trooper performed a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the trooper learned that the passenger of the Encore, Taylon Hill, 22, of New York, New York, had an active warrant for his arrest.As the trooper attempted to make an arrest, the Encore fled the traffic stop eastbound at a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit. The Encore reached speeds of approximately 120 miles per hour during the pursuit. Additional troopers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks to slow the vehicle. The Encore exited at North Platte, at mile marker 179, and came to a stop at a truck stop. The entire pursuit lasted approximately ten minutes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612352513771.jpeg" alt="Taylon Hill" />
 <figcaption>Taylon Hill</figcaption>
 </figure>Once the vehicle stopped, the passenger, Hill, then fled the scene on foot north towards I-80, but was quickly apprehended by additional troopers, as well as Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies and North Platte Police Officers. The driver, Christian Hall, 22, of Little Rock, Arkansas, remained with the vehicle and was taken into custody without further incident. Troopers found multiple financial transaction devices in the vehicle, including several fraudulent credit cards.Hall was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, criminal possession of a financial transaction device, criminal possession of forgery devices, and possession of marijuana – less than one ounce. Hill was arrested for false reporting, obstructing a peace officer, failure to obey a lawful order, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana – less than one ounce, as well as the outstanding warrant. Both were lodged in Lincoln County Jail.

Troopers arrest 2 following pursuit near North Platte

From the National Weather Service North Platte

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 </figure>From the National Weather Service North Platte<figure>
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Wintry weather returns tonight

CHAPPELL, Neb. (AP) - At least 48 cats were killed in a fire at a western Nebraska house that doubled as an animal shelter.

The fire last Friday started in the laundry room of Michelle Tynan's house in Chappell, about 370 miles (600 kilometers) west of Omaha.

Tynan, who co-founded the Nebraska Loves Cats nonprofit, said she discovered the dryer was on fire when she awoke to the smell of smoke shortly after midnight.

Tynan said she called 911, grabbed as many cats as she could and broke some windows so other cats could escape as she ran outside. Tynan said first responders wouldn't let her re-enter the house to rescue more animals.

"I could hear the cats crying and I was begging for somebody to please let me go back in and get the animals out," Tynan&nbsp;<a href="https://nptelegraph.com/news/local/fire-in-chappell-destroys-home-doubling-as-animal-rescue-shelter/article_9bba3b28-6503-11eb-8e21-bfbcb581d6f1.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">said&nbsp;</a>to the North Platte Telegraph. "I was just beside myself in grief, screaming."

Tynan said several cats that initially escaped the fire ran back inside as the house burned. The Nebraska Loves Cats group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/adoptcatschappellnebraska" target="_blank">said&nbsp;</a>48 cats died in the fire.

CHAPPELL, Neb. (AP) - At least 48 cats were killed in a fire at a western Nebraska house that doubled as an animal shelter.The fire last Friday started in the laundry room of Michelle Tynan's house in Chappell, about 370 miles (600 kilometers) west of Omaha.Tynan, who co-founded the Nebraska Loves Cats nonprofit, said she discovered the dryer was on fire when she awoke to the smell of smoke shortly after midnight.Tynan said she called 911, grabbed as many cats as she could and broke some windows so other cats could escape as she ran outside. Tynan said first responders wouldn't let her re-enter the house to rescue more animals."I could hear the cats crying and I was begging for somebody to please let me go back in and get the animals out," Tynan&nbsp;<a href="https://nptelegraph.com/news/local/fire-in-chappell-destroys-home-doubling-as-animal-rescue-shelter/article_9bba3b28-6503-11eb-8e21-bfbcb581d6f1.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">said&nbsp;</a>to the North Platte Telegraph. "I was just beside myself in grief, screaming."Tynan said several cats that initially escaped the fire ran back inside as the house burned. The Nebraska Loves Cats group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/adoptcatschappellnebraska" target="_blank">said&nbsp;</a>48 cats died in the fire.After the fire, nine cats were staying with Tynan at her mother's ranch outside of Chappell. The Nebraska Loves Cats group said two cats that were injured during the fire are being cared for by a veterinarian and four other cats have been relocated to North Platte.Several other cats that escaped the fire remain on the loose.Tynan said Nebraska Loves Cats has been licensed as an animal shelter since 2018, but in December Tynan was found guilty of violating a city ordinance by keeping more than five cats in a residential area. Tynan is appealing that conviction and the case is pending.The group is seeking donations to help care for the cats following the fire.

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