(North Platte, Nebraska) – In the spring, the hearts of the Nebraska Greater Prairie&nbsp; Chickens turn toward love. To successfully attract a female mate, the male Prairie Chickens must&nbsp; impress them with their dancing prowess. Males will gather in large numbers on dancing grounds known as leks. They will cackle, jump, and stomp their feet, sometimes scuffling with a rival. Then they will&nbsp; scrunch down and inflate their bright orange neck sacks and emit an eerie booming sound. The ladies on&nbsp; the other hand will observe the shenanigans circumspectly, examining the prospects with a critical eye.&nbsp; However, if they see something they like, they may come forward for a brief, flurried assignation.&nbsp;

Dusty Trails offers Prairie Chicken tours on select days from March 12th through April 12th. To watch&nbsp; these birds perform their dances in the largest and busiest known Prairie Chicken lek in Nebraska is&nbsp; more than amusing- it’s magical. Tickets for this unique Prairie Chicken experience are $65 per person&nbsp; with the option to add a private photography blind for an additional cost.&nbsp;

For more information or to purchase your tickets head to VisitNorthPlatte.com/things-to do/attractions/sandhill-cranes/.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741363269322.jpeg" alt="Prairie Chicken (Courtesy of Visit North Platte)" />
 <figcaption>Prairie Chicken (Courtesy of Visit North Platte)</figcaption>
 </figure>Heather JonesVisit North Platte(North Platte, Nebraska) – In the spring, the hearts of the Nebraska Greater Prairie&nbsp; Chickens turn toward love. To successfully attract a female mate, the male Prairie Chickens must&nbsp; impress them with their dancing prowess. Males will gather in large numbers on dancing grounds known as leks. They will cackle, jump, and stomp their feet, sometimes scuffling with a rival. Then they will&nbsp; scrunch down and inflate their bright orange neck sacks and emit an eerie booming sound. The ladies on&nbsp; the other hand will observe the shenanigans circumspectly, examining the prospects with a critical eye.&nbsp; However, if they see something they like, they may come forward for a brief, flurried assignation.&nbsp;Dusty Trails offers Prairie Chicken tours on select days from March 12th through April 12th. To watch&nbsp; these birds perform their dances in the largest and busiest known Prairie Chicken lek in Nebraska is&nbsp; more than amusing- it’s magical. Tickets for this unique Prairie Chicken experience are $65 per person&nbsp; with the option to add a private photography blind for an additional cost.&nbsp;For more information or to purchase your tickets head to VisitNorthPlatte.com/things-to do/attractions/sandhill-cranes/.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prairie Chickens Put on a Show Near North Platte 

(North Platte, Nebraska) – Starting now and running through mid-April, approximately one million Sandhill Cranes will spend about six weeks in the Platte River Valley on their way north to&nbsp; Canada and Siberia. 400,000 of these Sandhill Cranes will spend that time in the North Platte and Lincoln&nbsp; County area. While these incredible creatures visit, they feed in the cornfields and wet meadows by day&nbsp; in preparation for their long journey ahead, and roost in the shallow flowing waters of the Platte River at&nbsp; night. This migration event draws people from all over the globe, and it can be experienced right here in&nbsp; North Platte.&nbsp;

Dusty Trails offers Sandhill Crane Tours daily from March 11th through April 1st. There are morning and&nbsp; evening blind tours available that offer breathtaking views of the Sandhill Cranes ascending from and&nbsp; descending to the wide and shallow riverbeds of the North Platte River. There are also bus tours during&nbsp; the day which take you out into the cornfields to watch the birds perform their unique dances and&nbsp; mating rituals. This tour is set at their most active courting time and allows plenty of time for&nbsp; photography. The tours are also very reasonably priced, at $45 per person, making this a great&nbsp; affordable activity for the whole family!&nbsp;

There are also self-guided options for viewing the Sandhill Cranes including two viewing blinds in the&nbsp; area that are open to the public, as well as a recommended driving route to see the Sandhill Cranes in&nbsp; the corn fields during the day. For more information on this including blind details and a map, brochures&nbsp; can be picked up from the Visit North Platte office at 101 Halligan Drive or you can go to VisitNorthPlatte.com.&nbsp;

According to an Economic Impact study done for Central Nebraska in 2017, approximately 46,500 crane&nbsp; visitors came to Central Nebraska during the migration that year. The average visitor’s length of stay was&nbsp; 2.7 days with an average spending per visitor, per day totaling up to $93.37. Together, the overall&nbsp; economic impact of the Sandhill Crane Migration on Central Nebraska was $14.30 million in 2017,&nbsp; supporting 182 year-round equivalent jobs. Moreover, given economic activity is taxed by local&nbsp; government, it is estimated that this economic impact generates $379,000 per year in local property,&nbsp; sales, and lodging tax revenue.

For more information, to purchase your tickets, or to watch a video of these incredible birds in North&nbsp; Platte, head to VisitNorthPlatte.com/things-to-do/attractions/sandhill-cranes/.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741363182081.jpeg" alt="Sandhill Cranes (Courtesy of Visit North Platte)" />
 <figcaption>Sandhill Cranes (Courtesy of Visit North Platte)</figcaption>
 </figure>Heather JonesVisit North Platte(North Platte, Nebraska) – Starting now and running through mid-April, approximately one million Sandhill Cranes will spend about six weeks in the Platte River Valley on their way north to&nbsp; Canada and Siberia. 400,000 of these Sandhill Cranes will spend that time in the North Platte and Lincoln&nbsp; County area. While these incredible creatures visit, they feed in the cornfields and wet meadows by day&nbsp; in preparation for their long journey ahead, and roost in the shallow flowing waters of the Platte River at&nbsp; night. This migration event draws people from all over the globe, and it can be experienced right here in&nbsp; North Platte.&nbsp;Dusty Trails offers Sandhill Crane Tours daily from March 11th through April 1st. There are morning and&nbsp; evening blind tours available that offer breathtaking views of the Sandhill Cranes ascending from and&nbsp; descending to the wide and shallow riverbeds of the North Platte River. There are also bus tours during&nbsp; the day which take you out into the cornfields to watch the birds perform their unique dances and&nbsp; mating rituals. This tour is set at their most active courting time and allows plenty of time for&nbsp; photography. The tours are also very reasonably priced, at $45 per person, making this a great&nbsp; affordable activity for the whole family!&nbsp;There are also self-guided options for viewing the Sandhill Cranes including two viewing blinds in the&nbsp; area that are open to the public, as well as a recommended driving route to see the Sandhill Cranes in&nbsp; the corn fields during the day. For more information on this including blind details and a map, brochures&nbsp; can be picked up from the Visit North Platte office at 101 Halligan Drive or you can go to VisitNorthPlatte.com.&nbsp;According to an Economic Impact study done for Central Nebraska in 2017, approximately 46,500 crane&nbsp; visitors came to Central Nebraska during the migration that year. The average visitor’s length of stay was&nbsp; 2.7 days with an average spending per visitor, per day totaling up to $93.37. Together, the overall&nbsp; economic impact of the Sandhill Crane Migration on Central Nebraska was $14.30 million in 2017,&nbsp; supporting 182 year-round equivalent jobs. Moreover, given economic activity is taxed by local&nbsp; government, it is estimated that this economic impact generates $379,000 per year in local property,&nbsp; sales, and lodging tax revenue.For more information, to purchase your tickets, or to watch a video of these incredible birds in North&nbsp; Platte, head to VisitNorthPlatte.com/things-to-do/attractions/sandhill-cranes/.&nbsp;

Sandhill Cranes return to the North Platte River Valley 

Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Lucas A. Wacker, 39, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for receipt and distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Wacker to 87 months’ imprisonment.&nbsp; 

Wacker was also ordered to pay $3,000 to go toward a fund established for child victims. There is no parole in the federal system. After Wacker’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.

An investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol downloaded two files directly from a suspect IP address during a peer-to-peer (“P2P”) undercover operation in April of 2024.&nbsp; A subpoena was served for the IP address and the IP came back to Lucas Wacker.&nbsp; The files received from the IP included an already known child pornography file.

In May of 2024, a search warrant was executed for the search of Wacker’s home in Broken Bow. During a preview of Wacker’s phone, investigators found several video files depicting child pornography, including one of the videos which was part of the P2P investigation.&nbsp; Search history indicating searches for child pornography content were also located on the program.

Wacker was interviewed during the search, and he admitted to viewing and collecting child pornography.&nbsp; He also admitted to downloading child pornography and he informed investigators of the specific application and search terms that he would use.&nbsp; Wacker’s cellphone was extracted and reviewed.&nbsp; Investigators found 12 video files and 361 image files of child pornography.&nbsp;

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney's OfficeActing United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Lucas A. Wacker, 39, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for receipt and distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Wacker to 87 months’ imprisonment.&nbsp; Wacker was also ordered to pay $3,000 to go toward a fund established for child victims. There is no parole in the federal system. After Wacker’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.An investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol downloaded two files directly from a suspect IP address during a peer-to-peer (“P2P”) undercover operation in April of 2024.&nbsp; A subpoena was served for the IP address and the IP came back to Lucas Wacker.&nbsp; The files received from the IP included an already known child pornography file.In May of 2024, a search warrant was executed for the search of Wacker’s home in Broken Bow. During a preview of Wacker’s phone, investigators found several video files depicting child pornography, including one of the videos which was part of the P2P investigation.&nbsp; Search history indicating searches for child pornography content were also located on the program.Wacker was interviewed during the search, and he admitted to viewing and collecting child pornography.&nbsp; He also admitted to downloading child pornography and he informed investigators of the specific application and search terms that he would use.&nbsp; Wacker’s cellphone was extracted and reviewed.&nbsp; Investigators found 12 video files and 361 image files of child pornography.&nbsp;This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.

Broken Bow Man Sentenced on Child Pornography Charges

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736426651512.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741350783646.jpeg" alt="Wayne Briggs - Sexual Assault 1st Degree" />
 <figcaption>Wayne Briggs - Sexual Assault 1st Degree</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741350794500.jpeg" alt="Ryan Greyeyes - Safekeep Logan County" />
 <figcaption>Ryan Greyeyes - Safekeep Logan County</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741350805333.jpeg" alt="Cortney Hansen - Contempt Of Court x2" />
 <figcaption>Cortney Hansen - Contempt Of Court x2</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741350815471.jpeg" alt="Charles Hellbusch - Hold For NE Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Charles Hellbusch - Hold For NE Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741350825838.jpeg" alt="Preston Penegar - Threat-Terroristic-State Offenses, Use Of A Weapon To Commit A Felony" />
 <figcaption>Preston Penegar - Threat-Terroristic-State Offenses, Use Of A Weapon To Commit A Felony</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741350836513.jpeg" alt="Russell Tafoya - Contempt Of Court" />
 <figcaption>Russell Tafoya - Contempt Of Court</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741350847312.jpeg" alt="Jimmie Thompson - Trespassing 2nd Degree" />
 <figcaption>Jimmie Thompson - Trespassing 2nd Degree</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741350857249.jpeg" alt="Krystal Meyers - Assault-Domestic Violence" />
 <figcaption>Krystal Meyers - Assault-Domestic Violence</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County JailNo New Arrests***Buffalo County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741350882336.jpeg" alt="Marcus Rios - Burglary" />
 <figcaption>Marcus Rios - Burglary</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741350892280.jpeg" alt="Augustine Trejo - Assault-3rd Degree x2, Criminal Mischief-$0-$500, Disorderly Conduct" />
 <figcaption>Augustine Trejo - Assault-3rd Degree x2, Criminal Mischief-$0-$500, Disorderly Conduct</figcaption>
 </figure>***<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>

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

The Hot Sheets: March 7th, 2025

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/decrease-in-federal-share-of-nebraska-medicaid-costs-increases-state-budget-shortfall/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The federal government is again planning to decrease the percentage of state Medicaid costs it will cover for Nebraska, leaving state lawmakers on the hook for an additional $90.3 million this budgeting cycle.

State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/fiscal/2025prelim.pdf" target="_blank">budget-writing Appropriations Committee</a>, announced the&nbsp;revision&nbsp;Thursday, one day after legislative staff found the overlooked Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) revisions from January.&nbsp;

That&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/fiscal/2025prelim.pdf" target="_blank">oversight</a>&nbsp;will eat into the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/28/new-nebraska-economic-forecast-spurs-cautious-optimism-shrinks-state-budget-shortfall/">progress of a recently amended two-year economic forecast</a>, which decreased an initial $432 million shortfall at the start of the session to $267 million.&nbsp;

That’s because of an additional $65 million in projected tax revenue over the next two fiscal years. Lawmakers also have the option of accessing an additional $100 million in revenue from this fiscal year that went automatically to the cash reserve.

The change Clements discussed this week determines federal matching funds to offset state Medicaid costs, meaning the recent decrease in federal funds leaves the state needing to pay for more.&nbsp;

The initial decrease in the federal share of state Medicaid costs from October passed $235 million in Medicaid costs back on to Nebraska. That was before the January adjustment.&nbsp;

That decrease and the latest are on regular Medicaid costs and not hoped-for matching federal funds for provider assessments as approved in 2024 and pending in 2025 under legislation led by State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte.

Clements’ committee issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/18/preliminary-appropriations-committee-budget-unveiled-includes-pillen-cuts-to-nu/">preliminary budget</a>&nbsp;Feb. 18 that identified $171 million toward closing the shortfall. However, some of those items, including a $14 million cut to the University of Nebraska, will be fought in committee and, if advanced, during floor debate.

With the Medicaid changes but without the committee’s recommended cuts, the state budget shortfall for the 2025-27 fiscal years is $357 million. Including the committee’s changes, the shortfall would be about $189 million, according to the legislative fiscal office.

Clements said it will be “a tougher year than we thought” to balance the budget.

&nbsp;“We all need to work together to balance the budget,” he said. “It’s not just the Appropriations Committee’s budget. It’s the Legislature’s budget, and we’re required to balance it.”

Timeline of 2025-27 shortfall projections

Nov. 20 —&nbsp;$432 million shortfall, identified by Tax Rate Review Committee, nearly $490 million below recent expectations.

Feb. 18 —&nbsp;$261 million shortfall, if all cuts in preliminary Appropriations Committee budget are adopted by the full Legislature.

Feb. 28 — $99 million shortfall, identified by February Nebraska Economic Forecast Advisory Board revisions wiping $65 million from the shortfall from the next two fiscal years and estimating a boon of $100 million than initially anticipated this fiscal year that could be applied to the shortfall, and if all preliminary budget cuts are adopted.

March 6 — $189 million shortfall, including a $90.3 million increase in state share of Medicaid costs after federal funding decrease, economic forecast revisions and preliminary budget cuts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741291692060.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, right, talks with Speaker John Arch of La Vista. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, right, talks with Speaker John Arch of La Vista. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/decrease-in-federal-share-of-nebraska-medicaid-costs-increases-state-budget-shortfall/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The federal government is again planning to decrease the percentage of state Medicaid costs it will cover for Nebraska, leaving state lawmakers on the hook for an additional $90.3 million this budgeting cycle.State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/fiscal/2025prelim.pdf" target="_blank">budget-writing Appropriations Committee</a>, announced the&nbsp;revision&nbsp;Thursday, one day after legislative staff found the overlooked Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) revisions from January.&nbsp;That&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/fiscal/2025prelim.pdf" target="_blank">oversight</a>&nbsp;will eat into the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/28/new-nebraska-economic-forecast-spurs-cautious-optimism-shrinks-state-budget-shortfall/">progress of a recently amended two-year economic forecast</a>, which decreased an initial $432 million shortfall at the start of the session to $267 million.&nbsp;That’s because of an additional $65 million in projected tax revenue over the next two fiscal years. Lawmakers also have the option of accessing an additional $100 million in revenue from this fiscal year that went automatically to the cash reserve.The change Clements discussed this week determines federal matching funds to offset state Medicaid costs, meaning the recent decrease in federal funds leaves the state needing to pay for more.&nbsp;The initial decrease in the federal share of state Medicaid costs from October passed $235 million in Medicaid costs back on to Nebraska. That was before the January adjustment.&nbsp;That decrease and the latest are on regular Medicaid costs and not hoped-for matching federal funds for provider assessments as approved in 2024 and pending in 2025 under legislation led by State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte.Clements’ committee issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/18/preliminary-appropriations-committee-budget-unveiled-includes-pillen-cuts-to-nu/">preliminary budget</a>&nbsp;Feb. 18 that identified $171 million toward closing the shortfall. However, some of those items, including a $14 million cut to the University of Nebraska, will be fought in committee and, if advanced, during floor debate.With the Medicaid changes but without the committee’s recommended cuts, the state budget shortfall for the 2025-27 fiscal years is $357 million. Including the committee’s changes, the shortfall would be about $189 million, according to the legislative fiscal office.Clements said it will be “a tougher year than we thought” to balance the budget.&nbsp;“We all need to work together to balance the budget,” he said. “It’s not just the Appropriations Committee’s budget. It’s the Legislature’s budget, and we’re required to balance it.”<h2>Timeline of 2025-27 shortfall projections</h2>Nov. 20 —&nbsp;$432 million shortfall, identified by Tax Rate Review Committee, nearly $490 million below recent expectations.Feb. 18 —&nbsp;$261 million shortfall, if all cuts in preliminary Appropriations Committee budget are adopted by the full Legislature.Feb. 28 — $99 million shortfall, identified by February Nebraska Economic Forecast Advisory Board revisions wiping $65 million from the shortfall from the next two fiscal years and estimating a boon of $100 million than initially anticipated this fiscal year that could be applied to the shortfall, and if all preliminary budget cuts are adopted.March 6 — $189 million shortfall, including a $90.3 million increase in state share of Medicaid costs after federal funding decrease, economic forecast revisions and preliminary budget cuts.

Decrease in federal share of Nebraska Medicaid costs increases state budget shortfall

Dawson PPD invited Nebraska Public Power District board members to the March 5, board meeting to discuss current projects and future needs. NPPD Directors Rusty Kemp of Tryon, Kirk Olson of North Platte and Rob Hinrichs of Axtell attended.

Kemp, Olson and Hinrichs emphasized that they see public power decisions through the lens of their agriculture backgrounds. The group agreed with Dawson PPD board president Dan Muhlbach about the importance of keeping the customers’ best interests at the forefront in all negotiations and decisions.

Carmen Ackerman, Manager of Finance and Administration provided Dawson PPD’s financial report. As predicted, margins were down in January, but a rebound is expected in February’s reports.

Dawson PPD discussed capital construction projects. Director Page Peterson, who serves on the finance committee, suggested the board consider the issuance of a bond to finance up to $9 million. Director Don Batie clarified that the bond would be for system improvements, not for daily operating costs. Director Bob Kennicutt made a motion for a resolution authorizing the bond process. The details of any potential bonds will be considered at a future meeting. The construction work plan includes substation improvements and line upgrades to improve reliability, capacity, and safety. Bonding spreads the cost of projects over several years, decreasing the impact on the current ratepayers.

Other highlights of the board meeting included:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741296077492.jpeg" alt="Dawson PPD’s March board meeting included a discussion with Nebraska Public Power District board members. Rob Hinrichs, Kirk Olson, and Rusty Kemp talked about NPPD’s commitment to customers as they plan to meet the state’s future electric needs. (Dawson Public Power)" />
 <figcaption>Dawson PPD’s March board meeting included a discussion with Nebraska Public Power District board members. Rob Hinrichs, Kirk Olson, and Rusty Kemp talked about NPPD’s commitment to customers as they plan to meet the state’s future electric needs. (Dawson Public Power)</figcaption>
 </figure>Dawson Public PowerDawson PPD invited Nebraska Public Power District board members to the March 5, board meeting to discuss current projects and future needs. NPPD Directors Rusty Kemp of Tryon, Kirk Olson of North Platte and Rob Hinrichs of Axtell attended.Kemp, Olson and Hinrichs emphasized that they see public power decisions through the lens of their agriculture backgrounds. The group agreed with Dawson PPD board president Dan Muhlbach about the importance of keeping the customers’ best interests at the forefront in all negotiations and decisions.Carmen Ackerman, Manager of Finance and Administration provided Dawson PPD’s financial report. As predicted, margins were down in January, but a rebound is expected in February’s reports.Dawson PPD discussed capital construction projects. Director Page Peterson, who serves on the finance committee, suggested the board consider the issuance of a bond to finance up to $9 million. Director Don Batie clarified that the bond would be for system improvements, not for daily operating costs. Director Bob Kennicutt made a motion for a resolution authorizing the bond process. The details of any potential bonds will be considered at a future meeting. The construction work plan includes substation improvements and line upgrades to improve reliability, capacity, and safety. Bonding spreads the cost of projects over several years, decreasing the impact on the current ratepayers.Other highlights of the board meeting included:<ul>
 <li>·The district has been teaching electrical safety to students, businesses, and trade group conferences.</li><li>&nbsp; Negotiations continue on a new wholesale power contract with NPPD. Because NPPD will seek long term financing for the construction of new generation resources, they need wholesale customers’ commitment to purchase power for 40 years.</li><li>&nbsp; Dan Muhlbach received the NRECA Director Gold Credential, which requires coursework in addition to the Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership Certificate requirements.</li><li>&nbsp; The next board meeting will be April 2.</li>
 </ul>

Dawson PPD board talks with NPPD board members

(North Platte, Nebraska, March 6, 2025) – Now in its 16th year, the Nebraska Passport Program continues to&nbsp; be a popular way to invite visitors to explore Nebraska’s unique tourist destinations. 70 places have been&nbsp; chosen as Passport stops throughout the state after going through an application process. 

This year, one of the&nbsp; stops is in Lincoln County. Being a Passport stop will benefit not only the selected business, but the entire&nbsp; community as the visitors come for the Passport Program and stay to experience the entire community.&nbsp;

The Lincoln County stop is the North 40 Chophouse, Western Nebraska’s premier fine dining destination. This&nbsp; upscale chophouse and lounge offers an exceptional culinary experience, featuring dry-aged Nebraska beef, a&nbsp; live lobster tank, and dishes crafted by a renowned chef. 

Guests can also enjoy a curated wine list, expertly&nbsp; crafted cocktails, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every meal unforgettable. Located at 520 North&nbsp; Jeffers Street, North Platte, North 40 Chophouse is open: Tuesday–Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Friday– Saturday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM.&nbsp;

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a top-tier dining experience, North 40&nbsp; Chophouse delivers unmatched quality and hospitality. The 2024 Nebraska Passport Booklet was requested&nbsp; 49,600 times and 145,022 total stamps were collected- with 1,085 participants visiting all 70 stops. In 2019, the&nbsp; program generated $23.7 million in traveler spending. The 2025 Nebraska Passport program will run from May&nbsp; 1st through September 30th, 2025.

At each stop participants visit they will receive a stamp, either in a&nbsp; Nebraska Passport booklet or a digital stamp on the Nebraska Passport app. Participants then turn in their&nbsp; stamps and receive prizes. 2025 Nebraska Passport booklets are available for pre-order at&nbsp; NebraskaPassport.com or you can download the app starting May 1, 2025, by searching for “Nebraska&nbsp; Passport 2025” in your app store for both iPhones and Androids. They will also be available at the Visit North&nbsp; Platte office at 101 Halligan Dr starting May 1, 2024.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741291483530.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Heather JonesVisit North Platte(North Platte, Nebraska, March 6, 2025) – Now in its 16th year, the Nebraska Passport Program continues to&nbsp; be a popular way to invite visitors to explore Nebraska’s unique tourist destinations. 70 places have been&nbsp; chosen as Passport stops throughout the state after going through an application process. This year, one of the&nbsp; stops is in Lincoln County. Being a Passport stop will benefit not only the selected business, but the entire&nbsp; community as the visitors come for the Passport Program and stay to experience the entire community.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741291475530.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lincoln County stop is the North 40 Chophouse, Western Nebraska’s premier fine dining destination. This&nbsp; upscale chophouse and lounge offers an exceptional culinary experience, featuring dry-aged Nebraska beef, a&nbsp; live lobster tank, and dishes crafted by a renowned chef. Guests can also enjoy a curated wine list, expertly&nbsp; crafted cocktails, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every meal unforgettable. Located at 520 North&nbsp; Jeffers Street, North Platte, North 40 Chophouse is open: Tuesday–Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Friday– Saturday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741291467548.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy_" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy_</figcaption>
 </figure>Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a top-tier dining experience, North 40&nbsp; Chophouse delivers unmatched quality and hospitality. The 2024 Nebraska Passport Booklet was requested&nbsp; 49,600 times and 145,022 total stamps were collected- with 1,085 participants visiting all 70 stops. In 2019, the&nbsp; program generated $23.7 million in traveler spending. The 2025 Nebraska Passport program will run from May&nbsp; 1st through September 30th, 2025.At each stop participants visit they will receive a stamp, either in a&nbsp; Nebraska Passport booklet or a digital stamp on the Nebraska Passport app. Participants then turn in their&nbsp; stamps and receive prizes. 2025 Nebraska Passport booklets are available for pre-order at&nbsp; NebraskaPassport.com or you can download the app starting May 1, 2025, by searching for “Nebraska&nbsp; Passport 2025” in your app store for both iPhones and Androids. They will also be available at the Visit North&nbsp; Platte office at 101 Halligan Dr starting May 1, 2024.&nbsp;

Lincoln County Stop for the Nebraska Passport 

North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;

The Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Proclamation has been rescheduled for&nbsp;Monday, March 10, 2025 at 4:00pm&nbsp;in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 211 West 3rd&nbsp;St. North Platte NE.&nbsp; &nbsp;

City of North PlatteNorth Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;

The Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Proclamation has been rescheduled for&nbsp;Monday, March 10, 2025 at 4:00pm&nbsp;in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 211 West 3rd&nbsp;St. North Platte NE.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Proclamation has been rescheduled for next week

Mid-Plains Community College student Cruz Brooks, of Hershey, has been selected as a member of the 2025 Nebraska Intercollegiate Band.

He will perform March 8 at 11:30 a.m. in the ballroom of the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln.&nbsp; The concert is part of the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association annual conference and is free and open to the public.

The Nebraska Intercollegiate Band includes outstanding music students from colleges and universities across the state.

Brooks, who will be playing the tuba, is the first MPCC student to be selected for this honor

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741283600328.jpeg" alt="Cruz Brooks of Hershey (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Cruz Brooks of Hershey (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer FullerMPCCMid-Plains Community College student Cruz Brooks, of Hershey, has been selected as a member of the 2025 Nebraska Intercollegiate Band.He will perform March 8 at 11:30 a.m. in the ballroom of the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln.&nbsp; The concert is part of the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association annual conference and is free and open to the public.The Nebraska Intercollegiate Band includes outstanding music students from colleges and universities across the state.Brooks, who will be playing the tuba, is the first MPCC student to be selected for this honor

MPCC student selected for Nebraska Intercollegiate Band

North Platte Catholic Schools Press Release

NORTH PLATTE – The 50th annual Irish Fest event drew a large crowd to St. Patrick’s High School on Sunday, March 2nd, resulting in over $30,000 net proceeds for the North Platte Catholic Schools.

 Endowment Director Wendy Dodson says that a homemade roast beef dinner was served to over 240 people, over 5,000 game tickets were sold for the mini&nbsp; carnival in the school gym, over 5,640 raffle tickets sold, over $1,200 worth of baked goods sold, and the silent auction generated $5,600. Event proceeds support the Endowment’s Annual Fund, which provides funding for the general&nbsp; operations of the North Platte Catholic Schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Raffle winners were: Larry &amp; Kirsten Carlile, Sean &amp; Kelsie O’Neill, Carla Roelfs, Jeanne Pieper, Sayra Moreno, and Brooke&nbsp; Odean. Raffle prizes were donated by: Kwik Stop, Dave’s Place, and Irish Fest sponsors. A complete sponsor listing can&nbsp; be found at: www.bidpal.net/irishfest25.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dodson notes that the Endowment is particularly grateful to those who sponsored and volunteered at Irish Fest.&nbsp; Longtime school parent and volunteer Marty Troshynski prepared and cooked the meal. The Lincoln County Feedyard,&nbsp; LLC donated all of the beef for the meal, and potatoes were donated by Mike &amp; Alison Noffsinger. Dodson adds that&nbsp; special recognition is due to the faculty, families, and students of St. Patrick’s, McDaid and Little Leprechaun schools. St.&nbsp; Pat’s student volunteers staffed the game booths, served in the cafeteria, and provided baked goods for the event.&nbsp; McDaid Elementary and Little Leprechaun Preschool classes provided themed baskets for the silent auction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 51st annual Irish Fest is already on the calendar for next year. It will be held on Sunday, March 1st, 2026.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737987503196.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Wendy DodsonNorth Platte Catholic Schools Press ReleaseNORTH PLATTE – The 50th annual Irish Fest event drew a large crowd to St. Patrick’s High School on Sunday, March 2nd, resulting in over $30,000 net proceeds for the North Platte Catholic Schools. Endowment Director Wendy Dodson says that a homemade roast beef dinner was served to over 240 people, over 5,000 game tickets were sold for the mini&nbsp; carnival in the school gym, over 5,640 raffle tickets sold, over $1,200 worth of baked goods sold, and the silent auction generated $5,600. Event proceeds support the Endowment’s Annual Fund, which provides funding for the general&nbsp; operations of the North Platte Catholic Schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;Raffle winners were: Larry &amp; Kirsten Carlile, Sean &amp; Kelsie O’Neill, Carla Roelfs, Jeanne Pieper, Sayra Moreno, and Brooke&nbsp; Odean. Raffle prizes were donated by: Kwik Stop, Dave’s Place, and Irish Fest sponsors. A complete sponsor listing can&nbsp; be found at: www.bidpal.net/irishfest25.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dodson notes that the Endowment is particularly grateful to those who sponsored and volunteered at Irish Fest.&nbsp; Longtime school parent and volunteer Marty Troshynski prepared and cooked the meal. The Lincoln County Feedyard,&nbsp; LLC donated all of the beef for the meal, and potatoes were donated by Mike &amp; Alison Noffsinger. Dodson adds that&nbsp; special recognition is due to the faculty, families, and students of St. Patrick’s, McDaid and Little Leprechaun schools. St.&nbsp; Pat’s student volunteers staffed the game booths, served in the cafeteria, and provided baked goods for the event.&nbsp; McDaid Elementary and Little Leprechaun Preschool classes provided themed baskets for the silent auction.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 51st annual Irish Fest is already on the calendar for next year. It will be held on Sunday, March 1st, 2026.&nbsp;

 Irish Fest a Success for the North Platte Catholic Schools

[North Platte, NE] – Community Connections Mentoring is proud to continue its partnership with The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMASS Boston to offer Mindful Mentoring, a specialized training program designed to equip mentors with the skills to better support youth mental health and emotional well-being.&nbsp;

The spotlight, available on MentorPRO’s website, explores how Community Connections Mentoring provides its mentors with the tools and training necessary to better support local youth. By equipping mentors with strategies for relationship-building, communication, and youth development, the program fosters positive, life-changing experiences for young people.&nbsp;

"Investing in mentor training is investing in the future of our youth," said Angela Hipp, Mentoring Coordinator for Community Connections. “We deeply value our mentors and want to provide them with the best tools to support the young people they work with. This training is an incredible opportunity to learn from leading experts in youth mentoring. We hope this inspires more individuals to get involved."&nbsp;

Mentors Needed – Growing Waitlist of Youth Seeking Mentors&nbsp;

The need for mentors has never been greater, and our waiting list of youth is rapidly growing, particularly among grade school-aged children. We are actively seeking caring, committed adults to step up and become mentors to help change the trajectory of a young person’s life.&nbsp;

About Mindful Mentoring Training&nbsp;

Led by Dr. Alexandra Werntz, Associate Director of The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMASS Boston, Mindful Mentoring provides mentors with practical tools to help youth express emotions, manage challenges, and develop healthy coping skills. 

The course covers essential topics such as:&nbsp;

✔ Understanding youth mental health&nbsp;

&nbsp;✔ Helping mentees navigate anxiety and challenges&nbsp;

✔ Building motivation and resilience&nbsp;

The program has had a proven impact, with past participants reporting:&nbsp;

📌 Increased confidence in supporting their mentee’s mental health&nbsp;

📌 Better ability to help mentees navigate emotions and challenges&nbsp;

📌 Greater enjoyment and fulfillment in their mentoring relationships&nbsp;

Upon completion, mentors receive a certificate from The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMASS Boston and access to exclusive mentoring resources.&nbsp;

Community-Based Mentoring Offers Flexibility &amp; Support&nbsp;

Community Connections offers community-based mentoring, which provides flexibility in how mentors meet with their mentees—whether in person, at community locations, or engaging in shared interests. Mentors also receive ongoing support through monthly activities that they can pick and choose from, ensuring a meaningful experience that fits their schedule while staying connected with the mentoring community.&nbsp;

The national spotlight also highlights broader efforts within the mentoring field to ensure mentors are well-prepared and supported, ultimately strengthening the impact of mentoring programs nationwide.&nbsp;

To read the full spotlight, visit <a href="https://mentorpro.com/news-item/community-partnership-spotlight-how-training-enhances-youth-mentoring/" target="_blank">MentorPRO’s Community Partnership Spotlight</a>.&nbsp;

About Community Connections Mentoring&nbsp;

For over 25 years, Community Connections Mentoring has helped youth in Lincoln County and beyond reach their potential through meaningful, one-on-one mentoring relationships.&nbsp;

Our flexible, community-based program allows mentors and mentees to meet at public locations around town or during school lunch, spending 4 to 8 hours a month together. Mentors also have access to monthly group activities for additional support and shared experiences.&nbsp;

For more information about Mindful Mentoring or how to become a mentor, please contact Angela Hipp at 308.696.0975.&nbsp;

About The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMASS Boston&nbsp;

The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMASS Boston conducts research and develops training programs to enhance mentoring practices, ensuring that mentors are equipped with the best tools to support youth effectively.&nbsp;

MentorPRO is a platform dedicated to supporting mentoring organizations by providing technology, training, and resources to enhance mentoring programs.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737475290005.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Angela HippCommunity Connections Mentoring[North Platte, NE] – Community Connections Mentoring is proud to continue its partnership with The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMASS Boston to offer Mindful Mentoring, a specialized training program designed to equip mentors with the skills to better support youth mental health and emotional well-being.&nbsp;The spotlight, available on MentorPRO’s website, explores how Community Connections Mentoring provides its mentors with the tools and training necessary to better support local youth. By equipping mentors with strategies for relationship-building, communication, and youth development, the program fosters positive, life-changing experiences for young people.&nbsp;"Investing in mentor training is investing in the future of our youth," said Angela Hipp, Mentoring Coordinator for Community Connections. “We deeply value our mentors and want to provide them with the best tools to support the young people they work with. This training is an incredible opportunity to learn from leading experts in youth mentoring. We hope this inspires more individuals to get involved."&nbsp;Mentors Needed – Growing Waitlist of Youth Seeking Mentors&nbsp;The need for mentors has never been greater, and our waiting list of youth is rapidly growing, particularly among grade school-aged children. We are actively seeking caring, committed adults to step up and become mentors to help change the trajectory of a young person’s life.&nbsp;About Mindful Mentoring Training&nbsp;Led by Dr. Alexandra Werntz, Associate Director of The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMASS Boston, Mindful Mentoring provides mentors with practical tools to help youth express emotions, manage challenges, and develop healthy coping skills. The course covers essential topics such as:&nbsp;✔ Understanding youth mental health&nbsp;✔ Effective mentoring strategies&nbsp;✔ Helping mentees navigate anxiety and challenges&nbsp;✔ Building motivation and resilience&nbsp;The program has had a proven impact, with past participants reporting:&nbsp;📌 Increased confidence in supporting their mentee’s mental health&nbsp;📌 Better ability to help mentees navigate emotions and challenges&nbsp;📌 Greater enjoyment and fulfillment in their mentoring relationships&nbsp;Upon completion, mentors receive a certificate from The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMASS Boston and access to exclusive mentoring resources.&nbsp;Community-Based Mentoring Offers Flexibility &amp; Support&nbsp;Community Connections offers community-based mentoring, which provides flexibility in how mentors meet with their mentees—whether in person, at community locations, or engaging in shared interests. Mentors also receive ongoing support through monthly activities that they can pick and choose from, ensuring a meaningful experience that fits their schedule while staying connected with the mentoring community.&nbsp;The national spotlight also highlights broader efforts within the mentoring field to ensure mentors are well-prepared and supported, ultimately strengthening the impact of mentoring programs nationwide.&nbsp;To read the full spotlight, visit <a href="https://mentorpro.com/news-item/community-partnership-spotlight-how-training-enhances-youth-mentoring/" target="_blank">MentorPRO’s Community Partnership Spotlight</a>.&nbsp;About Community Connections Mentoring&nbsp;For over 25 years, Community Connections Mentoring has helped youth in Lincoln County and beyond reach their potential through meaningful, one-on-one mentoring relationships.&nbsp;Our flexible, community-based program allows mentors and mentees to meet at public locations around town or during school lunch, spending 4 to 8 hours a month together. Mentors also have access to monthly group activities for additional support and shared experiences.&nbsp;For more information about Mindful Mentoring or how to become a mentor, please contact Angela Hipp at 308.696.0975.&nbsp;About The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMASS Boston&nbsp;The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMASS Boston conducts research and develops training programs to enhance mentoring practices, ensuring that mentors are equipped with the best tools to support youth effectively.&nbsp;About MentorPRO&nbsp;MentorPRO is a platform dedicated to supporting mentoring organizations by providing technology, training, and resources to enhance mentoring programs.&nbsp;

Community Connections Mentoring Recognized in National Spotlight for Specialized Mentor Training 

Garden County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;

Garden County - On Feb. 28, 2025, Garden County Sheriff's Office successfully rescued three children and two women after a suspect drove at high speeds with the victims in the vehicle. Garden County dispatch received multiple 911 calls from the victims, a Deputy was able to locate and stop the suspect's vehicle.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the victims had been advised by the Deuel County Sheriff's Department not to travel without proper child safety seats. While seeking assistance in Big Springs, the women encountered the suspect, who offered to take them to Walmart in Ogallala to purchase car seats. &nbsp;

Instead, after approximately 30 minutes, the suspect informed them he was taking them to his house for illicit purposes.&nbsp; The suspect also displayed inappropriate images, burned one of the women with a cigarette and continuously yelled at the victims, causing them significant distress.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On March 4, Carl C Thomas of Morrill was arraigned in Garden County Court on multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, second degree assault, first degree imprisonment, felony child abuse and willful reckless driving. His bond has been set at $5,000,000 with his next court date scheduled for a later time. Authorities have uncovered a concerning multi-state criminal history linked to Thomas.&nbsp;

The swift and diligent actions of the Garden County Sheriff's Office and Garden County Emergency Managment Communications ensured the safety of the victims and prevented a potentially tragic outcome. The Garden County Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting the community and assisting vulnerable individuals in distress.&nbsp;

The investigation is ongoing, conducted by the Garden County Sheriff's Office and the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance of the Nebraska Attorney General Office.&nbsp;

Note: The charges against Thomas are merely accusations, and he is proven innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Garden County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;Garden County - On Feb. 28, 2025, Garden County Sheriff's Office successfully rescued three children and two women after a suspect drove at high speeds with the victims in the vehicle. Garden County dispatch received multiple 911 calls from the victims, a Deputy was able to locate and stop the suspect's vehicle.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, the victims had been advised by the Deuel County Sheriff's Department not to travel without proper child safety seats. While seeking assistance in Big Springs, the women encountered the suspect, who offered to take them to Walmart in Ogallala to purchase car seats. &nbsp;Instead, after approximately 30 minutes, the suspect informed them he was taking them to his house for illicit purposes.&nbsp; The suspect also displayed inappropriate images, burned one of the women with a cigarette and continuously yelled at the victims, causing them significant distress.&nbsp;&nbsp;On March 4, Carl C Thomas of Morrill was arraigned in Garden County Court on multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, second degree assault, first degree imprisonment, felony child abuse and willful reckless driving. His bond has been set at $5,000,000 with his next court date scheduled for a later time. Authorities have uncovered a concerning multi-state criminal history linked to Thomas.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741280210310.jpeg" alt="Carl C Thomas (on file with the North Platte Post)" />
 <figcaption>Carl C Thomas (on file with the North Platte Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>The swift and diligent actions of the Garden County Sheriff's Office and Garden County Emergency Managment Communications ensured the safety of the victims and prevented a potentially tragic outcome. The Garden County Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting the community and assisting vulnerable individuals in distress.&nbsp;The investigation is ongoing, conducted by the Garden County Sheriff's Office and the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance of the Nebraska Attorney General Office.&nbsp;Note: The charges against Thomas are merely accusations, and he is proven innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;

Garden County Sheriff's Office Rescues Five Victims from Dangerous Situation

NORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– The Nebraska Extension will host another “Calculating Annual Cow Costs” webinar course on March 24, 27, and 31.&nbsp;

“We had exceptional interest in the first Calculating Annual Cow Costs course. So, we decided to offer a second course in late March,” said Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator. “Knowing annual cow costs is the foundation for evaluating and making management decisions that can improve profitability for a cow-calf enterprise.”&nbsp;

Input costs can challenge producers to examine the cost of production and identify opportunities to adjust the production system. Calculating costs and breaking them into categories can help producers understand where changes may be possible.&nbsp;

The webinar course will cover the fundamentals of knowing and calculating annual cow costs and will include:&nbsp;

The webinar series will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. CST. It is $70 per person and includes a resource workbook. The course is limited to 40 participants. To register, go to https://go.unl.edu/cow_costs. Registration is requested by March 17 since materials will be mailed out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For questions about the webinar series or more information, contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741273201133.jpeg" alt="Tibbets Sioux cattle (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Tibbets Sioux cattle (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska ExtensionNORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– The Nebraska Extension will host another “Calculating Annual Cow Costs” webinar course on March 24, 27, and 31.&nbsp;“We had exceptional interest in the first Calculating Annual Cow Costs course. So, we decided to offer a second course in late March,” said Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator. “Knowing annual cow costs is the foundation for evaluating and making management decisions that can improve profitability for a cow-calf enterprise.”&nbsp;Input costs can challenge producers to examine the cost of production and identify opportunities to adjust the production system. Calculating costs and breaking them into categories can help producers understand where changes may be possible.&nbsp;The webinar course will cover the fundamentals of knowing and calculating annual cow costs and will include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Understanding the economic unit cost of production for the cow-calf enterprise.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Recognizing the value and cost of both grazed and harvested feed.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Calculating cow depreciation and replacement development costs.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Figuring the cost of equipment and labor utilized in the cow-calf enterprise.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Examining breeding expenses and evaluating the value and cost relationship.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Reviewing benchmark cost and production data to see how you compare.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The webinar series will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. CST. It is $70 per person and includes a resource workbook. The course is limited to 40 participants. To register, go to https://go.unl.edu/cow_costs. Registration is requested by March 17 since materials will be mailed out.&nbsp;&nbsp;A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.&nbsp;&nbsp;For questions about the webinar series or more information, contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu.&nbsp;

Nebraska Extension offers second course on Calculating Annual Cow Costs   

(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol responded to over 300 weather-related traffic incidents during Nebraska’s latest winter storm. Tragically, one crash near Grand Island involved multiple fatalities.

At approximately 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, a Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling westbound on Interstate 80 near mile marker 310, when it lost control, crossed the median, and struck an eastbound semi. Both occupants of the Chevrolet, Emelin Ortega Rodas, 25, of Lexington, and Daniel Ortega Marroquin, 62, of Lexington, were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the semi was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Severe winter weather was a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol responded to over 300 weather-related traffic incidents during Nebraska’s latest winter storm. Tragically, one crash near Grand Island involved multiple fatalities.At approximately 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, a Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling westbound on Interstate 80 near mile marker 310, when it lost control, crossed the median, and struck an eastbound semi. Both occupants of the Chevrolet, Emelin Ortega Rodas, 25, of Lexington, and Daniel Ortega Marroquin, 62, of Lexington, were pronounced deceased at the scene.The driver of the semi was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Severe winter weather was a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

Lexington father and daughter killed in winter crash on I-80 near Grand Island

Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team members Kahiwa Augustiro, of Ho’olehua, Hawaii, and Laynee Ohm, of Hyannis, are recognized with $1,500 Dual Excellence Scholarships. The presentation was made Saturday night at Venue304 in North Platte during the team’s annual banquet.

Dual Excellence Scholarships are awarded every year by the Wranglers booster committee. They are given to rodeo team athletes who excel in both the classroom and the arena. Selection is based upon GPA and overall points earned.

Also at the banquet, two $500 scholarships from the Phillipsburg, Kansas Rodeo were awarded.

This year the recipients are rodeo team members Clay Meyer, of Loomis, and Erin Osmotherly, of Hot Springs, S.D.<a></a>

Rodeo team member Laysha Cottrell, of Waianae, Hawaii, was also awarded $500 for being the top raffle ticket seller this year.

In addition to the scholarship presentations, the banquet included live and silent auctions, a prime rib dinner and comments from the coaches.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741271415459.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer FullerMPCCMid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team members Kahiwa Augustiro, of Ho’olehua, Hawaii, and Laynee Ohm, of Hyannis, are recognized with $1,500 Dual Excellence Scholarships. The presentation was made Saturday night at Venue304 in North Platte during the team’s annual banquet.Dual Excellence Scholarships are awarded every year by the Wranglers booster committee. They are given to rodeo team athletes who excel in both the classroom and the arena. Selection is based upon GPA and overall points earned.Also at the banquet, two $500 scholarships from the Phillipsburg, Kansas Rodeo were awarded.This year the recipients are rodeo team members Clay Meyer, of Loomis, and Erin Osmotherly, of Hot Springs, S.D.<a></a>Rodeo team member Laysha Cottrell, of Waianae, Hawaii, was also awarded $500 for being the top raffle ticket seller this year.In addition to the scholarship presentations, the banquet included live and silent auctions, a prime rib dinner and comments from the coaches.&nbsp;

Scholarship winners announced at MPCC Rodeo Team Banquet

Harmon&nbsp;Johnsen&nbsp;of&nbsp;Sutherland, a&nbsp;junior&nbsp;majoring in&nbsp;broadcasting, and sports media and communication,&nbsp;was part of a team that won an award&nbsp;in the Broadcast Education Association's Festival of Media Arts in February.

Johnsen&nbsp;was a sports reporter on the Nebraska Nightly team that won first place&nbsp;in the&nbsp;television newscast (three days a week or less) category.

The BEA Festival of Media Arts is an international media competition focused on student and faculty creative endeavors. In the last six years, more than 8,000 creative works have been submitted by BEA's 300-plus member institutions around the globe. This year, BEA received 2,285 entries and awarded 445 student winners from 111 colleges and universities.

To learn more about the BEA Festival of Media Arts, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://beaweb.org/festival" target="_blank">https://beaweb.org/festival</a>.

For the full list of this year's award winners from Nebraska, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://go.unl.edu/xtr8" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/xtr8</a>.

-UNL<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741277403149.jpeg" alt="Harmon Johnsen (image courtesy UNL Journalism)" />
 <figcaption>Harmon Johnsen (image courtesy UNL Journalism)</figcaption>
 </figure>Harmon&nbsp;Johnsen&nbsp;of&nbsp;Sutherland, a&nbsp;junior&nbsp;majoring in&nbsp;broadcasting, and sports media and communication,&nbsp;was part of a team that won an award&nbsp;in the Broadcast Education Association's Festival of Media Arts in February.Johnsen&nbsp;was a sports reporter on the Nebraska Nightly team that won first place&nbsp;in the&nbsp;television newscast (three days a week or less) category.The BEA Festival of Media Arts is an international media competition focused on student and faculty creative endeavors. In the last six years, more than 8,000 creative works have been submitted by BEA's 300-plus member institutions around the globe. This year, BEA received 2,285 entries and awarded 445 student winners from 111 colleges and universities.To learn more about the BEA Festival of Media Arts, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://beaweb.org/festival" target="_blank">https://beaweb.org/festival</a>.For the full list of this year's award winners from Nebraska, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://go.unl.edu/xtr8" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/xtr8</a>.

Harmon Johnsen of Sutherland wins award in BEA Festival of Media Arts

Las Mañanitas Community Advocates&nbsp;

North Platte, Nebraska – Las Mañanitas Community Advocates is excited to announce that it has received a $15,000 grant from Farm Credit Services of America through the Working Here grant program. These funds will be used to build a hydroponics greenhouse on a three acre plot of land just east of the Poplar viaduct on the north side of North Platte. This area, which currently lacks access to fresh produce, will soon have a sustainable solution for local residents and businesses.&nbsp;

Adi Dobbins, the Director of Las Mañanitas Community Advocates, shared, “We’ve had conversations with several local restaurants, and we’re excited to secure partnerships with them to rent plots in the greenhouse. The fresh produce grown will be featured in their menus, bringing high-quality, locally grown ingredients to North Platte. Additionally, we will be growing microgreen sprouts in the greenhouse, providing a nutrient-rich addition to the produce we offer.”&nbsp;

The greenhouse is slated for construction in late spring and is just one part of a larger, three phase project. The organization also plans to build a community center and a business incubator to support local entrepreneurs. In addition to selling fresh produce and microgreens, the greenhouse will host farm-to-table workshops, educate the community on modern agricultural practices, and offer a weekly produce giveaway to those in need.&nbsp;

“We’re thrilled about the opportunities this project will create for the community,” said Dobbins. “However, we still need additional funding to make this vision a reality. We plan to host fundraisers and collaborate with community partners to ensure the success of this important initiative.”&nbsp;

Las Mañanitas Community Advocates is committed to fostering economic growth, community connection, and youth development in North Platte, and this greenhouse is just the beginning of a long-term community transformation.&nbsp;

For more information or to contribute, please contact Las Mañanitas Community Advocates at info@lmca308.org

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741270703082.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Las Mañanitas Community Advocates&nbsp;North Platte, Nebraska – Las Mañanitas Community Advocates is excited to announce that it has received a $15,000 grant from Farm Credit Services of America through the Working Here grant program. These funds will be used to build a hydroponics greenhouse on a three acre plot of land just east of the Poplar viaduct on the north side of North Platte. This area, which currently lacks access to fresh produce, will soon have a sustainable solution for local residents and businesses.&nbsp;Adi Dobbins, the Director of Las Mañanitas Community Advocates, shared, “We’ve had conversations with several local restaurants, and we’re excited to secure partnerships with them to rent plots in the greenhouse. The fresh produce grown will be featured in their menus, bringing high-quality, locally grown ingredients to North Platte. Additionally, we will be growing microgreen sprouts in the greenhouse, providing a nutrient-rich addition to the produce we offer.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741270730304.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The greenhouse is slated for construction in late spring and is just one part of a larger, three phase project. The organization also plans to build a community center and a business incubator to support local entrepreneurs. In addition to selling fresh produce and microgreens, the greenhouse will host farm-to-table workshops, educate the community on modern agricultural practices, and offer a weekly produce giveaway to those in need.&nbsp;“We’re thrilled about the opportunities this project will create for the community,” said Dobbins. “However, we still need additional funding to make this vision a reality. We plan to host fundraisers and collaborate with community partners to ensure the success of this important initiative.”&nbsp;Las Mañanitas Community Advocates is committed to fostering economic growth, community connection, and youth development in North Platte, and this greenhouse is just the beginning of a long-term community transformation.&nbsp;For more information or to contribute, please contact Las Mañanitas Community Advocates at info@lmca308.org

LMCA Secures $15,000 Grant for Hydroponics Greenhouse Construction 

Lincoln, Ne - The Boys 2025 State Basketball Brackets were officially released Thursday morning. In Class C1, Ogallala (24-1) is the #2 seed while Cozad (24-3) is on the other side of the C1 bracket as the #4 seed. In Class D1, North Platte St. Pat's (19-6) is the #6 seed and also from the area, Dundy County-Stratton (19-5) is the #7 seed. The tournament begins next Wednesday in Lincoln.

Lincoln, Ne - The Boys 2025 State Basketball Brackets were officially released Thursday morning. In Class C1, Ogallala (24-1) is the #2 seed while Cozad (24-3) is on the other side of the C1 bracket as the #4 seed. In Class D1, North Platte St. Pat's (19-6) is the #6 seed and also from the area, Dundy County-Stratton (19-5) is the #7 seed. The tournament begins next Wednesday in Lincoln.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741269783073.png" alt="2025 Boys State Basketball Bracket" />
 <figcaption>2025 Boys State Basketball Bracket</figcaption>
 </figure>

Boys State Basketball Brackets released, Irish, Indians & Haymakers will make the trip

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736426651512.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741263127510.jpeg" alt="Luis Regalado-Juarez - Immigration Hold" />
 <figcaption>Luis Regalado-Juarez - Immigration Hold</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741263150961.jpeg" alt="Mya Roubideaux - Contempt Of Court x2" />
 <figcaption>Mya Roubideaux - Contempt Of Court x2</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741263174276.jpeg" alt="Charles Scott - Fail To Appear" />
 <figcaption>Charles Scott - Fail To Appear</figcaption>
 </figure>***Buffalo County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741263193101.jpeg" alt="Stephanie Covert - Forgery-2nd Degree/$5000 Or More" />
 <figcaption>Stephanie Covert - Forgery-2nd Degree/$5000 Or More</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741263205203.jpeg" alt="Timothy Wilson - Drive Under Suspension/Before Reinstated-State x2, Contempt of Court | In County" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Wilson - Drive Under Suspension/Before Reinstated-State x2, Contempt of Court | In County</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741263218647.jpeg" alt="Hope Linden - Probation Sanction" />
 <figcaption>Hope Linden - Probation Sanction</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741263230506.jpeg" alt="Tiana Nabity - Resist Arrest-1st Offense x2, DUI-.15+ x3" />
 <figcaption>Tiana Nabity - Resist Arrest-1st Offense x2, DUI-.15+ x3</figcaption>
 </figure>***<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>

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

The Hot Sheets: March 6th, 2025

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736426651512.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741179460018.jpeg" alt="Daryl Jones Jr - Assault Domestic 3rd Degree, Possession Of Controlled Substance" />
 <figcaption>Daryl Jones Jr - Assault Domestic 3rd Degree, Possession Of Controlled Substance</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741179472638.jpeg" alt="Elizabeth Schaffert - Safekeep Red Willow Co" />
 <figcaption>Elizabeth Schaffert - Safekeep Red Willow Co</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741179485516.jpeg" alt="Tammy Schaffert - Safekeep Red Willow Co" />
 <figcaption>Tammy Schaffert - Safekeep Red Willow Co</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741179497381.jpeg" alt="Alexander Smith - Resisting Officer, Obstructing The Police" />
 <figcaption>Alexander Smith - Resisting Officer, Obstructing The Police</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County JailNo New Arrests***Buffalo County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741179524605.jpeg" alt="Conan Gifford - Aggravated DV Assault-2nd/Bodily Injury/w/ Dangerous Instrument, Criminal Mischief - $0-$500, Possession Of Controlled Substance, Use Deadly Weapon To Commit A Felony" />
 <figcaption>Conan Gifford - Aggravated DV Assault-2nd/Bodily Injury/w/ Dangerous Instrument, Criminal Mischief - $0-$500, Possession Of Controlled Substance, Use Deadly Weapon To Commit A Felony</figcaption>
 </figure>***<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>

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

The Hot Sheets: March 5th, 2025

&nbsp; &nbsp; The North Platte City Council will meet tonight in a regular meeting.&nbsp; Below is tonight's agenda. To watch tonight's meeting,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfNorthPlatte/streams">click here.</a>&nbsp;The meeting is at 5:30pm at the City Hall Council Chambers.

North Platte Post&nbsp; &nbsp; The North Platte City Council will meet tonight in a regular meeting.&nbsp; Below is tonight's agenda. To watch tonight's meeting,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfNorthPlatte/streams">click here.</a>&nbsp;The meeting is at 5:30pm at the City Hall Council Chambers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741017972115.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741017985906.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

03/04 North Platte City Council Meeting, Tonight's Agenda

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736426651512.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093725943.jpeg" alt="Jesus Fabela-Mendoza - Safekeep USMS" />
 <figcaption>Jesus Fabela-Mendoza - Safekeep USMS</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093739815.jpeg" alt="Walter Hernandez-Flores - Immigration" />
 <figcaption>Walter Hernandez-Flores - Immigration</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093750423.jpeg" alt="John McCorkle - Safekeep Cheyenne Co." />
 <figcaption>John McCorkle - Safekeep Cheyenne Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093764450.jpeg" alt="Andrew Moore - Driving Under Influence Liquor" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Moore - Driving Under Influence Liquor</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093779220.jpeg" alt="Roger Noonan - Restraining/Protection Order Violation" />
 <figcaption>Roger Noonan - Restraining/Protection Order Violation</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093797606.jpeg" alt="Juana Marquirez-Gomez - Immigration" />
 <figcaption>Juana Marquirez-Gomez - Immigration</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741184186705.jpeg" alt="Jared Baxendale - Safekeep Cheyenne County" />
 <figcaption>Jared Baxendale - Safekeep Cheyenne County</figcaption>
 </figure>***Keith County JailNo New Arrests***Buffalo County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093862487.jpeg" alt="Christopher Heater - Aggravated DV Assault-3rd Cause Bodily Injury, Assault-3rd Degree" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Heater - Aggravated DV Assault-3rd Cause Bodily Injury, Assault-3rd Degree</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093874111.jpeg" alt="Jordan Beard - Possession Controlled Substance" />
 <figcaption>Jordan Beard - Possession Controlled Substance</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093885811.jpeg" alt="Mark Baird - Aggravated Assault-3rd Degree, Operate Motor Vehicle Avoid Arrest-Felony" />
 <figcaption>Mark Baird - Aggravated Assault-3rd Degree, Operate Motor Vehicle Avoid Arrest-Felony</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093900369.jpeg" alt="Terri Norris - Possession Controlled Substance, Drive During Revocation/Impound-1st" />
 <figcaption>Terri Norris - Possession Controlled Substance, Drive During Revocation/Impound-1st</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093912555.jpeg" alt="Daniel Lugo - Criminal Mischief-$1500-$4999, Theft-Receiving Stolen Property $1500-$4999, Drive Under Suspension/Before Reinstated-State" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Lugo - Criminal Mischief-$1500-$4999, Theft-Receiving Stolen Property $1500-$4999, Drive Under Suspension/Before Reinstated-State</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093923832.jpeg" alt="Clarence McKnelly - Violate Registration Rules-Sex Offender&nbsp; Act" />
 <figcaption>Clarence McKnelly - Violate Registration Rules-Sex Offender&nbsp; Act</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741093939024.jpeg" alt="Dale Bulizak - Contempt Of Court | Out Of County" />
 <figcaption>Dale Bulizak - Contempt Of Court | Out Of County</figcaption>
 </figure>***<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>

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

The Hot Sheets: March 4th, 2025

Paul Hammel <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/03/students-educators-tout-benefits-of-funding-dual-enrollment-classes-in-high-school/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN – Soon after beginning her studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, McKenzie Murphy, then 19, applied for a part-time job.

She had graduated from high school only a few months earlier, but Murphy’s application also read “graduate, associates degree, Northeast Community College.”

Her interviewer didn’t believe that someone so young could have a two-year college degree.

“Oh my gosh, when did you graduate?” Murphy was asked.

In May of 2023, Murphy received her diploma from Bancroft-Rosalie High School. But because she had participated in a state dual enrollment program, she also earned a college degree by taking college-level classes while in high school — classes that came with both college and high school credits.

During her last semester of high school, Murphy took 21 credit hours of such dual enrollment classes, completing a lot of general education courses normally taken at colleges or universities, but also learning about investing.

This year, more than 20,000 Nebraska high school students at more than 200 schools across the state are taking dual enrollment classes, with hundreds each year, like Murphy, graduating with two diplomas when they finish high school.

Students, including those home-schooled or in private schools, get discounted tuition when taking the classes. In two areas of the state, tuition and books are free, those served by Omaha-based Metropolitan Community College and Norfolk-centered Northeast Community College.

But the future affordability of the program for families statewide is being threatened by a reduction in funding.

The $5 million a year from the federal pandemic-related American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is going away, leaving only $3 million a year in state funding remaining.

On Thursday, several administrators of community colleges and Nebraska high schools joined a student and a representative of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry in testifying in favor of state legislation to keep the program affordable for high school students and their families. It would provide an additional $21 million over the next two years to continue.

Supporters of the additional funding praised the program as jump-starting student higher education, which they said leads to higher rates of college enrollment and earlier graduation. It also gets students into the workforce sooner, in high-need jobs like welding, teaching and health care, and is a proven way to reverse the “brain drain” exodus of educated young people from Nebraska.

“This maybe has been the most successful higher education partnership with K-12 education and business in all my years in education,” said Randy Schmailzl, the long-time president of Metropolitan Community College, which had nearly 9,000 dual enrollment students this year.

Mark Shepard, the superintendent of Fremont Public Schools, said the program had helped boost a local career and technical education program that has trained 200 student welders over the past nine years. Seventy of those trained are now working in well-paying, high-demand jobs in the state, he said.

“We view these programs as a true game changer for our state,” Shepard said of the technical training offered in Fremont through dual enrollment.

Murphy, whose family lives in Walthill, said she could not have taken the classes she did if she had been required to pay full tuition, which is $108 per credit hour at Northeast Community College.

At her high school, students have taken 790 credit hours of tuition-free dual enrollment classes this year with eight of the 18 members of the senior class on track to graduate with community college associate degrees, according to Jon Cerny, superintendent at Bancroft-Rosalie.

At Millard Public Schools, 2,200 students took dual enrollment classes last year, earning 26,000 credits. Superintendent John Schwartz said that added up to just short of $2 million in tuition that families didn’t have to pay.

The result, the two educators told members of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, is that students complete college sooner and with less debt, and are able to graduate earlier and join the Nebraska workforce.

“It’s hard to find a better program that supports young people and our economy,” said Michael Johnson of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, who called the state’s shortage of workers “the number-one barrier to economic growth in the state.”

“This program presents a win-win-win opportunity for all of us,” said State Sen. Jason Prokop of Lincoln.

His proposal, Legislative Bill 173, would provide $10 million for the dual enrollment program in 2025-26 and $11 million the following year.

Prokop said it exceeds the $5 million a year in ARPA funds that are going away because that money hasn’t covered all costs of the program, which are nearing $20 million a year. He said funding also hasn’t kept up with the 65% increase in students taking the courses.

“This program produces a pipeline of skilled labor that Nebraska employers desperately need,” the senator told the committee.

LB 173 wasn’t included in the preliminary budget recommendations of the Appropriations Committee, which is now taking testimony on its proposed budget. Senators are seeking to close a budget gap, leaving little funding for new spending.

Omaha State Sen. Christy Armendariz, a member of the committee, praised the program. But more than once, she asked whether other funds — rather than state taxpayer money — might be found to finance the dual enrollment program, or whether it could be more focused on families who could not afford to pay the tuition.

An official with Northeast Community College said that institution doesn’t have the funds to continue to offer free tuition on its own, and would have to start charging students. Schmailzl said that when Metro used to offer the classes at 50% of full tuition, it “cut a lot of people out.”

Shepard, the Fremont superintendent, said that 40 some businesses have contributed to the vocational programs in his district, but that ending free tuition, or having students fill out a waiver to get a tuition break, would present barriers.

The Appropriations Committee took no action on the bill after the public hearing on Thursday. It received 70 online comments in support of the bill and no opposition.

Murphy, the UNO student, wasn’t able to attend the public hearing. She’s working three part-time jobs as she pursues her pre-medicine degree in hopes of eventually becoming an ophthalmologist.

Besides saving money and getting a jump start on her university studies, she said dual enrollment and the rigors of college classes forced her to get more organized. She made a daily list of what she needed to get done each day.

“When you see someone who graduates with an associate degree, they realize that’s a hard-working person, Murphy said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741022622934.jpeg" alt="Dual enrollment programs are helping Nebraska high school students earn college credit and in some cases associates degrees before graduation. Shown is the downtown Lincoln campus of Southeast Community College. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Dual enrollment programs are helping Nebraska high school students earn college credit and in some cases associates degrees before graduation. Shown is the downtown Lincoln campus of Southeast Community College. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/03/students-educators-tout-benefits-of-funding-dual-enrollment-classes-in-high-school/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN – Soon after beginning her studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, McKenzie Murphy, then 19, applied for a part-time job.She had graduated from high school only a few months earlier, but Murphy’s application also read “graduate, associates degree, Northeast Community College.”Her interviewer didn’t believe that someone so young could have a two-year college degree.“Oh my gosh, when did you graduate?” Murphy was asked.In May of 2023, Murphy received her diploma from Bancroft-Rosalie High School. But because she had participated in a state dual enrollment program, she also earned a college degree by taking college-level classes while in high school — classes that came with both college and high school credits.During her last semester of high school, Murphy took 21 credit hours of such dual enrollment classes, completing a lot of general education courses normally taken at colleges or universities, but also learning about investing.“I like to stay busy,” she said.<h2>A strong head start</h2>This year, more than 20,000 Nebraska high school students at more than 200 schools across the state are taking dual enrollment classes, with hundreds each year, like Murphy, graduating with two diplomas when they finish high school.Students, including those home-schooled or in private schools, get discounted tuition when taking the classes. In two areas of the state, tuition and books are free, those served by Omaha-based Metropolitan Community College and Norfolk-centered Northeast Community College.But the future affordability of the program for families statewide is being threatened by a reduction in funding.The $5 million a year from the federal pandemic-related American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is going away, leaving only $3 million a year in state funding remaining.On Thursday, several administrators of community colleges and Nebraska high schools joined a student and a representative of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry in testifying in favor of state legislation to keep the program affordable for high school students and their families. It would provide an additional $21 million over the next two years to continue.Supporters of the additional funding praised the program as jump-starting student higher education, which they said leads to higher rates of college enrollment and earlier graduation. It also gets students into the workforce sooner, in high-need jobs like welding, teaching and health care, and is a proven way to reverse the “brain drain” exodus of educated young people from Nebraska.“This maybe has been the most successful higher education partnership with K-12 education and business in all my years in education,” said Randy Schmailzl, the long-time president of Metropolitan Community College, which had nearly 9,000 dual enrollment students this year.<h2>Students, schools embrace program</h2>Mark Shepard, the superintendent of Fremont Public Schools, said the program had helped boost a local career and technical education program that has trained 200 student welders over the past nine years. Seventy of those trained are now working in well-paying, high-demand jobs in the state, he said.“We view these programs as a true game changer for our state,” Shepard said of the technical training offered in Fremont through dual enrollment.Murphy, whose family lives in Walthill, said she could not have taken the classes she did if she had been required to pay full tuition, which is $108 per credit hour at Northeast Community College.At her high school, students have taken 790 credit hours of tuition-free dual enrollment classes this year with eight of the 18 members of the senior class on track to graduate with community college associate degrees, according to Jon Cerny, superintendent at Bancroft-Rosalie.At Millard Public Schools, 2,200 students took dual enrollment classes last year, earning 26,000 credits. Superintendent John Schwartz said that added up to just short of $2 million in tuition that families didn’t have to pay.The result, the two educators told members of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, is that students complete college sooner and with less debt, and are able to graduate earlier and join the Nebraska workforce.“It’s hard to find a better program that supports young people and our economy,” said Michael Johnson of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, who called the state’s shortage of workers “the number-one barrier to economic growth in the state.”“This program presents a win-win-win opportunity for all of us,” said State Sen. Jason Prokop of Lincoln.<h2>Bill offers replacement funding</h2>His proposal, Legislative Bill 173, would provide $10 million for the dual enrollment program in 2025-26 and $11 million the following year.Prokop said it exceeds the $5 million a year in ARPA funds that are going away because that money hasn’t covered all costs of the program, which are nearing $20 million a year. He said funding also hasn’t kept up with the 65% increase in students taking the courses.“This program produces a pipeline of skilled labor that Nebraska employers desperately need,” the senator told the committee.LB 173 wasn’t included in the preliminary budget recommendations of the Appropriations Committee, which is now taking testimony on its proposed budget. Senators are seeking to close a budget gap, leaving little funding for new spending.Omaha State Sen. Christy Armendariz, a member of the committee, praised the program. But more than once, she asked whether other funds — rather than state taxpayer money — might be found to finance the dual enrollment program, or whether it could be more focused on families who could not afford to pay the tuition.An official with Northeast Community College said that institution doesn’t have the funds to continue to offer free tuition on its own, and would have to start charging students. Schmailzl said that when Metro used to offer the classes at 50% of full tuition, it “cut a lot of people out.”Shepard, the Fremont superintendent, said that 40 some businesses have contributed to the vocational programs in his district, but that ending free tuition, or having students fill out a waiver to get a tuition break, would present barriers.<h2>No immediate action</h2>The Appropriations Committee took no action on the bill after the public hearing on Thursday. It received 70 online comments in support of the bill and no opposition.Murphy, the UNO student, wasn’t able to attend the public hearing. She’s working three part-time jobs as she pursues her pre-medicine degree in hopes of eventually becoming an ophthalmologist.Besides saving money and getting a jump start on her university studies, she said dual enrollment and the rigors of college classes forced her to get more organized. She made a daily list of what she needed to get done each day.It also helped her get hired.“When you see someone who graduates with an associate degree, they realize that’s a hard-working person, Murphy said.

Students, Educators Tout Benefits of Funding Dual Enrollment Classes in High School

LINCOLN, Neb. – (March 3, 2025) –&nbsp;VIsit Nebraska is excited to announce the stops included in the 2025 Nebraska Passport program. The Passport inspires Nebraskans and tourists to travel throughout the state collecting stamps to earn prizes while also supporting Nebraska's tourism destinations and local businesses.

"Year after year, Nebraskans and more and more out-of-state travelers alike use the Nebraska Passport as their guide to discovering what our state has to offer," said John Ricks, Visit Nebraska executive director. "We are excited to once again connect visitors to these gems and the communities where they thrive."

The Passport will again feature 70 stops organized into 10 themed tours. Travelers will have from May 1 through September 30 to visit the attractions and collect their stamps.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741020658866.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Visit NebraskaLINCOLN, Neb. – (March 3, 2025) –&nbsp;VIsit Nebraska is excited to announce the stops included in the 2025 Nebraska Passport program. The Passport inspires Nebraskans and tourists to travel throughout the state collecting stamps to earn prizes while also supporting Nebraska's tourism destinations and local businesses."Year after year, Nebraskans and more and more out-of-state travelers alike use the Nebraska Passport as their guide to discovering what our state has to offer," said John Ricks, Visit Nebraska executive director. "We are excited to once again connect visitors to these gems and the communities where they thrive."The Passport will again feature 70 stops organized into 10 themed tours. Travelers will have from May 1 through September 30 to visit the attractions and collect their stamps.Passporters can expect to find all sorts of new and unique destinations during their travels this year. Highlights include female-owned businesses, historic treasures, delicious eats and a tour dedicated to showcasing Nebraska's thriving Creative Districts.“Whether you are a longtime Passporter or just picking up a booklet for the first time, there is so much to see and do this year,” said Madison Johnson, Nebraska Passport program coordinator. “We’re guessing many travelers will find something they haven’t seen before with these 70 stops, and there is something everyone will enjoy."Passports will be available at participating stops starting May 1 or can be pre-ordered at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d9afb07c66&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>. Participants are encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App on their smartphone for the option of digital stamps, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. Please note, the Passport app will be updated with the 2025 information on May 1. Those who used the mobile app last year will need to update the app to see the new program information. To download, search 'NE Passport 2025" in the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.2025 Nebraska Passport Stop Categories<ul>
 <li>Activate Yourself</li><li>America's Artland</li><li>Colorific</li><li>Culture Cluster</li><li>Eat, Shop, Repeat</li><li>Growth Spurt</li><li>Her Way</li><li>Lactose Tolerant</li><li>Lasso Lane</li><li>Tale Trail</li>
 </ul>70 Selected Stops (alphabetical by town)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d9a05b2b35&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Dobby’s Frontier Town</a>&nbsp;(Alliance)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e0476270d3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">T</a><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e0476270d3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">he Roost Bed and Breakfast</a>&nbsp;(Ashland)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=4c3c643540&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Flat Iron Bar and Grill</a>&nbsp;(Atkinson)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b0549785cf&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Cenacle Bookstore and Cafe</a>&nbsp;(Auburn)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=aa44474dd7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">JoJo's Gelato &amp; Grill</a>&nbsp;(Aurora)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=497e9f0b13&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Big Blue Bike Company</a>&nbsp;(Beatrice)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=0f27b813a6&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Zoellner Design Co. at Beatrice Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Beatrice)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=7064a8d431&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Dip Cravers</a>&nbsp;(Bellevue)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=8f0728ec36&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Cup &amp; Cone</a>&nbsp;(Bennington)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ba4ad3d07d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Big Springs Depot Museum and Veterans Memorial</a><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ba4ad3d07d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank"></a>&nbsp;(Big Springs)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=8303825382&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Boys Town Hall of History Museum</a>&nbsp;(Boys Town)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3269575817&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Ortello Dale</a>&nbsp;(Broken Bow)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=cdaaf4fb1e&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">EnvironsArt</a>&nbsp;(Brownville)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b690690b22&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Calamus Outfitters</a>&nbsp;(Burwell)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ca187d74f7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">CocoShack</a>&nbsp;(Chadron)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ff6249b224&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Burgies Bowling</a>&nbsp;(Chappell)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3834768a42&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Fat Head Honey Farms</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clarkson<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5de79f4d8a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Columbus Area Children's Museum</a>&nbsp;(Columbus)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a3c96c94a5&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Frontier Frau</a>&nbsp;(Cozad)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=fecc495dcd&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bess Streeter Aldrich House</a>&nbsp;(Elmwood)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=284b133dce&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Gal and Goat Creamery</a>&nbsp; (Eustis)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=9eeb21d11b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Memories &amp; More Antique Mall</a>&nbsp; (Fairbury)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=aa45915af9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Cumberland’s Fashions</a>&nbsp;(Geneva)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1ab8eb0b84&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Western Nebraska Pioneers Baseball Club</a>&nbsp;(Gering)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=aaf4a2a059&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Windmill State Recreation Area</a>&nbsp;(Gibbon)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=527da2a499&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Big Red Treats - Downtown</a>&nbsp;(Grand Island)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e7917893b3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Pham's Coffee &amp; Boba</a>&nbsp;(Grand Island)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1136a486d0&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Agate Fossil Beds National Monument</a>&nbsp;(Harrison)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c24e4437b5&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bryant Books &amp; Music</a>&nbsp;(Hastings)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d9f5639ca1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Cheese and Wine Shop</a>&nbsp;(Hastings)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=be796e6807&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Blue Bison</a>&nbsp;(Hebron)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=85aa32f474&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Coal &amp; Feed Coffee and Vittle at Iron Horse Arts District</a>&nbsp;(Holdrege)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=433aba0f1a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Axe Holes Kearney</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5ac4ffeab7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Kearney Welcome Center</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=86efb5bcdd&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Museum of Nebraska Art at The Bricks Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=da47281210&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">(402) Creamery</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b15481cdfe&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Elleinad Books</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=835b691e18&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=62121b11ec&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Open Harvest Co-op Grocery</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=59aa9099fe&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Sower Books</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=2ca9ceddd7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Scarlet, Tribute Hotel</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=974d7ca8f6&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Tipsy Pine Pizza Pub/Elm Street Ambitions Boutique</a>&nbsp;(Long Pine)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6b64c810d1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Embers Bakery &amp; Cafe&nbsp;at McCook Creative District</a>&nbsp;(McCook)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=4e1c53770d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Mint 217</a>&nbsp;(McCook)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a9aae39323&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Senator George Norris State Historic Site</a>&nbsp;(McCook)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=4b42206be9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Lake Minatare State Recreation Area</a>&nbsp;(Minatare)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=62e9ccb9da&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Happy Dackle Market</a>&nbsp;(Mitchell)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=bc23fc16fe&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Grimm's Gardens - Nebraska City</a>&nbsp;(Nebraska City)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a9c772468f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">River Mill Coffee Co.</a>&nbsp;(Neligh)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=fcb14e5384&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NoFo Pizza &amp; Cafe at the River Point Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Norfolk)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=20ce597467&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">V'z Oddz and Endz</a>&nbsp;(Norfolk)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=023e0d46a4&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">North 40 Chophouse</a>&nbsp;(North Platte)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=72fcaa81ec&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Eccentric Lamb Fiber Arts, Ltd at the Western Trails Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Ogallala)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=742e002c44&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Legends Comics &amp; Coffee at Benson Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e830cb4f61&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Capitol District</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=11aea15035&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Next Chapter Books</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b4c5dddc51&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Corner Hardware and More</a>&nbsp;(Orchard)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3ab4c24566&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Historic Oshkosh Water Tower</a>&nbsp;(Oshkosh)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=54b03e25eb&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">A-Mazing Flowers and Studio</a>&nbsp;(Prague)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5f4e540508&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">It's All About Bees!</a>&nbsp;(Ralston)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=91085757a9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Hotel Garber</a>&nbsp;(Red Cloud)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3db9bc5c34&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Savor &amp; Grace</a>&nbsp;(Sidney)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=0b076be865&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bloomin Daisies Floral &amp; Gifts</a>&nbsp;(Stuart)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a2042b627f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Roc Hopper Brewing Company</a>&nbsp;(Syracuse)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5573da48c3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bed Head Coffee Co.</a>&nbsp;(St. Paul)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c923dedccf&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Tooth and Whisker Outdoors</a>&nbsp;(Valentine)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b6d99dc7b1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Found + Flora</a>&nbsp;(Wahoo)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6d26e18f65&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Rose Cottage</a><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5e09afe9c6&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">&nbsp;Guest House</a>&nbsp;(Wayne)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3423ea0b2f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Winnetoon Mall &amp; Post Office</a>&nbsp;(Winnetoon)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=86a126058b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Mack's Golden Grounds</a>&nbsp;(York)

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