Chadron, NE, 05/02/2024 – Keep Chadron Beautiful (KCB) is delighted to announce the appointment of Danny Anderson as its new Executive Director. A long-standing resident of Chadron, Nebraska, Danny brings with him a deep commitment to the environmental and beautification efforts that are a hallmark of KCB's mission.

Mr. Anderson assumes his new role effective immediately and will operate from KCB's new office at 342 Main Street, Chadron, Nebraska 69337 – The Veteran's Services Building. His extensive background in nonprofit work and his dedication to environmental stewardship make him an ideal leader to advance the organization's objectives.

Danny commented on his new role, "I am extremely excited to lead Keep Chadron Beautiful and build on the outstanding work we've already accomplished in our community. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the board of directors, engaging with our community members, and broadening the scope of our initiatives."

Under his leadership, KCB aims to enhance its current programs and introduce innovative initiatives that will further beautify Chadron while engaging more actively with the community.

For more information about Keep Chadron Beautiful and our programs, please contact Danny Anderson 308-432-5959, KeepChadronBeautiful@gmail.com

By Keep Chadron BeautifulChadron, NE, 05/02/2024 – Keep Chadron Beautiful (KCB) is delighted to announce the appointment of Danny Anderson as its new Executive Director. A long-standing resident of Chadron, Nebraska, Danny brings with him a deep commitment to the environmental and beautification efforts that are a hallmark of KCB's mission.Mr. Anderson assumes his new role effective immediately and will operate from KCB's new office at 342 Main Street, Chadron, Nebraska 69337 – The Veteran's Services Building. His extensive background in nonprofit work and his dedication to environmental stewardship make him an ideal leader to advance the organization's objectives.Danny commented on his new role, "I am extremely excited to lead Keep Chadron Beautiful and build on the outstanding work we've already accomplished in our community. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the board of directors, engaging with our community members, and broadening the scope of our initiatives."Under his leadership, KCB aims to enhance its current programs and introduce innovative initiatives that will further beautify Chadron while engaging more actively with the community.For more information about Keep Chadron Beautiful and our programs, please contact Danny Anderson 308-432-5959, KeepChadronBeautiful@gmail.com

Keep Chadron Beautiful welcomes new Director Danny Anderson

Circle of Light fundraiser to be held at Chadron Taco John's 

By Krisa Brass, Scottsbluff Police&nbsp;Support Services Captain

On May 2, 2024, the Scottsbluff Police Department was made aware of several local businesses who have had their emails compromised. 

This compromise has caused emails to be sent out to customers asking for them to make an ACH payment or wire transfer.

 If you receive a request like this, we recommend you call the business and verify prior to sending any kind of money.

By Krisa Brass, Scottsbluff Police&nbsp;Support Services CaptainOn May 2, 2024, the Scottsbluff Police Department was made aware of several local businesses who have had their emails compromised. This compromise has caused emails to be sent out to customers asking for them to make an ACH payment or wire transfer. If you receive a request like this, we recommend you call the business and verify prior to sending any kind of money.

Scottsbluff Police remind businesses of email scam 

Alliance, NE – Box Butte County RSVP will be hosting a mobile food pantry in conjunction with Northwest Community Action Partnership and Food bank for the Heartland on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. This is a free program which distributes food to families in Alliance, serving one distribution per car.

To ensure safe access to the Senior Center located at 212 Yellowstone Avenue, the Alliance Police Department are asking patrons to begin at the northeast corner of East 2 nd Street and Yellowstone Avenue. Traffic will line up down East 2 nd to Potash Avenue on the north side of the street. Please make sure to leave intersections open. Any overflow traffic will continue on Potash Avenue to East 3 rd Street parking along the south curb on East 3 rd Street. Please stay in your vehicle at time of delivery.

If you are homebound, and unable to drive thru to pick up your food, please call Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293 to make your delivery arrangements by 2pm on Tuesday, May 7 th . Delivery services are only available to homebound individuals.

For more information about the food drive, please contact Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Box Butte County RSVP will be hosting a mobile food pantry in conjunction with Northwest Community Action Partnership and Food bank for the Heartland on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. This is a free program which distributes food to families in Alliance, serving one distribution per car.To ensure safe access to the Senior Center located at 212 Yellowstone Avenue, the Alliance Police Department are asking patrons to begin at the northeast corner of East 2 nd Street and Yellowstone Avenue. Traffic will line up down East 2 nd to Potash Avenue on the north side of the street. Please make sure to leave intersections open. Any overflow traffic will continue on Potash Avenue to East 3 rd Street parking along the south curb on East 3 rd Street. Please stay in your vehicle at time of delivery.If you are homebound, and unable to drive thru to pick up your food, please call Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293 to make your delivery arrangements by 2pm on Tuesday, May 7 th . Delivery services are only available to homebound individuals.For more information about the food drive, please contact Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293.

Box Butte Co. RSVP to host mobile food pantry with NCAP

National Day of Prayer today 

Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a> to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Panhandle Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.panhandlepost.com/recent-obituaries/kcowradio@gmail.com">kcowradio@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or call (308) 762-1400

Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a> to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp; Panhandle Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.panhandlepost.com/recent-obituaries/kcowradio@gmail.com">kcowradio@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or call (308) 762-1400<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1561995642681.jpeg" alt="" />
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Recent obituaries and service times

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (May 1, 2024) -&nbsp;WNCC will confer 331 degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the 92nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 11.

Morgan Baird, Miss Nebraska 2023, of Gering, will deliver this year's commencement address. Baird is a graduate of WNCC (Class of 2021) where she studied Social Science before transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in May of 2023.

Baird was crowned Miss Nebraska in June 2023 and since has shared her service initiative, "Rock the Vote: Engaging the Political Power of Young People," that encourages young people to become involved in the political process.

The commencement ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. in Cougar Palace. In addition to commencement, WNCC will hold two additional ceremonies on May 11. The nurse pinning ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Judy Chaloupka Theater and the adult education graduation is scheduled for 4 p.m., also in the theater.

The commencement and nurse pinning ceremonies will be livestreamed&nbsp;for those who are unable to attend in person. The livestream can be found on KNEB.tv or at&nbsp;<a href="http://wncc.edu/" target="_blank">wncc.edu</a>.&nbsp;Recordings of the ceremonies will be published on WNCC's YouTube channel at a later date. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://wncc.edu/graduation" target="_blank">wncc.edu/graduation</a>.

About Western Nebraska Community College

For more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.

By WNCCSCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (May 1, 2024) -&nbsp;WNCC will confer 331 degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the 92nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 11.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714608760098.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Morgan Baird, Miss Nebraska 2023, of Gering, will deliver this year's commencement address. Baird is a graduate of WNCC (Class of 2021) where she studied Social Science before transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in May of 2023.Baird was crowned Miss Nebraska in June 2023 and since has shared her service initiative, "Rock the Vote: Engaging the Political Power of Young People," that encourages young people to become involved in the political process.The commencement ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. in Cougar Palace. In addition to commencement, WNCC will hold two additional ceremonies on May 11. The nurse pinning ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Judy Chaloupka Theater and the adult education graduation is scheduled for 4 p.m., also in the theater.The commencement and nurse pinning ceremonies will be livestreamed&nbsp;for those who are unable to attend in person. The livestream can be found on KNEB.tv or at&nbsp;<a href="http://wncc.edu/" target="_blank">wncc.edu</a>.&nbsp;Recordings of the ceremonies will be published on WNCC's YouTube channel at a later date. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://wncc.edu/graduation" target="_blank">wncc.edu/graduation</a>.About Western Nebraska Community CollegeFor more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.

Miss Nebraska Morgan Baird to speak at WNCC commencement ceremony

&nbsp; LINCOLN, Neb. (May 1, 2024) –&nbsp;It's once again time to discover Nebraska's hidden gems. The 2024 Nebraska Passport kicks off Wednesday, May 1 and inspires Nebraskans and tourists to travel throughout the state collecting stamps to earn prizes while also supporting Nebraska’s tourism destinations. Visitors will enjoy fantastic food and drinks, take in beautiful scenery, uncover treasures along Nebraska’s oldest routes and so much more along the way.

This year marks the 15th&nbsp;anniversary of the Nebraska Passport.

The 2024 Passport runs from May 1 through September 30 and features 70 attractions organized into 10 categories, including: Bring Your Wallet, Drive, Stop, Drive, Stop, Drop Some Dough, Fine Vines, Great Stops, Non-Stop, The Old &amp; The Beautiful, Parks A’Plenty, Rare &amp; Remarkable, Rise &amp; Shine, and Various Vittles. A full list of this year’s stops and prizes can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c751902d5d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">nebraskapassport.com</a>.

In addition to the 70 traditional stops, the Passport includes a 15-stop bonus tour this year. To honor the 15 years of the program, this tour will take visitors to a collection of fan-favorite spots around the state, all voted on by past Passport champions. For more information on bonus stops, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskapassport.com/bonusstops" target="_blank">nebraskapassport.com/bonusstops</a>.

“We are so excited to kick off this 15th year of the program!” said Madison Johnson, Nebraska Passport program coordinator. “There will be a handful of unique things offered this year such as stickers, events and of course, 15 bonus stops.”

Passports are available at all participating stops starting May 1 or can be ordered at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=79d488277b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">nebraskapassport.com</a>. Participants are also encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App on their smartphone and get digital stamps, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. Program updates will be sent out regularly through the app.

Passport travelers are also welcome to join the brand-new Nebraska Passport Pals Facebook group. This group is a community for all enthusiasts of the Nebraska Passport program, where they can share thrilling travel tales, offer helpful tips and tricks form their stops and join each other in celebrating reaching all 70 destinations. Join the group at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=f78a4d6793&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/nebraskapassportpals</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska Tourism&nbsp; LINCOLN, Neb. (May 1, 2024) –&nbsp;It's once again time to discover Nebraska's hidden gems. The 2024 Nebraska Passport kicks off Wednesday, May 1 and inspires Nebraskans and tourists to travel throughout the state collecting stamps to earn prizes while also supporting Nebraska’s tourism destinations. Visitors will enjoy fantastic food and drinks, take in beautiful scenery, uncover treasures along Nebraska’s oldest routes and so much more along the way.This year marks the 15th&nbsp;anniversary of the Nebraska Passport.The 2024 Passport runs from May 1 through September 30 and features 70 attractions organized into 10 categories, including: Bring Your Wallet, Drive, Stop, Drive, Stop, Drop Some Dough, Fine Vines, Great Stops, Non-Stop, The Old &amp; The Beautiful, Parks A’Plenty, Rare &amp; Remarkable, Rise &amp; Shine, and Various Vittles. A full list of this year’s stops and prizes can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c751902d5d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">nebraskapassport.com</a>.In addition to the 70 traditional stops, the Passport includes a 15-stop bonus tour this year. To honor the 15 years of the program, this tour will take visitors to a collection of fan-favorite spots around the state, all voted on by past Passport champions. For more information on bonus stops, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskapassport.com/bonusstops" target="_blank">nebraskapassport.com/bonusstops</a>.“We are so excited to kick off this 15th year of the program!” said Madison Johnson, Nebraska Passport program coordinator. “There will be a handful of unique things offered this year such as stickers, events and of course, 15 bonus stops.”Passports are available at all participating stops starting May 1 or can be ordered at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=79d488277b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">nebraskapassport.com</a>. Participants are also encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App on their smartphone and get digital stamps, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. Program updates will be sent out regularly through the app.Passport travelers are also welcome to join the brand-new Nebraska Passport Pals Facebook group. This group is a community for all enthusiasts of the Nebraska Passport program, where they can share thrilling travel tales, offer helpful tips and tricks form their stops and join each other in celebrating reaching all 70 destinations. Join the group at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=f78a4d6793&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/nebraskapassportpals</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 2024 Nebraska Passport program begins Today

Sultry Sounds including Gabe Bruton and Debby Wagner will perform at Flyover Brewery on Friday, May 3 from 6pm-9pm.&nbsp;

Avid Dischord will play Saturday, May 4 from 6pm-9pm and both bands will perform that Sunday, May 5. The show time for Sunday is 5pm-8pm.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714582396731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sultry Sounds including Gabe Bruton and Debby Wagner will perform at Flyover Brewery on Friday, May 3 from 6pm-9pm.&nbsp; Avid Dischord will play Saturday, May 4 from 6pm-9pm and both bands will perform that Sunday, May 5. The show time for Sunday is 5pm-8pm.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714582566607.jpeg" alt="Gabriel the Brute performs at Flyover Brewery in May 2020. Photos by Kalin Krohe.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Gabriel the Brute performs at Flyover Brewery in May 2020. Photos by Kalin Krohe.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714581863708.jpeg" alt="Avid Dischord rocking at Tipsy Dixsy in Alliance in 2024.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Avid Dischord rocking at Tipsy Dixsy in Alliance in 2024.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714583204988.jpeg" alt="Debby Wagner of Sultry Sounds performs at Bands on the Bricks in Alliance in July 2022.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Debby Wagner of Sultry Sounds performs at Bands on the Bricks in Alliance in July 2022.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Gabriel the Brute, Sultry Sounds, Avid to rock at Flyover Brewery in Scottsbluff

Chadron, Neb., May 1, 2024—On August 9th, Smokey Bear will turn 80 years old. There will be opportunities to see Smokey at Forest, Grassland and community events all over the footprint of Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands (NNFG).&nbsp;&nbsp;

The celebration starts today with a coloring contest open to area students, with categories for&nbsp;&nbsp;

ages 3-6, 7-11, and 12-15. Students can print coloring pages from the 80th celebration’s website,&nbsp; or pick them up at local NNFG office and visitor center locations. The coloring pages must be&nbsp;&nbsp;

turned in by July 31st, either to a local NNFG US Forest Service office location, mailed via US&nbsp;&nbsp;

Postal Service: Smokey Bear Coloring Contest c/o Supervisor's Office, 125 N. Main Street,&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chadron, NE 69337 - or emailed to&nbsp;SM.FS.nnf_info@usda.gov. There will be a winner selected&nbsp; from each category and they will receive a tree from NNFG’s own Bessey Nursery, in Halsey, NE.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The celebration website will also have a running list of events happening throughout the&nbsp;&nbsp;

summer, and events will be announced on NNFG’s social media sites. We post notification of&nbsp;&nbsp;

operations on our Facebook page; (https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaForestsGrasslands/),&nbsp; and on X @USFSNebraska. Events currently planned are as follows:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Smokey Bear will greet students from Burwell, NE, May 2nd, students from Mullen,&nbsp;

NE, on May 3rd, and Stapleton &amp; Halsey, NE on May 13th at Bessey Ranger District&nbsp;

• Smokey Bear appearance at Broken Bow Library May 22nd&nbsp;

• Smokey Bear appearance at Chadron Public Library May 25th&nbsp;

We look forward to seeing you out there, celebrating 80 years of Smokey’s lessons about how to avoid human caused wildfire.&nbsp;

Forest Service, USDAChadron, Neb., May 1, 2024—On August 9th, Smokey Bear will turn 80 years old. There will be opportunities to see Smokey at Forest, Grassland and community events all over the footprint of Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands (NNFG).&nbsp;&nbsp;The celebration starts today with a coloring contest open to area students, with categories for&nbsp;&nbsp;ages 3-6, 7-11, and 12-15. Students can print coloring pages from the 80th celebration’s website,&nbsp; or pick them up at local NNFG office and visitor center locations. The coloring pages must be&nbsp;&nbsp;turned in by July 31st, either to a local NNFG US Forest Service office location, mailed via US&nbsp;&nbsp;Postal Service: Smokey Bear Coloring Contest c/o Supervisor's Office, 125 N. Main Street,&nbsp;&nbsp;Chadron, NE 69337 - or emailed to&nbsp;SM.FS.nnf_info@usda.gov. There will be a winner selected&nbsp; from each category and they will receive a tree from NNFG’s own Bessey Nursery, in Halsey, NE.&nbsp;&nbsp;The celebration website will also have a running list of events happening throughout the&nbsp;&nbsp;summer, and events will be announced on NNFG’s social media sites. We post notification of&nbsp;&nbsp;operations on our Facebook page; (https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaForestsGrasslands/),&nbsp; and on X @USFSNebraska. Events currently planned are as follows:&nbsp;&nbsp;• Smokey Bear will greet students from Burwell, NE, May 2nd, students from Mullen,&nbsp;NE, on May 3rd, and Stapleton &amp; Halsey, NE on May 13th at Bessey Ranger District&nbsp;• Smokey Bear appearance at Broken Bow Library May 22nd&nbsp;• Smokey Bear appearance at Chadron Public Library May 25th&nbsp;We look forward to seeing you out there, celebrating 80 years of Smokey’s lessons about how to avoid human caused wildfire.&nbsp;

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands to Celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday

Spencer Gonzales will perform solo at Badly Bent Bar in Gering on May 4 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714582020491.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Spencer Gonzales will perform solo at Badly Bent Bar in Gering on May 4 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714582037301.jpeg" alt="Photo by Kalin Krohe.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Kalin Krohe.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Spencer Gonzalez to perform in Gering 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714581176791.jpeg" alt="Avid Dischord and Float Like A Buffalo will perform on the Eastern Wyoming College Campus today from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. for Bands on Campus.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Avid Dischord and Float Like A Buffalo will perform on the Eastern Wyoming College Campus today from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. for Bands on Campus.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714581938478.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714581863708.jpeg" alt="Photo by Kalin Krohe.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Kalin Krohe.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Avid Dischord, Float Like a Buffalo to perform in Torrington at EWC 

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

I remember teaching my kids to drive. We purchased a small used car with a manual transmission when our daughter turned 15. Many hours were spent with both kids navigating the Maze in Alliance's Homestead Addition. They learned to handle the vehicle, shift gears, back up, park, use mirrors, gauge speed, types of turns, watch for obstructions, etc. before actually driving on streets with other vehicles. I enjoyed being chauffeured everywhere for seven years! And our children both took summer driver's education courses so we got the auto insurance deduction.

We all think our rural kids are better drivers. However, Box Butte and Scotts Bluff Counties rank in the top ten in Nebraska for crashes due to improper driving, speed, and distraction according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) is asking parents to complete a survey at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/ypxrakpd">https://tinyurl.com/ypxrakpd</a> regarding driver's education courses. Only 20% of Panhandle teens take Driver's Education courses, compared to the state average of 50%. Driver's education reduces crashes and traffic tickets.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published Driver Education Program Facts and Figures. Their findings: Teen drivers who have not completed driver's education are 16% more likely to have a crash. They are 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal or injurious crash.

Not only are teens who have not taken driver’s education more likely to be involved in crashes, they are 75% more likely to get a traffic ticket.

In Nebraska, most teens get a learner's permit, and then have to log 50 hours of practice driving under the supervision of a parent or other adult. UNL researchers have found that, during their first year of driving, students who took driver’s ed had significantly fewer accidents and traffic tickets than the group that logged driving hours without formal driving instruction.

Since the 2013-2014 school year, Nebraska high school students have been asked to complete the Teen Driving Experiences Survey. The most recent results online are from the survey completed in January, 2023, by 1,777 students from twelve Nebraska high schools. Survey highlights - all risky behaviors:

Driven a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt: 29%

Ridden in a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt: 51%

Talked on a cell phone while driving: 71%

Ridden with a driver who had been drinking: 15%

Ridden with a driver who had used marijuana: 7%

Driven with two or more teen passengers and no adults: 59%

Driver's education courses typically have classroom instruction on topics such as vehicle safety, laws and regulations, vehicle operation, and factors affecting driving, like alcohol, road conditions, distraction, etc. Students also have behind the-wheel driving practice with a trained instructor.

Driving has changed. Our roads and technology have changed. If I were teaching my kids now, I would have to add roundabouts, zipper merging, backup cameras, and using GPS maps.

WNCC is offering a driver's ed course July 8-12 for ages 14-17. The cost is $195, and the instructor is Richard Kennedy. Students must have a learner's permit. They will complete 20 hours of classroom time and must score 70% or higher on the final exam. Then they drive five hours with the driving test instructor and must pass the driving test. Email drivers.ed@wncc.edu for a registration form or call 308-635-6700 for more information.

Informed, competent, and safe teen drivers ultimately reduce the risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on our nation’s roadways. And driver's education helps make our teens safer drivers.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityI remember teaching my kids to drive. We purchased a small used car with a manual transmission when our daughter turned 15. Many hours were spent with both kids navigating the Maze in Alliance's Homestead Addition. They learned to handle the vehicle, shift gears, back up, park, use mirrors, gauge speed, types of turns, watch for obstructions, etc. before actually driving on streets with other vehicles. I enjoyed being chauffeured everywhere for seven years! And our children both took summer driver's education courses so we got the auto insurance deduction.We all think our rural kids are better drivers. However, Box Butte and Scotts Bluff Counties rank in the top ten in Nebraska for crashes due to improper driving, speed, and distraction according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) is asking parents to complete a survey at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/ypxrakpd">https://tinyurl.com/ypxrakpd</a> regarding driver's education courses. Only 20% of Panhandle teens take Driver's Education courses, compared to the state average of 50%. Driver's education reduces crashes and traffic tickets.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published Driver Education Program Facts and Figures. Their findings: Teen drivers who have not completed driver's education are 16% more likely to have a crash. They are 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal or injurious crash.Not only are teens who have not taken driver’s education more likely to be involved in crashes, they are 75% more likely to get a traffic ticket.In Nebraska, most teens get a learner's permit, and then have to log 50 hours of practice driving under the supervision of a parent or other adult. UNL researchers have found that, during their first year of driving, students who took driver’s ed had significantly fewer accidents and traffic tickets than the group that logged driving hours without formal driving instruction.Since the 2013-2014 school year, Nebraska high school students have been asked to complete the Teen Driving Experiences Survey. The most recent results online are from the survey completed in January, 2023, by 1,777 students from twelve Nebraska high schools. Survey highlights - all risky behaviors:Driven a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt: 29%Ridden in a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt: 51%Talked on a cell phone while driving: 71%Text messaged while driving: 66%Ridden with a driver who had been drinking: 15%Ridden with a driver who had used marijuana: 7%Driven with two or more teen passengers and no adults: 59%Driver's education courses typically have classroom instruction on topics such as vehicle safety, laws and regulations, vehicle operation, and factors affecting driving, like alcohol, road conditions, distraction, etc. Students also have behind the-wheel driving practice with a trained instructor.Driving has changed. Our roads and technology have changed. If I were teaching my kids now, I would have to add roundabouts, zipper merging, backup cameras, and using GPS maps.WNCC is offering a driver's ed course July 8-12 for ages 14-17. The cost is $195, and the instructor is Richard Kennedy. Students must have a learner's permit. They will complete 20 hours of classroom time and must score 70% or higher on the final exam. Then they drive five hours with the driving test instructor and must pass the driving test. Email drivers.ed@wncc.edu for a registration form or call 308-635-6700 for more information.Informed, competent, and safe teen drivers ultimately reduce the risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on our nation’s roadways. And driver's education helps make our teens safer drivers.

Getting Ahead: Why take driver's education?

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: Puke And Rally

Alliance, NE – Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Rob Bila, Platte Valley Bank Community President Chadron / Alliance and Wendy Seidler, Branch Manager, presented a $20,000 check to Box Butte Development Corporation’s Executive Director Hannah Robinson.

This contribution comes as part of the community match pledged when BBDC applied for the Rural Workforce Housing Fund Grant. This generous donation helped the matching fund from the community reach a total of $375,000. This match will unlock $750,000 from the State Program granting the Alliance community a total of $1,125,000 for the rehabilitation and new construction of housing for the local workforce. This state program aims to increase the supply and reduce the costs of workforce housing in Nebraska's rural communities.

“One of Platte Valley Bank’s core values is supporting the communities that we are a part of. We believe that a community is not just made up of buildings and businesses, but also homes and families. We look to lead by example as a bank that is involved in the betterment of peoples’ lives, which is why we fully support this program and the good it does in our community,” said Platte Valley Bank Community President Rob Bila.

The Box Butte Development Corporation is proud to have community stakeholders investing in this initiative that will propel its housing initiatives forward.

“To see how the community has matched this grant is incredibly inspiring and provides momentum for us to hit the ground running,” said BBDC’s newly appointed Executive Director Hannah Robinson. “I couldn’t be more thankful that this initiative and fund is part of my first tasks at BBDC.”

Additional organizations that have also made considerable matches include the City of Alliance, Nebraska Bank, and Box Butte General Hospital. BBDC is eager to see this program take off and thanks all those involved in the application and award of the grant. 

If you have questions regarding the Rural Workforce Housing Fund, please contact BBDC Director Hannah Robinson at 308-762-1800 or via email at BBDCDirector@bbc.net.

By BBDC<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714575687386.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alliance, NE – Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Rob Bila, Platte Valley Bank Community President Chadron / Alliance and Wendy Seidler, Branch Manager, presented a $20,000 check to Box Butte Development Corporation’s Executive Director Hannah Robinson.This contribution comes as part of the community match pledged when BBDC applied for the Rural Workforce Housing Fund Grant. This generous donation helped the matching fund from the community reach a total of $375,000. This match will unlock $750,000 from the State Program granting the Alliance community a total of $1,125,000 for the rehabilitation and new construction of housing for the local workforce. This state program aims to increase the supply and reduce the costs of workforce housing in Nebraska's rural communities.“One of Platte Valley Bank’s core values is supporting the communities that we are a part of. We believe that a community is not just made up of buildings and businesses, but also homes and families. We look to lead by example as a bank that is involved in the betterment of peoples’ lives, which is why we fully support this program and the good it does in our community,” said Platte Valley Bank Community President Rob Bila.The Box Butte Development Corporation is proud to have community stakeholders investing in this initiative that will propel its housing initiatives forward.“To see how the community has matched this grant is incredibly inspiring and provides momentum for us to hit the ground running,” said BBDC’s newly appointed Executive Director Hannah Robinson. “I couldn’t be more thankful that this initiative and fund is part of my first tasks at BBDC.”Additional organizations that have also made considerable matches include the City of Alliance, Nebraska Bank, and Box Butte General Hospital. BBDC is eager to see this program take off and thanks all those involved in the application and award of the grant. If you have questions regarding the Rural Workforce Housing Fund, please contact BBDC Director Hannah Robinson at 308-762-1800 or via email at BBDCDirector@bbc.net.

Platte Valley Bank contributes $20K to BBDC for Rural Workforce Housing Fund 

The University of Nebraska Medical Center will honor three individuals with special awards at its May 4 Omaha&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/student-success/academic-records/commencement/index.html" target="_blank">commencement</a>&nbsp;at 9 a.m. at Baxter Arena.

Barry Gold, PhD, emeritus professor and former chair of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science for achievement in the advancement of science and service in the health sciences fields.

Nebraskans Kent Lacey, MD, and Michael Sitorius, MD, will be honored with the J.G. Elliott Award for their significant contributions to medicine and health programs for the state of Nebraska. The honor is named for Jack Elliott, a longtime University of Nebraska regent who died in 1974.

The honorary doctorate is a homecoming for Dr. Gold, an esteemed scientist. Prior to his career at Pittsburgh, he spent more than 30 years at UNMC’s Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and Eppley Cancer Center. At UNMC, Dr. Gold’s leadership was indispensable, both as a mentor to his fellow faculty members, and as acting, then interim director of the Eppley Institute at a crucial time.

Dr. Gold’s leadership of the Eppley Institute included establishing the foundation for building a strong program in DNA repair and the discussions which led to the founding of the Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska. In the decades since, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised millions for cancer research, and deepened UNMC’s outreach efforts to the state’s rural communities.

Dr. Lacey practiced family medicine in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Jack Elliott’s hometown, for 37 years. Throughout his career, Dr. Lacey has been lauded for his mentorship of nursing and medical students and family medicine residents. And, for his caring manner.

In one especially memorable moment, Dr. Lacey made a reverse house call – while he had to stay home to watch his own kids, he invited a mother to bring her sick child to see him at his house. He recommended an ER visit for a spinal tap, which showed the young girl had meningitis.

Dr. Sitorius, a Cozad, Nebraska, native, meant to stay at UNMC for one year before going on to rural practice. Instead, over a 42-year career at UNMC, he’s arguably had as big an impact on rural health in the state of Nebraska as anyone in the past 40 years. The UNMC Department of Family Medicine under Dr. Sitorius’ leadership has had a role in training about 70% of Nebraska’s practicing family physicians. He has developed and overseen numerous initiatives to find potential medical students within Nebraska’s rural communities and see them return to the state’s rural areas as practicing physicians.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714569926231.jpeg" alt="Michael Sitorius, Cozad native (Courtesy of UNMC)" />
 <figcaption>Michael Sitorius, Cozad native (Courtesy of UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCThe University of Nebraska Medical Center will honor three individuals with special awards at its May 4 Omaha&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/student-success/academic-records/commencement/index.html" target="_blank">commencement</a>&nbsp;at 9 a.m. at Baxter Arena.Barry Gold, PhD, emeritus professor and former chair of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science for achievement in the advancement of science and service in the health sciences fields.Nebraskans Kent Lacey, MD, and Michael Sitorius, MD, will be honored with the J.G. Elliott Award for their significant contributions to medicine and health programs for the state of Nebraska. The honor is named for Jack Elliott, a longtime University of Nebraska regent who died in 1974.The honorary doctorate is a homecoming for Dr. Gold, an esteemed scientist. Prior to his career at Pittsburgh, he spent more than 30 years at UNMC’s Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and Eppley Cancer Center. At UNMC, Dr. Gold’s leadership was indispensable, both as a mentor to his fellow faculty members, and as acting, then interim director of the Eppley Institute at a crucial time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714569979772.jpeg" alt="Barry Gold (Courtesy of UNMC)" />
 <figcaption>Barry Gold (Courtesy of UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Gold’s leadership of the Eppley Institute included establishing the foundation for building a strong program in DNA repair and the discussions which led to the founding of the Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska. In the decades since, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised millions for cancer research, and deepened UNMC’s outreach efforts to the state’s rural communities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714569997829.jpeg" alt="Kent Lacey (Courtesy of UNMC)" />
 <figcaption>Kent Lacey (Courtesy of UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Lacey practiced family medicine in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Jack Elliott’s hometown, for 37 years. Throughout his career, Dr. Lacey has been lauded for his mentorship of nursing and medical students and family medicine residents. And, for his caring manner.In one especially memorable moment, Dr. Lacey made a reverse house call – while he had to stay home to watch his own kids, he invited a mother to bring her sick child to see him at his house. He recommended an ER visit for a spinal tap, which showed the young girl had meningitis.Dr. Sitorius, a Cozad, Nebraska, native, meant to stay at UNMC for one year before going on to rural practice. Instead, over a 42-year career at UNMC, he’s arguably had as big an impact on rural health in the state of Nebraska as anyone in the past 40 years. The UNMC Department of Family Medicine under Dr. Sitorius’ leadership has had a role in training about 70% of Nebraska’s practicing family physicians. He has developed and overseen numerous initiatives to find potential medical students within Nebraska’s rural communities and see them return to the state’s rural areas as practicing physicians.

Three to be honored at UNMC Omaha commencement ceremony May 4

REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR UNITED WAY 5K COLOR DASH

Scottsbluff – Please join us at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 2, 2024 at Riverstone Bank (2002 Broadway, Scottsbluff) to take part in the annual “PAINT TOSS” and Press Conference to kick off the United Way Color Dash! This will be a great photo/video opportunity for all media. United Way volunteers will also be on hand to answer any questions about the United Way Color Dash.

United Way of Western Nebraska and Riverstone Bank are proud to announce their partnership in hosting the 7th Annual United Way Color Dash. The Color Dash presented by Riverstone Bank is a colorful 5K for runners of all levels and abilities set for June 1, 2024 in Gering. Racers will be completely transformed by vibrant color.

During the race route, participants run through color stations where volunteers at each “Splash Station” throw handfuls of colored cornstarch-based paint on runners as they pass by. The paint is non-toxic and biodegradable. Participants enjoy pit stops throughout the race where local businesses and sponsors pass out goodies and then enjoy a color dance party after they cross the finish line. A live DJ bumps the musical vibes at the end to celebrate.

As a non-competitive run or walk event, the United Way Color Dash presented by Riverstone bank attracts runners of all different ages, fitness levels, and experience. This 5K fun event begins and ends at Five Rock Amphitheater in Gering. The course winds through Gering where the public can purchase paint to throw on the participants.

Registration is now open. New this year- the first 100 finishers will receive a custom finisher medal! United Way is encouraging everyone to register early to ensure a spot in this fun, charitable event. Register online at www.uwwn.org/colordash. For more information call United Way at 635-2522.

Proceeds raised support United Way of Western in supporting 26 local partner nonprofit agencies and United Way community impact work.

United Way of Western Nebraska is a nonprofit organization that unites people and resources to build a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community. They support 25 local nonprofit agencies in the areas of education, health and financial stability. They have been reinvesting in Western Nebraska since their inception in 1945. For more information, visit www.uwwn.org.

By United Way of Western NebraskaREGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR UNITED WAY 5K COLOR DASHScottsbluff – Please join us at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 2, 2024 at Riverstone Bank (2002 Broadway, Scottsbluff) to take part in the annual “PAINT TOSS” and Press Conference to kick off the United Way Color Dash! This will be a great photo/video opportunity for all media. United Way volunteers will also be on hand to answer any questions about the United Way Color Dash.United Way of Western Nebraska and Riverstone Bank are proud to announce their partnership in hosting the 7th Annual United Way Color Dash. The Color Dash presented by Riverstone Bank is a colorful 5K for runners of all levels and abilities set for June 1, 2024 in Gering. Racers will be completely transformed by vibrant color.During the race route, participants run through color stations where volunteers at each “Splash Station” throw handfuls of colored cornstarch-based paint on runners as they pass by. The paint is non-toxic and biodegradable. Participants enjoy pit stops throughout the race where local businesses and sponsors pass out goodies and then enjoy a color dance party after they cross the finish line. A live DJ bumps the musical vibes at the end to celebrate.As a non-competitive run or walk event, the United Way Color Dash presented by Riverstone bank attracts runners of all different ages, fitness levels, and experience. This 5K fun event begins and ends at Five Rock Amphitheater in Gering. The course winds through Gering where the public can purchase paint to throw on the participants.Registration is now open. New this year- the first 100 finishers will receive a custom finisher medal! United Way is encouraging everyone to register early to ensure a spot in this fun, charitable event. Register online at www.uwwn.org/colordash. For more information call United Way at 635-2522.Proceeds raised support United Way of Western in supporting 26 local partner nonprofit agencies and United Way community impact work.United Way of Western Nebraska is a nonprofit organization that unites people and resources to build a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community. They support 25 local nonprofit agencies in the areas of education, health and financial stability. They have been reinvesting in Western Nebraska since their inception in 1945. For more information, visit www.uwwn.org.

Registrations now open for United Way 5K Color Dash

Alliance, NE – Due to high winds, the Alliance Public Landfill construction and demo area, and loose fill area, are closed to the public. Operations in these areas will resume once the wind gust lowers to 25 mph or less.

For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Due to high winds, the Alliance Public Landfill construction and demo area, and loose fill area, are closed to the public. Operations in these areas will resume once the wind gust lowers to 25 mph or less.For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Partial closure at Alliance Landfill 

CHADRON – Chadron State College will recognize 354 candidates for graduation at the Spring Commencement Ceremony in the Chicoine Center on Saturday at 10 a.m. The event honoring 274 undergraduates and 80 graduates will be&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/live" target="_blank">live-streamed</a>.

The opening moment of reflection will be given by Austin Alexander of Newell, South Dakota, who will also receive her commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. The closing moment of reflection will be given by Kinsey Smith of Windsor, Colorado.

Below is the list of students expected to graduate by degree. The hometowns listed are those on file for the students. Honor graduates are designated by asterisks. ***Summa cum laude, 3.9-4.0 GPA; **Magna cum laude, 3.75-3.89 GPA; *Cum laude, 3.6-3.74

The commencement speaker is former Nebraska State Senator John Stinner Sr. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature, representing District 48, in 2014 and re-elected in 2018.

“Chadron State is such a great asset to the Panhandle and the state of Nebraska from an economic and post-secondary&nbsp;perspective. It's a great honor to be asked to be a part of the commencement ceremony,” Stinner said.

A native of Pennsylvania, Stinner came to Nebraska on a full athletic scholarship and was a member of the University of Nebraska national championship football team in 1970-71. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1973 and a master’s in economics from UNL in 1976.

Stinner and his wife, Rita, have been married since 1972 and have two children and four grandchildren. The couple resides in Gering.

He is a retired CPA and the former CEO and board chair of Valley Bank of Trust. He also served on the board of directors of Western States Bank.

His civic service has included work with the following organizations: the Oregon Trail Community Foundation, the Scottsbluff/Gering Rotary Club, the Sons of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, the Gering Downtown Revitalization Committee, Elks Club, and the WNCC Cougar Booster Club, and Christ the King parish.

Stinner is a former board member and trustee with Hospital Authority No. 1 of Scotts Bluff County and former chair of the Nebraska Bankers Association. He also served on numerous boards including the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation, the Terry Carpenter Center, the Nebraska Journalism Trust, and the WyoBraska Museum. He served as president of the YMCA of Scottsbluff board, the Gering School Board, and Twin Cities Development.

His honors include the 2024 State Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame, 2023 Behavioral Health Educational Center of Nebraska Distinguished Service Award, 2023 Nebraskaland Foundation NEBRASKAlander Award, the Nebraska Arts Council Thomas C. Woods Ill Partner in the Arts Award, State Friend of Psychology from the Nebraska Psychological Association, and Nebraska Society of CPA Legislator of the Year in 2023.

Alliance: Isabella Middleton***, Alicia Tyree**

Chadron: Curtiss Bruhn, Cheyann Coen, Allie Ferguson*, Allison Omernik*, Jessy Roberts, Savanna Sayaloune***, Nicole Scarrow*, Taylor Strotheide, Tyleigh Strotheide, Kassyl Swinney-Ruiz

Lincoln: Allison Schneider**, Charles Volcek

Scottsbluff: Harrison Bice, Erin Hayhurst***, Angelique Weber

Sidney: Trey Douglas, Henry Gutierrez, Cayden Jobman, Caitlyn Mueller*

Broomfield: Joseph DeCamillis*, Hunter O'Connor, Grant Swenson, Madison Watt***

Eaton: Makenna Cormack***, Noelle Meagher

Thornton: Samantha Conradie*, Olivia Trembly**

Casper: Rebecca Goeken**, Emory Yoosook**

Lingle: Callie Fritzler***, Bailey Powell, Ashley Riley**

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Chadron State College will recognize 354 candidates for graduation at the Spring Commencement Ceremony in the Chicoine Center on Saturday at 10 a.m. The event honoring 274 undergraduates and 80 graduates will be&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/live" target="_blank">live-streamed</a>.The opening moment of reflection will be given by Austin Alexander of Newell, South Dakota, who will also receive her commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. The closing moment of reflection will be given by Kinsey Smith of Windsor, Colorado.Below is the list of students expected to graduate by degree. The hometowns listed are those on file for the students. Honor graduates are designated by asterisks. ***Summa cum laude, 3.9-4.0 GPA; **Magna cum laude, 3.75-3.89 GPA; *Cum laude, 3.6-3.74The commencement speaker is former Nebraska State Senator John Stinner Sr. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature, representing District 48, in 2014 and re-elected in 2018.“Chadron State is such a great asset to the Panhandle and the state of Nebraska from an economic and post-secondary&nbsp;perspective. It's a great honor to be asked to be a part of the commencement ceremony,” Stinner said.A native of Pennsylvania, Stinner came to Nebraska on a full athletic scholarship and was a member of the University of Nebraska national championship football team in 1970-71. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1973 and a master’s in economics from UNL in 1976.Stinner and his wife, Rita, have been married since 1972 and have two children and four grandchildren. The couple resides in Gering.He is a retired CPA and the former CEO and board chair of Valley Bank of Trust. He also served on the board of directors of Western States Bank.His civic service has included work with the following organizations: the Oregon Trail Community Foundation, the Scottsbluff/Gering Rotary Club, the Sons of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, the Gering Downtown Revitalization Committee, Elks Club, and the WNCC Cougar Booster Club, and Christ the King parish.Stinner is a former board member and trustee with Hospital Authority No. 1 of Scotts Bluff County and former chair of the Nebraska Bankers Association. He also served on numerous boards including the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation, the Terry Carpenter Center, the Nebraska Journalism Trust, and the WyoBraska Museum. He served as president of the YMCA of Scottsbluff board, the Gering School Board, and Twin Cities Development.His honors include the 2024 State Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame, 2023 Behavioral Health Educational Center of Nebraska Distinguished Service Award, 2023 Nebraskaland Foundation NEBRASKAlander Award, the Nebraska Arts Council Thomas C. Woods Ill Partner in the Arts Award, State Friend of Psychology from the Nebraska Psychological Association, and Nebraska Society of CPA Legislator of the Year in 2023.Bachelor of Applied ScienceStephanie Freeburg, Berthoud, ColoAllen Stubbert, Columbus, Neb.Bachelor of ArtsNebraskaAlliance: Isabella Middleton***, Alicia Tyree**Arthur: Colten Storer**Benkelman: Anntoinette LurzBlair: McKenna SchlueterChadron: Curtiss Bruhn, Cheyann Coen, Allie Ferguson*, Allison Omernik*, Jessy Roberts, Savanna Sayaloune***, Nicole Scarrow*, Taylor Strotheide, Tyleigh Strotheide, Kassyl Swinney-RuizCrawford: William AckermanCrete: Minh Duc Le**Culbertson: Jancy MarksDecatur: Breanna DeaconDoniphan: Brenna SchulerEustis: Amber LangeGering: Madison Kinney, Elizabeth MalsamGordon: Sierra Garrett**Gothenburg: Olivia JorgensonGrant: Adriana Gonzalez***Gurley: Ella DraperHalsey: Colt HesseltineHyannis: Shailey McAbeeImperial: Aaron HinojosaJohnson: Sophie ClarkLewellen: Reid Spady**Lincoln: Allison Schneider**, Charles VolcekLisco: Zachery EvansMarquette: Ashley Gonzalez RodriguezMinden: Markus RamseyMorrill: Kenzey Kanno**, Tanner WhethamNorfolk: Bailey Hurlburt**North Platte: Anders SwansonOgallala: Kai Brixton**, Emma Coffman***Ohiowa: Hector NunezOverton: Kien MartinPolk: Dylan Soule**Rushville: Riley SnyderScottsbluff: Harrison Bice, Erin Hayhurst***, Angelique WeberSidney: Trey Douglas, Henry Gutierrez, Cayden Jobman, Caitlyn Mueller*Springfield: Alyssa RihaSt. Paul: Grant Turek**Stromsburg: Hannah PfeiflySumner: Ashley RohdeColoradoBrighton: MacKenzi KrollBroomfield: Joseph DeCamillis*, Hunter O'Connor, Grant Swenson, Madison Watt***Burlington: Lillina FooseByers: Ashland Baca***Denver: Devin BuderusEaton: Makenna Cormack***, Noelle MeagherEvans: Mayson FagotFort Collins: Jessie HenchenskiFort Morgan: Destiny PeltonGrand Lake: Sarah HoughGreeley: Aliyah HernandezHotchkiss: Rebeka Scheiderer*Idalia: Brisa PerezLakewood: Paige ProppLimon: Litzy WilsonLoveland: Kellye WhitesideNorthglenn: Hector OrtegaParker: Tyler GishPueblo: Makayla Keck*Seibert: Emily MasonSimla: Molly Braun***Thornton: Samantha Conradie*, Olivia Trembly**Wellington: Brody LambWestminster: Juliana SellarsSouth DakotaAllen: Vernon Plenty BullBuffalo: Brooklyn Williams*Custer: Morgan HelferHolabird: Zane Zilverberg*Hot Springs: Chaela HolmesMobridge: Alexis Sjomeling***Newell: Austin Alexander*Owanka: Nicole Volmer*Spearfish: Shaylie Edgren*WyomingBurns: Kaden LakinCasper: Rebecca Goeken**, Emory Yoosook**Douglas: Abrielle Hoopman**Gillette: April Davis, Chloe RankinGlenrock: Richard Harris IIJackson: Jeydon CoxLingle: Callie Fritzler***, Bailey Powell, Ashley Riley**Lusk: Alec Penfield, Riley ShawMoorcroft: Rose Black, Tia Cranston***, Lynsey GrayNewcastle: Shelby DavisRiverton: Emma Crichton, Kaden DowerRock Springs: Trinity ChrisawnSheridan: Brooke WormanTorrington: Brittney Lopez, Meranda RichardsWheatland: Halle Smith***Other States and Other CountriesAllison Acosta, Oro Valley, Ariz.Kyle Shirley***, Queen Creek, Ariz.Sofia Rubio, Tempe, Ariz.Catherine Ford, Los Angeles, Calif.Chloe Brown, Riverside, Calif.Tayton Ricard, Blakesburg, IowaEstrella Cruz, Council Bluffs, IowaBrook Staten, Olsburg, Kan.Kolton Drogowski***, Williamsburg, Mich.Adeline Beason**, Byram, Miss.Logan Peila, Miles City, Mont.BreAnne Benson, West Fargo, N.D.Jared Hurt, Conroe, TexasJoshua Robinson***, Paris, TexasArmon Johnson, Prosper, TexasJoseph Dumsa, West Valley City, UtahKaren Norton***, Ephrata, Wash.Dean Neff***, Lake Mills, Wis.Thomas Bagin*, Menomonee Falls, Wis.Maria Garcia Martinez, Gualcinse, HondurasMolly Cockburn*, Christchurch, New ZealandBachelor of ScienceNebraskaBig Springs: Kristie EmersonChadron: Michael Anderson***, Emma Cogdill**Chappell: Cooper ReichmanColumbus: Emma StewartCrawford: Emalee AckermanDunning: Bryan ZutavernGothenburg: Jamie Graff**Hastings: Grace RedingerHershey: Carlee Brownawell***Kearney: Drayden BellamyLoup City: Ashley Dearmont**, Creighton Harrington***Madrid: Quinn Koop**McCook: Elise AguilarNebraska City: Aubrey Bando*Norfolk: Jalen Hoffman, Katherine Meuret*North Platte: Emily Evans*Omaha: Carolyn Drake**O'Neill: Alexa Shald**Scottsbluff: Kayden SingpielSidney: Jaylee Shaw*Springview: Katie Lewis***Valentine: Kortney KronhofmanYork: Harrison Gocke*ColoradoAurora: Gabriel PerkinsKit Carson: Cordell FarmerLamar: Isabel Gaines**Merino: Jessy SextonSouth DakotaBelle Fourche: Colby Tadra*Box Elder: Colton JacksonCamp Crook: Karissa RasmussenHarrold: Velvet Jessen*Kadoka: Dylan Vander MayRapid City: Julie Geiman, Nicholas Lembke***Vivian: Brianna Smith***WyomingGreen River: Ashlyn Jensen*Kemmerer: Colter JulianLander: Ursula AndersonLusk: Ashley ChristiansonNewcastle: Gunnar WainscottOther States and CountriesZen Petrosius, Seward, AlaskaKaitlyn Smith***, Hackberry, Ariz.Kelsey Huggans, Wichita, Kan.Kayla Brown***, Glendive, Mont.Irene Johnson, Roy, Mont.Emmanuella Tchona*, Lokossa, BeninMartin Poznanovic***, Uzice, SerbiaBachelor of Science in EducationNebraskaAlliance: Cade Stephenson***Bayard: Wyatt Fiscus***, Colin Hendrickson, Cole KramerBeatrice: Sarah Riekenberg*Bertrand: Jenna Kuck-Urbanovsky***Bloomfield: Kaci Millikan*Bridgeport: Regina Gonzalez, Jacie LussettoChadron: Madison Sandstrom***Columbus: Hannah Montgomery*Firth: Sophia LentferGering: Tori Hoagland, Taylor Koros***, Morgan Van Anne***Hastings: Kennedy HowardHershey: Chanda CooperHoldrege: Darci SamuelsonImperial: Carissa Hill***Lewellen: Kara Haskell*Lincoln: Monica Nagel***Lodgepole: Cooper MichelmanMitchell: Lyndsey WaltersMorrill: Katlyn Medel***Mullen: Cecilia CoonsNaper: Mattie Baird***North Platte: Jordynn Boyle, Emilee Henne***Odell: Alexis Parks***Ogallala: McKenna Headley**Ord: Danielle ThyfaultPalmer: Taylor LuedkeSargent: Bailey Schneider***Scottsbluff: Ashley Kessler, Amanda Peister, Sarah Peterson*, Alicia Stodola*Sidney: Seth Studnicka**Valentine: Brennann Jackson*Wauneta: Tiffany Harris, Julie SparrowYork: Paige OblenderColoradoCedaredge: Reganne McIntire**Erie: Sloane Quijas*Fort Morgan: Audrey KramerHolyoke: Makenzie Martin*Yuma: Naydeen KnappSouth DakotaHermosa: Kristin Seidler***Hot Springs: T'Aunah Benson***, Breanna Remington, Caden Shanklin***Martin: Tarryn CadyPierre: William Gore**Rapid City: Shana BenderSturgis: Joel Carpenter*Summerset: Michaela Hill**WyomingAlpine: Johannah Christie*Burns: Katelyn Bach**Casper: Leah Jensen***Cheyenne: Rhiannon Thomalla**Douglas: Cassidy Cole, Jaylon Martinez, Andrea Tena***Lander: Annabeth Koger**Laramie: Shasta Rosales***Sheridan: Reata Cook*, Allison PuuriTorrington: Onalise KingsleyMaster of Arts in EducationNebraskaAlliance: Jaiden BrownBassett: Katherine NollesCentral City: Jessica BrondelChadron: Mikel Landreth, Jazlyn ReitzColumbus: Valerie BrownElyria: Lauren CollinsGering: Jacklyn CawiezelGordon: Amanda GeyerHyannis: Brandy SchaackKearney: Bryan MuellerMinden: Starla DoxonMorrill: Traci PattersonOrd: Jordyn BartakPotter: Jessica BowerScottsbluff: Lauren ArmstrongSidney: Melissa RossOther States and CountriesJason Ott, Anchorage, AlaskaSascha Smith, Anchorage, AlaskaJacob Norris, Fort Morgan, Colo.Loren Schmoll, Adel, IowaDavid Krimmel, Glennallen, AlaskaAbigail Sasse, Darien, Ill.Emily Manriquez, Montevideo, MinnJesse Orcutt, Glendive, Mont.Daniel O'Brien, Dickinson, N.D.Jonathan Tsigler, Brooklyn, N.Y.Brittany Hallis, Bedford, OhioRieley Maier, Bowdle, S.D.Scott Hesla, Webster, S.D.Stephanie Gill, Gillette, Wyo.Calder Forcella, Greybull, Wyo.Master of Business AdministrationNebraskaChadron: Clark RiesenDavid City: Thomas GlockGothenburg: Scott SpeckGrand Island: Samantha KimminauHenry: Andrew AvilaHershey: Louise SchroderScottsbluff: Leslie Foral, Darci RolandOther States and CountriesMic'Kael Foust Jr., Little Rock, Ark.Blayke De La Rosa, Spring Valley, Calif.Kathryn Helsel, Arvada, Colo.Mason Watt, Broomfield, Colo.Kinsey Smith, Windsor, Colo.Anthony Narvaez, Hialeah, Fla.Kayla Phillips, Albuquerque, N.M.Colin Webster, Wayne, Neb.Ryan Kenny, Portland, Ore.Jessica Tubbs, Edgemont, S.D.Leslie Harlan, Martin, S.D.Elizabeth Bromberek, Alexandria, Va.Stephanie Johnson, Herndon, Va.Bailey Lupher, Mountain View, Wyo.Master of EducationNebraskaAnselmo: Marcelle KastensGothenburg: Charity WyattMcCook: Amanda EinspahrNorth Platte: Zachary OstergardScottsbluff: Shelby WinchellWyomingDouglas: Katherine SpletzerGillette: Madison HinshawGreybull: Jessica WhethamSheridan: Jacquelyn HoveyMaster of Science in Organizational ManagementNebraskaChadron: Ricki HicksteinGrand Island: Madyson SchliepOshkosh: Kimberly ChadwickPapillion: Dustin McKennaSumner: Traven ClaflinOther States and CountriesKayla Campuzano, Brighton, Colo.Rylee Greiman, Windsor, Colo.Rachel Davila, Hot Springs, S.D.Taygen Smith, Amarillo, TexasRebecca Monahan, Cheyenne, Wyo.

Chadron State College Commencement set for Saturday

This is the Post Podcast. Today we spoke with Kylen Armstrong from Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about their 2024 photo contest.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Upper Niobrara White NRD Photo Contest" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=khb4p-15fd373-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>This is the Post Podcast. Today we spoke with Kylen Armstrong from Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about their 2024 photo contest.&nbsp;

Post Podcast: Upper Niobrara White NRD Photo Contest 

POST PODCAST: ARC Fundraising Update

Editor's note: Story has been updated with information that the suspect was taken to the hospital treatment.

North Platte, Neb. - After almost seven hours, the standoff situation at Burlington and McCabe ended with the suspect in custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The suspect exited from his house sometime before 8:00pm and reportedly had his weapon with him. After several commands, he put his weapon down and surrendered. The suspect was taken to Great Plains Health for treatment.&nbsp;

It's reported that the man was firing a weapon outside his home. Around 2:23 pm, the North Platte Police Department issued a RAVE alert telling citizens to avoid the area of the 1500 block of Burlington as law enforcement was on scene handling the situation. Police set up barricades around the area to keep the public out. No more information has been released at this time.

***This is a developing story and will be updated when more information becomes available.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714439924446.jpeg" alt="North Platte Police, Nebraska State Patrol and North Platte EMS on scene at the standoff situation in North Platte (Photo taken by Canon Rath/North Platte Post)" />
 <figcaption>North Platte Police, Nebraska State Patrol and North Platte EMS on scene at the standoff situation in North Platte (Photo taken by Canon Rath/North Platte Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: Story has been updated with information that the suspect was taken to the hospital treatment.North Platte Post&nbsp;North Platte, Neb. - After almost seven hours, the standoff situation at Burlington and McCabe ended with the suspect in custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;The suspect exited from his house sometime before 8:00pm and reportedly had his weapon with him. After several commands, he put his weapon down and surrendered. The suspect was taken to Great Plains Health for treatment.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714440595242.jpeg" alt="Nebraska State Patrol and North Platte EMS on scene at the standoff in North Platte. (Photo taken by Canon Rath/North Platte Post)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska State Patrol and North Platte EMS on scene at the standoff in North Platte. (Photo taken by Canon Rath/North Platte Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>It's reported that the man was firing a weapon outside his home. Around 2:23 pm, the North Platte Police Department issued a RAVE alert telling citizens to avoid the area of the 1500 block of Burlington as law enforcement was on scene handling the situation. Police set up barricades around the area to keep the public out. No more information has been released at this time.***This is a developing story and will be updated when more information becomes available.&nbsp;

North Platte standoff ends with suspect in police custody

CUSTER, SD – Jewel Cave National Monument is changing its operations to prepare for visitors this summer season. Beginning Wednesday, May 8 the visitor center will be open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. will begin on Sunday, May 19. These hours will then continue until Labor Day.

Jewel Cave’s Wild Caving Tours will begin for the season on Saturday, May 25 and the Historic Lantern Tours on Saturday, June 1. The park plans to offer the Historic Lantern Tours daily until Labor Day, and the Wild Caving Tour on weekends and select weekdays through mid-August. The monument will continue to offer the popular Scenic and Discovery Tours. Advance reservations for the Scenic, Discovery and Historic Lantern Tours are strongly recommended and will be available to book on Recreation.gov, with limited walk-up tours available daily. Advance reservations are required for the Wild Caving Tour and will be by phone. Information on booking this tour is on our website and recreation.gov.

The monument also partners with the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, which operates a Park Store inside the visitor center. The store will be open on the same schedule as the visitor center and provides visitors with multiple products and services to complement their visit.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at www.nps.gov/jeca, as well as on social media through Facebook at www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/ and Instagram at www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps.

Press ReleaseCUSTER, SD – Jewel Cave National Monument is changing its operations to prepare for visitors this summer season. Beginning Wednesday, May 8 the visitor center will be open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. will begin on Sunday, May 19. These hours will then continue until Labor Day.Jewel Cave’s Wild Caving Tours will begin for the season on Saturday, May 25 and the Historic Lantern Tours on Saturday, June 1. The park plans to offer the Historic Lantern Tours daily until Labor Day, and the Wild Caving Tour on weekends and select weekdays through mid-August. The monument will continue to offer the popular Scenic and Discovery Tours. Advance reservations for the Scenic, Discovery and Historic Lantern Tours are strongly recommended and will be available to book on Recreation.gov, with limited walk-up tours available daily. Advance reservations are required for the Wild Caving Tour and will be by phone. Information on booking this tour is on our website and recreation.gov.The monument also partners with the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, which operates a Park Store inside the visitor center. The store will be open on the same schedule as the visitor center and provides visitors with multiple products and services to complement their visit.Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at www.nps.gov/jeca, as well as on social media through Facebook at www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/ and Instagram at www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps.

Jewel Cave announces hours for summer season

Alliance, NE – The Alliance Public Library invites you to place one vote per age division in the Spring Coloring Contest at Alliance Public Library now through April 30th. Vote in-person at the library or online on our Facebook page. Age divisions include Preschool-Second Grade and Grades 3-5. The Grand Prize winner in each age division will receive a Deluxe Art Set, courtesy of the Alliance Public Library Foundation.

Additionally, the Alliance Public Library is excited to announce the upcoming Story Time themes for ages 3-6 which include “Transportation” on April 30th and May 2nd, “Beautiful Bubbles” on May 7th and 9th, then “Summer Sparkle” plus “Birthday Party” on May 14th and 16th. In recognition of May as Law Enforcement Appreciation month, the Alliance Police Department will also share Summer Safety for several May Story Times. Story Time meets on Tuesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 1 pm with several stories, music, and crafts in the Alliance Public Library Children’s Room.

Furthermore, LEGO Club for grades K-3 will meet on Tuesday, May 7th and 21st from 4-5 pm in the Community Room.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The Alliance Public Library invites you to place one vote per age division in the Spring Coloring Contest at Alliance Public Library now through April 30th. Vote in-person at the library or online on our Facebook page. Age divisions include Preschool-Second Grade and Grades 3-5. The Grand Prize winner in each age division will receive a Deluxe Art Set, courtesy of the Alliance Public Library Foundation.Additionally, the Alliance Public Library is excited to announce the upcoming Story Time themes for ages 3-6 which include “Transportation” on April 30th and May 2nd, “Beautiful Bubbles” on May 7th and 9th, then “Summer Sparkle” plus “Birthday Party” on May 14th and 16th. In recognition of May as Law Enforcement Appreciation month, the Alliance Police Department will also share Summer Safety for several May Story Times. Story Time meets on Tuesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 1 pm with several stories, music, and crafts in the Alliance Public Library Children’s Room.Furthermore, LEGO Club for grades K-3 will meet on Tuesday, May 7th and 21st from 4-5 pm in the Community Room.

Springtime activities at Alliance Public Library

By MOLLY LANGHORST, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS

CHADRON – Chadron State College student Aubree Quast of Clarks, Nebraska, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for April.

Quast said she chose CSC after learning about the Rural Health Opportunity Program (RHOP) during her campus visit. She applied for the RHOP scholarship when she returned home and received a spot. Additionally, Quast said she didn’t feel like she could picture herself at any of the other colleges she visited.

Quast is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Chemistry and plans to attend medical school after graduation to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

According to Quast, her interest in healthcare sparked after being involved in a car accident during her sophomore year of high school and spending a large amount of time in hospitals and healthcare settings.

“I’ve always really liked healthcare, but I got into a car accident the last day of my sophomore year of high school, and it really opened my eyes to healthcare,” Quast said. “I had to have brain surgery and ultimately spent a lot of time in hospitals and somewhere along the line I learned to grow fond of healthcare and was just fascinated by it.”

Quast’s special interest in becoming a DO came from working with so many doctors following the car accident and discovering osteopathic medicine.

“I like the doctor role in healthcare because they’re like the puzzle master: they help everything come together to form a complete picture,” Quast said. “Osteopathic medicine is cool because it is more of a whole-body approach, which is why I have interest in it, but medical doctors are doing a lot of the same stuff now, so I have interest in that as well.”

Medical schools Quast is interested in include the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, the School of Medicine at Creighton University, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, because they are partnered with Nebraska RHOP.

Quast’s favorite course at CSC was Microbiology with Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Dr. Jeffrey Kiiskila.

“Microbiology was just super interesting,” Quast said. “We did a project where we had to go through the whole process of swabbing samples, putting them on plates, separating samples, staining them, taking pictures, identifying them, and it was just a really cool experience.”

Quast is a member of Health Professions Club (HPC), Sports Medicine Club, Tri Beta, Cardinal Key, Chemistry Club, The Pit, and is a former Student Senate President.

Student Activities Coordinator Elise Gamble recognizes Quast’s efforts to improve student life at CSC along with her involvement on campus.

“Aubree is a star student, pursuing her academics while working and organizing Pit events and being involved on campus,” Gamble said. “Aubree has already had a huge impact across student life at CSC, and she is wonderful to work with. She is kind and considerate, and I look forward to seeing the things she accomplishes even after her time at CSC is done.”

Quast praises the pre-healthcare organizations, HPC and Sports Medicine Club, for providing students with opportunities to learn more about working in the field of healthcare and pre-healthcare professionals.

“The pre-healthcare clubs are cool because they provide a different side of healthcare,” said Quast. “Job shadowing during the Covid pandemic before I came to college was impossible, so it’s really nice to kind of get a chance to shadow now through the individuals that come in which is really nice.”

Quast notes some of the speakers that she has had an opportunity to learn from.

“One of the speakers had joined the military right after medical school to have his loans paid for and he shared how his experience was different because he practiced outside of the U.S. pretty much right away; the policies and practices he learned and used while in a different country were completely different and then he had to readjust again when he returned to the U.S.,” Quast said.

Quast also mentioned a speaker from the FBI who came to CSC and talked about biological weapons and warfare. According to her, the individual spoke about how healthcare workers are vital to figuring out how to deal with biological toxins and infectious agents. Quast described the information he presented as a different view of science and healthcare that she would not have thought about otherwise.

When Quast isn’t busy studying or involved with something on campus, she enjoys spending time at Chadron State Park.

“I’m usually super busy studying, so when I’m not doing school stuff, I really just like to relax,” said Quast. “I love sunsets and nature, so naturally I fell in love with the state park; the scenery and landscape are just so different from back home.”

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located on the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to helping students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first-generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low-income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/projectstrive" target="_blank">https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/</a>.

By MOLLY LANGHORST, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Chadron State College student Aubree Quast of Clarks, Nebraska, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for April.Quast said she chose CSC after learning about the Rural Health Opportunity Program (RHOP) during her campus visit. She applied for the RHOP scholarship when she returned home and received a spot. Additionally, Quast said she didn’t feel like she could picture herself at any of the other colleges she visited.Quast is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Chemistry and plans to attend medical school after graduation to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714488373699.jpeg" alt="Aubree Quast of Clarks, Nebraska, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for April 2024. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Aubree Quast of Clarks, Nebraska, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for April 2024. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Quast, her interest in healthcare sparked after being involved in a car accident during her sophomore year of high school and spending a large amount of time in hospitals and healthcare settings.“I’ve always really liked healthcare, but I got into a car accident the last day of my sophomore year of high school, and it really opened my eyes to healthcare,” Quast said. “I had to have brain surgery and ultimately spent a lot of time in hospitals and somewhere along the line I learned to grow fond of healthcare and was just fascinated by it.”Quast’s special interest in becoming a DO came from working with so many doctors following the car accident and discovering osteopathic medicine.“I like the doctor role in healthcare because they’re like the puzzle master: they help everything come together to form a complete picture,” Quast said. “Osteopathic medicine is cool because it is more of a whole-body approach, which is why I have interest in it, but medical doctors are doing a lot of the same stuff now, so I have interest in that as well.”Medical schools Quast is interested in include the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, the School of Medicine at Creighton University, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, because they are partnered with Nebraska RHOP.Quast’s favorite course at CSC was Microbiology with Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Dr. Jeffrey Kiiskila.“Microbiology was just super interesting,” Quast said. “We did a project where we had to go through the whole process of swabbing samples, putting them on plates, separating samples, staining them, taking pictures, identifying them, and it was just a really cool experience.”Quast is a member of Health Professions Club (HPC), Sports Medicine Club, Tri Beta, Cardinal Key, Chemistry Club, The Pit, and is a former Student Senate President.Student Activities Coordinator Elise Gamble recognizes Quast’s efforts to improve student life at CSC along with her involvement on campus.“Aubree is a star student, pursuing her academics while working and organizing Pit events and being involved on campus,” Gamble said. “Aubree has already had a huge impact across student life at CSC, and she is wonderful to work with. She is kind and considerate, and I look forward to seeing the things she accomplishes even after her time at CSC is done.”Quast praises the pre-healthcare organizations, HPC and Sports Medicine Club, for providing students with opportunities to learn more about working in the field of healthcare and pre-healthcare professionals.“The pre-healthcare clubs are cool because they provide a different side of healthcare,” said Quast. “Job shadowing during the Covid pandemic before I came to college was impossible, so it’s really nice to kind of get a chance to shadow now through the individuals that come in which is really nice.”Quast notes some of the speakers that she has had an opportunity to learn from.“One of the speakers had joined the military right after medical school to have his loans paid for and he shared how his experience was different because he practiced outside of the U.S. pretty much right away; the policies and practices he learned and used while in a different country were completely different and then he had to readjust again when he returned to the U.S.,” Quast said.Quast also mentioned a speaker from the FBI who came to CSC and talked about biological weapons and warfare. According to her, the individual spoke about how healthcare workers are vital to figuring out how to deal with biological toxins and infectious agents. Quast described the information he presented as a different view of science and healthcare that she would not have thought about otherwise.When Quast isn’t busy studying or involved with something on campus, she enjoys spending time at Chadron State Park.“I’m usually super busy studying, so when I’m not doing school stuff, I really just like to relax,” said Quast. “I love sunsets and nature, so naturally I fell in love with the state park; the scenery and landscape are just so different from back home.”Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located on the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to helping students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first-generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low-income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/projectstrive" target="_blank">https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/</a>.

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