Alliance and Hemingford brought a combined 13 wrestlers to state competition at the Century Link Center in Omaha Thursday-Saturday February 15-17.  Below is a list of Box Butte County wrestlers by weight class with match results for each wrestler and audio for medal matches.

ALLIANCE

106 – Paul Ruff
MATCH 1 defeats Luke Bailey of Blair, 4-2 decision in OT.  Moves into quarterfinals.
MATCH 2 loses to Gabe Grice of Omaha Gross, 3-2 decision.  Moves into 2nd Rd Semis.
MATCH 3 defeats Thomas Ivey of York. PIN@ :16.  Moves into 3rd Rd consolations.
MATCH 4 loses to Tristan Obermiller of Adams Central, PIN @ 1:33.  Eliminated.

120 – Evan Steggs
MATCH 1 defeats Joey Orsi of OM Scutt, 7-2 decision.  Moves into quarterfinals.
MATCH 2 defeats Hank Frost of Blair, 8-1 decision.  Moves into semi-finals.
MATCH 3 defeats Blayne Kile of Hastings, 4-2 decision in OT.  Moves into Finals.
MATCH 4 loses to Andy Rohas of Lexington, 4-1 decision.  State Runner-Up–Receives 2nd Place Medal.

Audio of Evan Steggs Medal Match:

132 – Asa Johnson
MATCH 1 defeats  Juan Vergara of Wayne, 22-5 Technical Fall.  Moves into quarterfinals.
MATCH 2 defeats Connor Drahota of Elkhorn, 3-2 decision.  Moves into semi-finals.
MATCH 3 loses to Trey Ariano of Sidney, 9-4 decision.  Moves into consolation semis.
MATCH 4 loses to Ben Garland of Beatrice, 8-5 decision.  Will wrestle for 5th/6th place medal.
MATCH 5 defeats Zach Orton of Blair.  PIN@ 3:26.  Receives 5th Place Medal.

Audio of Asa Johnson Medal Match:

145 – Jorgen Johnson
MATCH 1 defeats Jordan Moyer of Neb. City, 16-4 decision.  Moves into quarterfinals.
MATCH 2 defeats  Stone Menendez, Omaha Scutt,  5-1 decision.  Moves into semi-finals.
MATCH 3 defeats Kaleb Ackles of Adams Central, PIN@ 4:57.  Moves into Finals.
MATCH 4 loses to Scott Fusos of York, 9-4 decision.  State runner-up–Receives 2nd Place Medal.

Audio of Jorgen Johnson Medal Match:

152 – Braydon Wilson
MATCH 1 loses to Kaleb Connoyer of Waverly, 19-4 Technical Fall.  Moves into 1st Round Consolations.
MATCH 2 loses to Clayton Van Horne, Crete, 5-3 decision.  Eliminated.

160 – Lane Applegarth
MATCH 1 loses to Rhett Trail of Neb. City, 2-0 decision.  Moves into 1st Round Consolations.
MATCH 2 loses to Issac Hernandez of Schuyler, 5-2 decision.  Eliminated.

220 – Baily Hood
MATCH 1 loses to Jordan Kavulak of Seward, PIN @ 2:12.  Moves into 1st Round Consolations.
MATCH 2 defeats John Kerwood, Fairbury, PIN @ :45.  Moves into 2nd Round Consolations.
MATCH 3 loses to John Merton of Boone Central Neuman Grove, 18-2 Technical Fall.  Eliminated.

 285 – Nathan Lauder
MATCH 1 defeats Marcos Martinez of Grand Island NW, 13-2 decision.  Moves into Quarterfinals.
MATCH 2 defeats Mike Leatherdale of Wayne 17-4 decision.  Moves into semi-finals.
MATCH 3 defeats Noah Stafersky of York, 11-5 decision.  Moves into Finals.
MATCH 4 loses to Garrett Nelson of Scottsbluff, 7-3 decision.  State runner-up–Receives 2nd Place Medal.

Audio of Nathan Lauder Medal Match (concurrent with Cade Payne):

HEMINGFORD

113 – Jaydon Walker
MATCH 1 loses to Cameron Wilkenson of Neligh-Oakdale, 14-4 decision. Moves into 1st Round Consolations. 
MATCH 2 defeats Kent Wray of Elwood, PIN@ 1:32. Moves into 2nd Round Consolations.
MATCH 3 defeats  Sam Tourney of Shelton, 8-0 decision.  Moves into 3rd Round Consolations.
MATCH 4 defeats Adam Miller of Elkhorn Valley, PIN@ 3:00.  Moves into Medal Rounds.
MATCH 5 loses to Coby Smith of Elm Creek, PIN @ 2:27.  Will wrestle for 5th/6th place medal.
MATCH 6  loses to Tate Philips of Burwell, 3-0 decision.  Receives 6th place medal.

Audio of Jaydon Walker Medal Match:

126 – Carter Buchheit
MATCH 1 loses to Keegan Casey of Thayer Central, PIN @ 1:58.  Moves into 1st Round Consolations.
MATCH 2 defeats Garrett Newmeister of Weeping Water, PIN@ 2:39.  Moves into 2nd Rd Consolations.
MATCH 3 loses to Coy Gideon of Burwell, PIN.  Eliminated.

145 – Tyler Coleman
MATCH 1 loses to Dalton Bohac of East Butler, PIN @:43. Moves into 1st Round Consolations.
MATCH 2 loses to Hunter Earhardt of Ansley-Litchfield, PIN@ 4:13.  Eliminated.

182 – Jake Sellman
MATCH 1 loses to Daniel Duffy of Kenesaw, PIN @ :22.  Moves into 1st Round Consolations.
MATCH 2 loses to Clay Teal of Clearwater Orchard, PIN@ 2:18.  Eliminated.

285 – Cade Payne
MATCH 1  defeats Seth Totten of Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur, PIN @ 1:17. Moves into quarterfinals.
MATCH 2 defeats Jade Buss of West Holt, PIN @3:08. Moves into Semi-Finals.
MATCH 3 defeats Tyler Schultz of Cambridge, 1-0 decision.  Moves into Finals.
MATCH 4 loses to Thomas Hughes of Burwell, PIN@ :43.  State Runner-Up –Receives 2nd Place Medal.

Audio of Cade Payne Medal Match (concurrent with Nathan Lauder):

Thursday night the Alliance Chamber of Commerce held its 90th anniversary annual banquet at the Westside Event Center.  The theme “Believing In Alliance” was echoed throughout the night in awards presented to businesses and individuals.

In her report to attendees, Chamber Executive Director Susan Unzicker recalled highlights of 2017 including: a successful Heritage Days week; several new businesses becoming Chamber members; and the Chamber’s participation in Bands on the Bricks and the Solar Eclipse, among many other events.

Here are the winners of 2017 Alliance Chamber of Commerce awards (a photo gallery of award recipients is below):

Ambassador of the Year Amanda Mittan

Lifetime Service Award presented to Becky Herian.  Herian taught in the Alliance Public Schools for over 30 years, and in 2017 represented Alliance on the Nebraska 150th board–organizing local NE150 activities.

Farmer/Rancher Award presented to Irwin Farms of Alliance.  Mark Buskirk accepted the award on behalf of Jim and Jackie Irwin.

Friend Of Tourism Award was presented to the entire community of Alliance for the hospitality and assistance shown to the 25,000 guests who visited Alliance for the Solar Eclipse.  The Eclipse Task Force accepted the award on the community’s behalf.

Small Business Award presented to Roller Hardware of Alliance.

Large Business Award presented to Maverik convenience stores.

Community Investment Award presented to Bomgaars; 2017 found the farm and home store relocated to a larger, state-of-the-art store on Highway 385.

The Eagle radio stations (KCOW, Double Q Country and B94.7) and Panhandle Post continue to recognize the panhandle’s best educators with the Teacher of the Month promotion.  Each month a teacher from the Box Butte County area and one from the Dawes County area receive a gift bag and certificate, and special treats are delivered to their classroom.

January’s Teacher of the Month for the Box Butte County area is Bridget Johnston, first grade teacher at Emerson Elementary School in Alliance.  During our in-class visit to deliver Mrs. Johnston’s prizes, she noted: “I have 20 awesome little students…they work hard every single day!  I have taught several grades, and first grade is my favorite.”  As we arrived the students were about to begin math class, with a focus on counting money and measuring time–important skills for all ages!

In addition to Mrs. Johnston’s prizes (which included bath and body lotion, a travel mug, and a tumbler) the class was treated to free ice cream cone coupons courtesy of Dairy Queen in Alliance, and Daylight Donuts courtesy of Great Western Bank.  Additional sponsors of the Teacher of the Month promotion can be viewed below.  Nominate a teacher today!

Press Release

January 3, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) — “DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING, DRIVE LIKE WE ARE.”The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) wants to display your wit and wisdom in “Friday Safety Messages” via electronic message boards along Nebraska’s Interstate and other major highways. These messages will be posted on Fridays and the more creative, the better.

Perhaps you’ve caught a glimpse of some of these messages over the past couple of years, including “JOIN THE REBELLION AGAINST DISTRACTED DRIVING,” in reference to the release of the latest Star Wars movie, or a Thanksgiving-time reminder to “BE A GOOD POTATO, KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD.”

Many of these short safety snippets have tied in with holidays or special events, such as the Olympics, current events, back-to-school or sports.

After a successful launch last year, the NDOT, in partnership with the Nebraska State Patrol, wants to continue that effort, reaching out to the public for witty, creative messages to display on Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) across the state.  A new safety message is posted every Friday, for 24 hours from 12:00 a.m. Friday to 12:00 a.m. Saturday, on overhead DMS along I-80 and I-29, reminding motorists to consider all aspects of driving and safety.

Submissions are being accepted beginning January 2^nd through January 31st for these safety-oriented messages.  Those submitting messages are encouraged to consider topics about safe driving, including tie‑ins with holidays and upcoming events through May of 2018.  Submissions need to be three lines of text, with a maximum 18 characters per line (spaces count).  These will be evaluated to conform to regulations and edited for clarity.  Submissions should be sent to NDOT’s website:

https://dot.nebraska.gov/news-media/friday-safety-message-idea-submission/

Don’t’ delay. Send your Friday Safety Messages today, and remember:  “DON’T FUMBLE YOUR LIFE AWAY, BUCKLE UP!”

Alliance City Manager Rick Kuckkahn visited our Eagle Radio studios Wednesday morning to recap the first Alliance City Council meeting of 2017.  You can listen to the interview below:

Press Release

You may already know that smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer in the United States. But do you know what number two is? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon is a naturally occurring invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas. It is harmless when dispersed in outdoor air, but when trapped in buildings, can be harmful at elevated levels.

According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services one in every two homes in Nebraska has an elevated radon level. Houses next to each other can have very different radon levels. Elevated radon levels are found in new and old houses, well-sealed and drafty houses, houses with or without basements and houses with every kind of furnace. Testing your home is the only way to know if you have elevated levels of radon present.

January is National Radon Action Month, and Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) is raising awareness by asking communities to declare January as Radon Action Month. Several communities have already declared January Radon Action Month including Potter, Hemingford, Crawford, Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Banner County. Widespread community awareness about the dangers of radon will help keep all communities safer from the risks of lung cancer. Help your family and community stay safe from radon exposure by testing your home today.

Free radon test kits are available to Panhandle residents by emailing mhaas@pphd.org, calling PPHD at 308-487-3600 ext 108 or toll free at 866-701-7173 ext 108.

For more information visit https://pphd.org/Pages/radon.htm. Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety and quality of life for all who live, learn, work and play in the Panhandle.  Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community.   

Here are the Alliance Bowl Spectacular standings as they stand after a busy few weeks of college football. The winner will be determined following next Monday’s National Championship game, which is worth 4 points. If any contestants feel there may be a miscalculation in scoring, please call the Times-Herald ASAP to resolve the issue.

Press Release

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Regional West Health Services welcomed its first baby of the New Year at 9:16 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Addalynn arrived a few days after her due date to become the first baby born in 2018 at Regional West’s Birth and Infant Care Center. She is the daughter of Crysta Johnston and Andrew Gonzales of Scottsbluff. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 19 3/4 inches.

Erika Carmody, MSN, RN, director of Regional West Birth and Infant Care Center and Pediatrics, presented the family with a variety of baby gifts, which is a Regional West tradition for the first baby born each year at the medical center.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

BBGH Press Release

Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) Obstetrics nurse Sarah Lunbery, BSN, RN, was named the hospital’s Employee of the Month in April of 2017. She topped that distinction Friday, December 29 at the hospital’s annual Recognition Dinner when it was announced that the employees of BBGH had voted that she be named the 2017 Employee of the Year.

“Ms. Lunbery is a rock star and an awesome co-worker.  She is a fair, honest, and an awesome patient advocate; exemplifying excellence by always doing her best.

Sarah was a non-traditional student with her degree obtained while juggling work, school, and family life.  She has always been an excellent student in the classroom, in life, and is able to share the knowledge she has gained to help others. She is willing to step in and help other departments when needed.

Sarah communicates with Respiratory Therapy very well and is always there when needed by that department. She is dedicated to lifelong learning and devotion to her chosen career.  She is always there for her team, her patients, and provides amazing patient education.

Sarah is an excellent team player and always willing to help, learn, and try new things.  She also treats everyone with the same respect; from aides and co-workers to patients and their family members. She is the kind of employee everyone should strive to be.

Sarah excels at everything she sets her mind to and lends a hand wherever she is needed. She exemplifies the mission of BBGH by putting patient safety first; her willingness to help co-workers; and her seeking out opportunities to learn new skills.

Her peers in the Patient Care Unit consider Sarah as one of their brightest employees; one that is truly a selfless person who never complains when days are hard (Sarah has since transferred over to the Obstetrics Department).”

Congratulations Sarah on being chosen by your peers as the 2017 Employee of the Year!

Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

JANUARY 2, 2018 (LINCOLN, NEB.)  — The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) announces the promotion of Captain Andrew “Buck” Duis to the position of Assistant Superintendent and the rank of Lt. Colonel.

As a 29-year veteran of the State Patrol, Duis, 50, has served in many capacities throughout his career. He was promoted to Captain in command of the NSP Training Academy in February 2016 and oversaw the training of Camp 57 and Camp 58 NSP recruits.

“I’m pleased to appoint Captain Duis to the critical position of Assistant Superintendent,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “He’s a proven leader who brings excellent credentials and a wealth of respect from troopers around the state, as well as law enforcement officials around the country. He will help shape the future of the Nebraska State Patrol.”

Duis is a certified local instructor for Leadership in Police Organizations through the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). He has previously served as commander of NSP’s Police Service Dog Division, Team Leader for Troop C Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, defensive tactics and firearms instructor, and served in both the NSP Field Services and Investigative Services Divisions.