By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

LINCOLN, Neb. — Gov. Jim Pillen is signaling Nebraska’s support for Union Pacific’s proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, pointing to job growth and the potential creation of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad.

The statement follows Union Pacific’s announcement that it and Norfolk Southern have filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board seeking federal approval. In its submission, Union Pacific projects the addition of more than 500 new managerial positions at its Omaha headquarters.

“With continued investment in its Omaha-based headquarters and the people of this great state, we are proud to support Union Pacific’s efforts to create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad,” Pillen said. “A Nebraska-born and grown business, UP helps our farming and ranching families feed the world and transports the materials that are building the future of our country. Nebraska — a friend to business and perfectly located to serve as a nationwide transportation hub — is proud to be home of UP’s past and future successes.”

Union Pacific’s ties to Nebraska date back more than 160 years. The railroad was created in 1862 after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act, and the company laid its first track in Omaha in 1865. Since then, Union Pacific has maintained its headquarters and long-standing presence in the state.

According to Union Pacific, approval of the merger would reshape freight rail service nationwide by transforming “10,000 existing lanes from interline service into faster, more efficient single-line service – eliminating time-consuming handoffs between railroads.”

The proposed merger now awaits review by the Surface Transportation Board, which will evaluate its potential economic, transportation, and competitive impacts before issuing a decision.

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766500797370.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. — Gov. Jim Pillen is signaling Nebraska’s support for Union Pacific’s proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, pointing to job growth and the potential creation of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad.The statement follows Union Pacific’s announcement that it and Norfolk Southern have filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board seeking federal approval. In its submission, Union Pacific projects the addition of more than 500 new managerial positions at its Omaha headquarters.“With continued investment in its Omaha-based headquarters and the people of this great state, we are proud to support Union Pacific’s efforts to create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad,” Pillen said. “A Nebraska-born and grown business, UP helps our farming and ranching families feed the world and transports the materials that are building the future of our country. Nebraska — a friend to business and perfectly located to serve as a nationwide transportation hub — is proud to be home of UP’s past and future successes.”Union Pacific’s ties to Nebraska date back more than 160 years. The railroad was created in 1862 after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act, and the company laid its first track in Omaha in 1865. Since then, Union Pacific has maintained its headquarters and long-standing presence in the state.According to Union Pacific, approval of the merger would reshape freight rail service nationwide by transforming “10,000 existing lanes from interline service into faster, more efficient single-line service – eliminating time-consuming handoffs between railroads.”The proposed merger now awaits review by the Surface Transportation Board, which will evaluate its potential economic, transportation, and competitive impacts before issuing a decision.

Pillen Voices Nebraska’s Support for Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern Merger, Citing Jobs and Rail Expansion

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766491729329.jpeg" alt="Jerry Estrada - Contempt of Court, Failure to Appear, Marijuana Possession 1 oz or less, Traffic Offenses-No Proof of Insurance, Possession or Use of Drug Paraphernalia, Contempt of Court" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766491753520.jpeg" alt="Kyra Gray - Theft by Unlawful Taking $0-$500" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766491768843.jpeg" alt="Michelle McVea - 2nd Degree Domestic Assault" />
 <figcaption>Michelle McVea - 2nd Degree Domestic Assault</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Keith County Jail</h2>No New Bookings****<h2>Dawson County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766491532443.jpeg" alt="Wilton Gonzalez-Merlo - No Operators License" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766518155482.jpeg" alt="Tyler McPeak - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault" />
 <figcaption>Tyler McPeak - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766518203673.jpeg" alt="Jose Pedroza-Flores - Driving Under Revocation/Impound-1st" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766518279056.jpeg" alt="Randy Jenkins - Dawson County Warrant-Failure to Pay-Possession of Controlled Substance, Dawson County Warrant-Failure to Pay-Possession or Use of Drug Paraphernalia" />
 <figcaption>Randy Jenkins - Dawson County Warrant-Failure to Pay-Possession of Controlled Substance, Dawson County Warrant-Failure to Pay-Possession or Use of Drug Paraphernalia</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Buffalo County Jail</h2>Temporarily Unavailable****<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2> 

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

The Hot Sheets: December 23, 2025

The Lincoln Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol have identified the person found&nbsp; deceased in rural Furnas County last week as Jerica Hamre. 

Hamre was first reported missing from Lincoln on July 3, 2024. Her death is being investigated as a&nbsp; homicide and the Lincoln Police Department have a suspect who is currently in custody on&nbsp; unrelated charges. 

Since Hamre’s disappearance, numerous search efforts have been conducted near the location in which her body was found. The searches included law enforcement, family, friends, and community volunteers. 

Hamre’s body was discovered on Wednesday, December 17, on a rural farm in Furnas County, near Oxford. A representative of the farm owner(s) was inspecting the property in preparation for sale&nbsp; and found the body in a remote outbuilding. Investigators do not believe Hamre has an association&nbsp; to the property where she was discovered, or to property owner(s).

Numerous agencies are working together on this investigation, including the Lincoln Police Department, Furnas County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Furnas County Attorney, and Nebraska State Patrol. 

Investigators do not believe this incident poses an ongoing threat to the communities in the area.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call our non-emergency number at 402-441-6000. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600, report online at lincolncrimestoppers.com or download the free P3 app.

City of Lincoln PD News Release:The Lincoln Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol have identified the person found&nbsp; deceased in rural Furnas County last week as Jerica Hamre. Hamre was first reported missing from Lincoln on July 3, 2024. Her death is being investigated as a&nbsp; homicide and the Lincoln Police Department have a suspect who is currently in custody on&nbsp; unrelated charges. Since Hamre’s disappearance, numerous search efforts have been conducted near the location in which her body was found. The searches included law enforcement, family, friends, and community volunteers. Hamre’s body was discovered on Wednesday, December 17, on a rural farm in Furnas County, near Oxford. A representative of the farm owner(s) was inspecting the property in preparation for sale&nbsp; and found the body in a remote outbuilding. Investigators do not believe Hamre has an association&nbsp; to the property where she was discovered, or to property owner(s).Numerous agencies are working together on this investigation, including the Lincoln Police Department, Furnas County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Furnas County Attorney, and Nebraska State Patrol. Investigators do not believe this incident poses an ongoing threat to the communities in the area.The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call our non-emergency number at 402-441-6000. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600, report online at lincolncrimestoppers.com or download the free P3 app.

Deceased Person Found in Furnas County Identified as Missing Lincoln Woman, Jerica Hamre

<figure>
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 </figure><h2>Lincoln County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766380153529.jpeg" alt="Charles Collier - Shoplifting $0-$500 X2, 2nd Degree Trespassing" />
 <figcaption>Charles Collier - Shoplifting $0-$500 X2, 2nd Degree Trespassing</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Keith County Jail</h2>No New Bookings****<h2>Dawson County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766418913842.jpeg" alt="Adriana Marie Sanchez - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault" />
 <figcaption>Adriana Marie Sanchez - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766418941037.jpeg" alt="Joseph Allen Pittman Sr - FTA-Show Cause" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766418961253.jpeg" alt="Broderick L Pike - FTA - DUI .15+" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766418982025.jpeg" alt="Sergio Paredes-Alvarez - Buffalo County Warrant, Driving Under Influence +.15, No Operator's License" />
 <figcaption>Sergio Paredes-Alvarez - Buffalo County Warrant, Driving Under Influence +.15, No Operator's License</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766419005745.jpeg" alt="Jeann Xavier Morales-Contreras - Shoplifting $0-$500" />
 <figcaption>Jeann Xavier Morales-Contreras - Shoplifting $0-$500</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766419023246.jpeg" alt="Samuel Joe Morales - Driving Under Suspension" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766419046272.jpeg" alt="Steven Eugene Marsh - Trespassing 2nd Degree" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766419066175.jpeg" alt="Edwin Antonio Lancerio-Tejada - Driving Under Revocation" />
 <figcaption>Edwin Antonio Lancerio-Tejada - Driving Under Revocation</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766419111936.jpeg" alt="Alberto Abundiz-Solache - Driving Under Suspension" />
 <figcaption>Alberto Abundiz-Solache - Driving Under Suspension</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Buffalo County Jail</h2>Temporarily Unavailable****<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2> 

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

The Hot Sheets: December 22, 2025

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766292329183.jpeg" alt="Ted Pell - Stalking, Tresprassing" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766292355627.jpeg" alt="Ashley Clark - Probation Violation" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766292382487.jpeg" alt="Jennifer Rivas - Probation Violation" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Rivas - Probation Violation</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Keith County Jail</h2>No New Bookings****<h2>Dawson County Jail</h2>Check Back Later****<h2>Buffalo County Jail</h2>Temporarily Unavailable****<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2> 

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

The Hot Sheets: December 21, 2025

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) requesting approval to combine the two railroads. The companies entered into a merger agreement on July 29, 2025, to create America’s first transcontinental railroad.

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) requesting approval to combine the two railroads. The companies entered into a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/press-releases/growth/norfolk-southern-transcontinental-nr-250729" target="_blank">merger agreement</a>&nbsp;on July 29, 2025, to create&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up-nstranscontinental.com/" target="_blank">America’s first transcontinental railroad</a>.

The nearly 7,000-page application provides comprehensive and compelling new details on how the end-to-end combination will enhance competition and deliver broad public benefits. The application includes a record-breaking 2,000 letters of support from stakeholders, joining shareholders at both companies who cast votes that were 99% in favor of the merger.

America’s first transcontinental railroad will:

“We look forward to working with the Surface Transportation Board as it reviews our historic application to create America’s first transcontinental railroad,” said Union Pacific CEO&nbsp;Jim Vena. “As time and technology continue to transform how freight is delivered, our industry must keep pace and move forward, reaching underserved markets with new rail solutions and strengthening the U.S. supply chain.&nbsp;Customers deserve stronger, more connected freight rail, and our merger will make that happen.”

“This combination will bring together Union Pacific’s expansive Western reach and Norfolk Southern’s unparalleled access to Eastern manufacturing and population centers in an end-to-end combination,” said Norfolk Southern President and CEO&nbsp;Mark George. “It will create a cohesive freight rail solution with 50,000 route miles that connect 43 states and more than 100 ports.”

Enhanced railroad competition.&nbsp;The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern combination is a classic end-to-end merger. Today, each railroad serves a distinct geographic region with complementary networks, customers and markets. Connecting the two systems will create a transcontinental network that bridges the gap between East and West, allowing freight to bypass congested interchanges and take the fastest and most efficient, price-competitive route. The result: substantial public benefits like expanded affordability; competitive options for customers in virtually every major corridor; and a stronger, more efficient national rail system. The combined network will move freight more efficiently, eliminating an estimated 2,400 rail car and container handlings and 60,000 car-miles each day. Faster, more reliable single-line rail service enhances competition – when it’s available, the share of freight traveling by rail versus the highway is roughly two to three times greater than interline service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Less congestion and wear on America’s roadways.&nbsp;A seamless transcontinental railroad will compete more aggressively with long-haul trucking, shifting an estimated 2 million truckloads of freight from road to rail annually. The result will be reduced congestion, safer roads and less wear on taxpayer-funded roads.

An economic boost for America’s heartland.&nbsp;The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern combination will remove the artificial barrier that divides America’s rail system between East and West, getting freight moving in the Watershed region. This previously underserved rail market – where trucking was often the only option because crossing the divide made rail too expensive and complicated due to handoffs between railroads – will have access to single-line manifest service for the first time. Leading industry advisor Oliver Wyman estimates that 105,000 carloads of merchandise traffic will convert from road to rail when single-line service is available to the Watershed markets. Providing domestic shippers a cheaper alternative to truck will make them more competitive, which strengthens the entire U.S. economy.

More direct and reliable access to global markets.&nbsp;A transcontinental railroad will provide efficient, flexible and reliable single-line access to more than 100 ports connecting to global markets and 10 international gateways to markets in Canada and Mexico.&nbsp;

Reduced emissions.&nbsp;Rail is already the most sustainable way to move freight over ground, according to the Association of American Railroads, with roughly 75% less carbon emissions than trucks. The merger will further reduce emissions by removing more trucks from the road, running trains more efficiently, investing in cleaner and more efficient technologies, and providing customers with better tools to achieve their own sustainability goals.&nbsp;

Dedicated support for passenger rail.&nbsp;Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will maintain dedicated systems to support passenger rail. A route-by-route analysis of projected volume growth verified sufficient capacity to continue fulfilling all service obligations to Amtrak and commuter rail agencies.&nbsp;

Faster, more efficient service.&nbsp;Integrating Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern into one network will transform 10,000 existing lanes from interline service – which requires time-consuming handoffs between railroads – into faster, more efficient single-line service. It also will create an additional 84,000 county-to-county lanes where shippers are moving freight by road that could – for the first time – move by single-line rail service.

Expanded service offerings.&nbsp;As part of its optimized operating plan, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will improve service without overhauling existing networks. The combined railroad anticipates adding several routes, including two new daily intermodal train pairs connecting the East and the West with more direct service – reducing estimated transit times from Southern California to the Ohio Valley and Northeast by up to 20 hours and from Southern California to the Southeast by more than two days.&nbsp;The combined railroad also will introduce six new manifest trains to bridge the East-West divide more efficiently, reducing over 600 daily car handlings. To meet expected intermodal growth, the combined company plans to introduce a total of six premium intermodal lanes operating seven days a week.

Improved customer asset utilization. Customers who own rail cars will see improved productive use of their assets. With faster, more predictable service, they can turn cars more quickly, minimize idle time and lower equipment costs.

Simplified customer experience backed by innovative technology.&nbsp;A unified digital experience will allow shippers to integrate scheduling, tracking and shipment visibility.&nbsp;Customers will have one commercial team, one contract, one invoice and one accountable partner for their entire rail journey.&nbsp;

Streamlined pricing for interline moves.&nbsp;Committed Gateway Pricing will further enhance competition by streamlining pricing of interline moves for thousands of customer locations that otherwise may not directly benefit from the merger.&nbsp;

Efficient dispute resolution.&nbsp;As an added protection for customers, Union Pacific will voluntarily create an alternative dispute resolution program to efficiently address certain claims regarding merger-related service issues.

Growth for short lines. As Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern create new single-line routes, open competitive markets and streamline service, short lines are positioned to capture new volumes flowing directly onto their rails.

Safety remains the No. 1 priority.&nbsp;A safety integration plan was created working with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and submitted to the STB. The plan outlines how the new company will combine best practices from each railroad to further enhance the safety benefits for all. For example, comparing the first three quarters of 2023 to the same period in 2025, Union Pacific improved its personal injury rate by 41% and now leads the industry in employee safety. Norfolk Southern’s advanced technologies and industry-leading rail safety practices have improved its FRA accident rate by 45% over the same period.

Protection for all union jobs.&nbsp;Railroading offers some of the best-paid industrial careers in America. Average compensation including benefits is $160,000, which is roughly 40% above the national industrial average.&nbsp;<a></a>Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern expect to add approximately 900 net new union jobs by the third year following the merger to handle expected volume growth. Along with pledging that every employee with a union job at the time of the merger will continue to have one, Union Pacific has formalized groundbreaking jobs-for-life agreements with multiple unions. Any merger-related union job efficiencies will be achieved solely through attrition.

The Most Thoroughly Planned Merger in Railroad History

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are well-run, successful railroads coming together from positions of strength. They have the benefit of state-of-the-art transportation systems and anticipate investing an estimated $2.1 billion of incremental capital to integrate the two companies and deliver benefits to customers. The combined company also expects $133 million in annual capital synergies by leveraging the combined network and fleet more efficiently. Both railroads have a recent history of successfully managing large, complex system changes and will bring that proven record of precision integration to the merger’s implementation.

The transaction remains subject to STB review and approval within its statutory timeline and will be subject to continuing STB oversight post-closure. The Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern application to the STB is available for public review on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stb.gov/" target="_blank">its website</a>. The statements contained herein are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full application to the STB.

The two companies expect the transaction to be completed by early 2027. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up-nstranscontinental.com/" target="_blank">AmericasGreatConnection.com</a>.&nbsp;

For Immediate Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560465551027.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) requesting approval to combine the two railroads. The companies entered into a merger agreement on July 29, 2025, to create America’s first transcontinental railroad.Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) requesting approval to combine the two railroads. The companies entered into a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/press-releases/growth/norfolk-southern-transcontinental-nr-250729" target="_blank">merger agreement</a>&nbsp;on July 29, 2025, to create&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up-nstranscontinental.com/" target="_blank">America’s first transcontinental railroad</a>.The nearly 7,000-page application provides comprehensive and compelling new details on how the end-to-end combination will enhance competition and deliver broad public benefits. The application includes a record-breaking 2,000 letters of support from stakeholders, joining shareholders at both companies who cast votes that were 99% in favor of the merger.America’s first transcontinental railroad will:<ul>
 <li>Connect the United States from coast to coast, transforming 10,000 existing lanes from interline service into faster, more efficient single-line service – eliminating time-consuming handoffs between railroads.</li><li>Move freight more efficiently, eliminating an estimated 2,400 rail car and container handlings and 60,000 car-miles each day.</li><li>Retain competitive shipping alternatives for the three customer locations out of more than 20,000 that are served by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern but no other carrier.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Compete more effectively with long-haul trucking, converting an estimated 2 million truckloads of freight from road to rail annually.</li><li><a href="https://www.up.com/news/people/railroading-secure-jobs-251216" target="_blank">Protect all union jobs</a>&nbsp;– every employee with a union job at the time of the merger will continue to have one, and growth of the combined company is expected to create about 900 net new union jobs by the third year following the merger.</li><li>Further enhance competition by voluntarily creating Committed Gateway Pricing, streamlining pricing of interline moves for thousands of customer locations that otherwise may not directly benefit from the merger.</li><li>Keep open all existing gateways for eligible traffic on commercially reasonable terms.</li><li>Provide customers with a unified digital experience, with one accountable partner for their entire rail journey.</li><li>Invest an estimated $2.1 billion of incremental capital to support revenue and cost synergies, and expect $133 million in annual capital synergies.</li>
 </ul>“We look forward to working with the Surface Transportation Board as it reviews our historic application to create America’s first transcontinental railroad,” said Union Pacific CEO&nbsp;Jim Vena. “As time and technology continue to transform how freight is delivered, our industry must keep pace and move forward, reaching underserved markets with new rail solutions and strengthening the U.S. supply chain.&nbsp;Customers deserve stronger, more connected freight rail, and our merger will make that happen.”“This combination will bring together Union Pacific’s expansive Western reach and Norfolk Southern’s unparalleled access to Eastern manufacturing and population centers in an end-to-end combination,” said Norfolk Southern President and CEO&nbsp;Mark George. “It will create a cohesive freight rail solution with 50,000 route miles that connect 43 states and more than 100 ports.”<h2>Benefits for America</h2>Enhanced railroad competition.&nbsp;The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern combination is a classic end-to-end merger. Today, each railroad serves a distinct geographic region with complementary networks, customers and markets. Connecting the two systems will create a transcontinental network that bridges the gap between East and West, allowing freight to bypass congested interchanges and take the fastest and most efficient, price-competitive route. The result: substantial public benefits like expanded affordability; competitive options for customers in virtually every major corridor; and a stronger, more efficient national rail system. The combined network will move freight more efficiently, eliminating an estimated 2,400 rail car and container handlings and 60,000 car-miles each day. Faster, more reliable single-line rail service enhances competition – when it’s available, the share of freight traveling by rail versus the highway is roughly two to three times greater than interline service.&nbsp;&nbsp;Less congestion and wear on America’s roadways.&nbsp;A seamless transcontinental railroad will compete more aggressively with long-haul trucking, shifting an estimated 2 million truckloads of freight from road to rail annually. The result will be reduced congestion, safer roads and less wear on taxpayer-funded roads.An economic boost for America’s heartland.&nbsp;The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern combination will remove the artificial barrier that divides America’s rail system between East and West, getting freight moving in the Watershed region. This previously underserved rail market – where trucking was often the only option because crossing the divide made rail too expensive and complicated due to handoffs between railroads – will have access to single-line manifest service for the first time. Leading industry advisor Oliver Wyman estimates that 105,000 carloads of merchandise traffic will convert from road to rail when single-line service is available to the Watershed markets. Providing domestic shippers a cheaper alternative to truck will make them more competitive, which strengthens the entire U.S. economy.More direct and reliable access to global markets.&nbsp;A transcontinental railroad will provide efficient, flexible and reliable single-line access to more than 100 ports connecting to global markets and 10 international gateways to markets in Canada and Mexico.&nbsp;Reduced emissions.&nbsp;Rail is already the most sustainable way to move freight over ground, according to the Association of American Railroads, with roughly 75% less carbon emissions than trucks. The merger will further reduce emissions by removing more trucks from the road, running trains more efficiently, investing in cleaner and more efficient technologies, and providing customers with better tools to achieve their own sustainability goals.&nbsp;Dedicated support for passenger rail.&nbsp;Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will maintain dedicated systems to support passenger rail. A route-by-route analysis of projected volume growth verified sufficient capacity to continue fulfilling all service obligations to Amtrak and commuter rail agencies.&nbsp;<h2>Benefits for Customers</h2>Faster, more efficient service.&nbsp;Integrating Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern into one network will transform 10,000 existing lanes from interline service – which requires time-consuming handoffs between railroads – into faster, more efficient single-line service. It also will create an additional 84,000 county-to-county lanes where shippers are moving freight by road that could – for the first time – move by single-line rail service.Expanded service offerings.&nbsp;As part of its optimized operating plan, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will improve service without overhauling existing networks. The combined railroad anticipates adding several routes, including two new daily intermodal train pairs connecting the East and the West with more direct service – reducing estimated transit times from Southern California to the Ohio Valley and Northeast by up to 20 hours and from Southern California to the Southeast by more than two days.&nbsp;The combined railroad also will introduce six new manifest trains to bridge the East-West divide more efficiently, reducing over 600 daily car handlings. To meet expected intermodal growth, the combined company plans to introduce a total of six premium intermodal lanes operating seven days a week.Improved customer asset utilization. Customers who own rail cars will see improved productive use of their assets. With faster, more predictable service, they can turn cars more quickly, minimize idle time and lower equipment costs.Simplified customer experience backed by innovative technology.&nbsp;A unified digital experience will allow shippers to integrate scheduling, tracking and shipment visibility.&nbsp;Customers will have one commercial team, one contract, one invoice and one accountable partner for their entire rail journey.&nbsp;Streamlined pricing for interline moves.&nbsp;Committed Gateway Pricing will further enhance competition by streamlining pricing of interline moves for thousands of customer locations that otherwise may not directly benefit from the merger.&nbsp;Efficient dispute resolution.&nbsp;As an added protection for customers, Union Pacific will voluntarily create an alternative dispute resolution program to efficiently address certain claims regarding merger-related service issues.Growth for short lines. As Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern create new single-line routes, open competitive markets and streamline service, short lines are positioned to capture new volumes flowing directly onto their rails.<h2>Benefits for Safety</h2>Safety remains the No. 1 priority.&nbsp;A safety integration plan was created working with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and submitted to the STB. The plan outlines how the new company will combine best practices from each railroad to further enhance the safety benefits for all. For example, comparing the first three quarters of 2023 to the same period in 2025, Union Pacific improved its personal injury rate by 41% and now leads the industry in employee safety. Norfolk Southern’s advanced technologies and industry-leading rail safety practices have improved its FRA accident rate by 45% over the same period.<h2>Benefits for Railroad Employees</h2>Protection for all union jobs.&nbsp;Railroading offers some of the best-paid industrial careers in America. Average compensation including benefits is $160,000, which is roughly 40% above the national industrial average.&nbsp;<a></a>Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern expect to add approximately 900 net new union jobs by the third year following the merger to handle expected volume growth. Along with pledging that every employee with a union job at the time of the merger will continue to have one, Union Pacific has formalized groundbreaking jobs-for-life agreements with multiple unions. Any merger-related union job efficiencies will be achieved solely through attrition.<h2>The Most Thoroughly Planned Merger in Railroad History</h2>Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are well-run, successful railroads coming together from positions of strength. They have the benefit of state-of-the-art transportation systems and anticipate investing an estimated $2.1 billion of incremental capital to integrate the two companies and deliver benefits to customers. The combined company also expects $133 million in annual capital synergies by leveraging the combined network and fleet more efficiently. Both railroads have a recent history of successfully managing large, complex system changes and will bring that proven record of precision integration to the merger’s implementation.The transaction remains subject to STB review and approval within its statutory timeline and will be subject to continuing STB oversight post-closure. The Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern application to the STB is available for public review on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stb.gov/" target="_blank">its website</a>. The statements contained herein are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full application to the STB.The two companies expect the transaction to be completed by early 2027. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up-nstranscontinental.com/" target="_blank">AmericasGreatConnection.com</a>.&nbsp;

UP and NS STB Merger Application Details Enhancements to Competition and Public Benefits

&nbsp;By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner

&nbsp;Mark Martinez, former U.S. marshal for Nebraska and community advocate, speaks at a news conference seeking support for Lexington workers losing jobs when a Tyson Foods plant closes in January. Left to right, Albert Varas of the Latino Center of the Midlands; Roger Garcia, Douglas County Board chair; Beth Roberts of the Lexington Community Foundation; Lina Translaviña Stover of the Heartland Workers Center. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

OMAHA —&nbsp;A group of community leaders from Nebraska’s largest urban area met Tuesday to voice support and seek donations to help with pressing needs of thousands of rural “brothers and sisters” losing jobs as Tyson Foods’ meatpacking plant closes in Lexington.

“We will not be forgetting nor letting our brothers and sisters in a smaller community in Nebraska go through this alone,” said Douglas County Board chair Roger Garcia.&nbsp;

Noting that he grew up in Columbus, Nebraska, Garcia added: “We knew our neighbors, we helped our neighbors. Regardless of ethnicity or background, we were there for each other. And those are the values that we carry across the entire state.”

Garcia was among a panel of speakers requesting that people donate to the Lexington Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://lexfoundation.org/" target="_blank">lexfoundation.org</a>. Beth Roberts, foundation executive director, attended the media event at Omaha’s Latino Center of the Midlands, and said proceeds would be used to help workers and families with day-to-day needs as they navigate next steps.

About 3,200 Tyson workers who live in the Lexington area of about 11,000 —&nbsp;many of them immigrants and refugees —&nbsp;will lose their jobs when Tyson shutters its longtime beef plant in mid-January.&nbsp;

Roberts said this is the most challenging time the town has faced and said the relief fund should help with immediate needs including food, rent and utility assistance. She said the foundation is assembling a team of grassroots community advocacy agencies to meet with workers and to help determine the direction of donations.

“We have a lot of people in crisis right now,” said Mark Martinez, a former U.S. Marshal for Nebraska and community advocate who helped organize the event.

Other speakers included Lina Traslaviña Stover, executive director of the Heartland Workers Center and Albert Varas, CEO of Latino Center of the Midlands. Several offered comments in Spanish.

Traslaviña said her Omaha-headquartered nonprofit, which has statewide offices and reach, visited with Tyson workers during recent job fairs in Lexington. Representatives of various industries were recruiting, she said, including packing plants from towns such as Gibbon and North Platte.

But worker needs are complex and stretch beyond finding new jobs, Traslaviña said. Many came from Spanish-speaking countries and have invested decades in the Tyson plant. They’re dealing with mortgages, child care and the anxiety of uncertainty.

Laras said his team at the Omaha-based Latino Center of the Midlands stands in solidarity with families of Lexington and will donate as well. “When one Nebraska community is in crisis, it touches us all,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to the personal toll on families, speakers spoke of ripple effects expected to hit schools, restaurants and other businesses that over the past decades had been lifted by the Tyson workforce. They fear the loss of teachers, talent and tax base.

Roberts noted that more than 70 different national flags are represented at Lexington High School. The town created a Welcome Center that helps families access resources.&nbsp;

“We want to keep that going. We know that’s going to be challenging, but we want to keep that spirit alive,” she said.

People can help in ways beyond financial donations, including volunteer and services as interpreters. Roberts said multiple languages are spoken in the Tyson plant. She suggested calling the foundation for more information.&nbsp;

Martinez and others suggested reaching out to elected officials, nationally and statewide, to question what is being done for Lexington.&nbsp;

Said Garcia: “We care about you and we will walk with you through this journey.”

&nbsp;By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_4967-1536x877.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Mark Martinez, former U.S. marshal for Nebraska and community advocate, speaks at a news conference seeking support for Lexington workers losing jobs when a Tyson Foods plant closes in January. Left to right, Albert Varas of the Latino Center of the Midlands; Roger Garcia, Douglas County Board chair; Beth Roberts of the Lexington Community Foundation; Lina Translaviña Stover of the Heartland Workers Center. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Mark Martinez, former U.S. marshal for Nebraska and community advocate, speaks at a news conference seeking support for Lexington workers losing jobs when a Tyson Foods plant closes in January. Left to right, Albert Varas of the Latino Center of the Midlands; Roger Garcia, Douglas County Board chair; Beth Roberts of the Lexington Community Foundation; Lina Translaviña Stover of the Heartland Workers Center. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Mark Martinez, former U.S. marshal for Nebraska and community advocate, speaks at a news conference seeking support for Lexington workers losing jobs when a Tyson Foods plant closes in January. Left to right, Albert Varas of the Latino Center of the Midlands; Roger Garcia, Douglas County Board chair; Beth Roberts of the Lexington Community Foundation; Lina Translaviña Stover of the Heartland Workers Center. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)OMAHA —&nbsp;A group of community leaders from Nebraska’s largest urban area met Tuesday to voice support and seek donations to help with pressing needs of thousands of rural “brothers and sisters” losing jobs as Tyson Foods’ meatpacking plant closes in Lexington.“We will not be forgetting nor letting our brothers and sisters in a smaller community in Nebraska go through this alone,” said Douglas County Board chair Roger Garcia.&nbsp;Noting that he grew up in Columbus, Nebraska, Garcia added: “We knew our neighbors, we helped our neighbors. Regardless of ethnicity or background, we were there for each other. And those are the values that we carry across the entire state.”<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/LexingtonNE-300x150.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Garcia was among a panel of speakers requesting that people donate to the Lexington Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://lexfoundation.org/" target="_blank">lexfoundation.org</a>. Beth Roberts, foundation executive director, attended the media event at Omaha’s Latino Center of the Midlands, and said proceeds would be used to help workers and families with day-to-day needs as they navigate next steps.About 3,200 Tyson workers who live in the Lexington area of about 11,000 —&nbsp;many of them immigrants and refugees —&nbsp;will lose their jobs when Tyson shutters its longtime beef plant in mid-January.&nbsp;Roberts said this is the most challenging time the town has faced and said the relief fund should help with immediate needs including food, rent and utility assistance. She said the foundation is assembling a team of grassroots community advocacy agencies to meet with workers and to help determine the direction of donations.“We have a lot of people in crisis right now,” said Mark Martinez, a former U.S. Marshal for Nebraska and community advocate who helped organize the event.Other speakers included Lina Traslaviña Stover, executive director of the Heartland Workers Center and Albert Varas, CEO of Latino Center of the Midlands. Several offered comments in Spanish.<h2>Ripple effects</h2>Traslaviña said her Omaha-headquartered nonprofit, which has statewide offices and reach, visited with Tyson workers during recent job fairs in Lexington. Representatives of various industries were recruiting, she said, including packing plants from towns such as Gibbon and North Platte.But worker needs are complex and stretch beyond finding new jobs, Traslaviña said. Many came from Spanish-speaking countries and have invested decades in the Tyson plant. They’re dealing with mortgages, child care and the anxiety of uncertainty.Laras said his team at the Omaha-based Latino Center of the Midlands stands in solidarity with families of Lexington and will donate as well. “When one Nebraska community is in crisis, it touches us all,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the personal toll on families, speakers spoke of ripple effects expected to hit schools, restaurants and other businesses that over the past decades had been lifted by the Tyson workforce. They fear the loss of teachers, talent and tax base.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_4976-300x225.jpeg" alt="Beth Roberts, executive director of the Lexington Community Foundation (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Beth Roberts, executive director of the Lexington Community Foundation (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Roberts noted that more than 70 different national flags are represented at Lexington High School. The town created a Welcome Center that helps families access resources.&nbsp;“We want to keep that going. We know that’s going to be challenging, but we want to keep that spirit alive,” she said.People can help in ways beyond financial donations, including volunteer and services as interpreters. Roberts said multiple languages are spoken in the Tyson plant. She suggested calling the foundation for more information.&nbsp;Martinez and others suggested reaching out to elected officials, nationally and statewide, to question what is being done for Lexington.&nbsp;Said Garcia: “We care about you and we will walk with you through this journey.”

‘We will walk with you’: Omaha advocates urge support for Lexington workers as plant closes

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736426651512.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lincoln County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247745259.jpeg" alt="Genaro Barriente - Immigration" />
 <figcaption>Genaro Barriente - Immigration</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247760666.jpeg" alt="Ernest Becenti - Failure to Appear" />
 <figcaption>Ernest Becenti - Failure to Appear</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247783988.jpeg" alt="Eric Herrera - Cocaine Possession" />
 <figcaption>Eric Herrera - Cocaine Possession</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247801693.jpeg" alt="Marvin Maldonado - Immigration" />
 <figcaption>Marvin Maldonado - Immigration</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247814987.jpeg" alt="Jefferson Soto-Bencomo - Immigration" />
 <figcaption>Jefferson Soto-Bencomo - Immigration</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247840281.jpeg" alt="Lual Thiep - Fugitive From Justice (South Dakota)" />
 <figcaption>Lual Thiep - Fugitive From Justice (South Dakota)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247855760.jpeg" alt="Pedro Valente-Renteria - Immigration" />
 <figcaption>Pedro Valente-Renteria - Immigration</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247870420.jpeg" alt="Irineo Virgen-Chantal - Immigration" />
 <figcaption>Irineo Virgen-Chantal - Immigration</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247883323.jpeg" alt="Daniel Woodward - Restraining/Protection Order Violation" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Woodward - Restraining/Protection Order Violation</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247894607.jpeg" alt="Raul Zeas-Aguirre - Immigration" />
 <figcaption>Raul Zeas-Aguirre - Immigration</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247967489.jpeg" alt="Edras Hernandez-Batz - Immigration" />
 <figcaption>Edras Hernandez-Batz - Immigration</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247995834.jpeg" alt="Javier Lainez Garcia - Immigration" />
 <figcaption>Javier Lainez Garcia - Immigration</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Keith County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766247370278.jpeg" alt="Pedro Carrizales - Court Hold " />
 <figcaption>Pedro Carrizales - Court Hold </figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Dawson County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766171983673.jpeg" alt="Abdikadir Haji - Shoplifting $0-$500" />
 <figcaption>Abdikadir Haji - Shoplifting $0-$500</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766172014360.jpeg" alt="Eric Manns - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault" />
 <figcaption>Eric Manns - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766172049559.jpeg" alt="Melanie Warne - Burglary, Theft by Unlawful Taking- $0-$500" />
 <figcaption>Melanie Warne - Burglary, Theft by Unlawful Taking- $0-$500</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Buffalo County Jail</h2>Temporarily Unavailable****<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2> 

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

The Hot Sheets: December 20, 2025

Mid-Plains Community College will close at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 for winter break.

The closure includes all MPCC campuses in McCook, North Platte, Broken Bow, Imperial, Ogallala and Valentine. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 5.

Spring semester classes begin on Monday, Jan. 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766087704852.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Mid-Plains Community College will close at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 for winter break.The closure includes all MPCC campuses in McCook, North Platte, Broken Bow, Imperial, Ogallala and Valentine. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 5.Spring semester classes begin on Monday, Jan. 12.

Mid-Plains Community College to close for winter break

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post

Listen to the full interview with Ryan Purdy and Daniel Stinman on our Kubota Podcast

North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors took action on property purchases, major equipment investments, facilities needs, and scholarship funding during its meeting Wednesday evening in North Platte.

MPCC President Ryan Purdy and Director of Marketing and Public Relations Daniel Stinman joined North Platte Post to break down the Board’s decisions and what they mean for students and the broader community.

Prior to the regular meeting, the Board held three public hearings related to the potential purchase of lots on Iron Eagle Court. While no public comment was offered during the hearings, Purdy said the properties play a key role in both short- and long-term planning for MPCC’s building construction program.

The lots are used as training sites where students build homes as part of a hands-on educational lab. The program typically completes one home per year, allowing students to work through electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and finishing components that aren’t always possible when homes are constructed for immediate occupancy. Purdy said securing additional nearby lots ensures the program can continue for the next several years while keeping training sites close to campus.

The hearings opened a required 30-day public comment period, after which the college can proceed with closing on the properties if no concerns are raised. The process is mandated by state law for real estate transactions involving public entities.

As part of its regular financial oversight, the Board approved more than $1.3 million in bills for November. Purdy said the amount falls on the lower end of MPCC’s typical monthly expenditures, which often range between $1.8 million and $2 million. The expenses include utilities, equipment purchases, capital projects, housing operations, food service, and student-related costs, all within the approved budget.

The Board also approved several sole-source bids tied directly to workforce and technical education. One of those included updated Code Blue medical simulators for MPCC’s mobile health occupations truck. The simulators will be used for training in rural hospitals, schools, fire departments, and emergency response settings, as well as for student exploration in nursing and other health programs.

Additional approvals included electrical equipment for the new Electrical Technology Building’s automation control lab, selected to align with industry partner standards, and the replacement of an air handler in Brooks Hall following damage believed to be caused by a lightning strike.

Scholarship funding was another highlight of the meeting. MPCC received $15,000 from the Nebraska Public Power District Open, part of a long-running partnership that has generated more than $416,000 in scholarship support for MPCC students over 34 years. Purdy said the endowment structure of the program allows the impact of those funds to extend well beyond the annual contribution.

Student engagement was also front and center, with student trustees from both the North Platte and McCook campuses providing updates on campus activities, athletics, and student involvement. Purdy noted strong participation across events and said the Board is exploring the possibility of including students in future legislative advocacy efforts at the state level.

Departmental reports highlighted several priorities moving into the spring semester, including expanded articulation agreements with four-year institutions, strategic enrollment planning, housing capacity challenges, workforce funding programs, and continued focus on retention and completion goals.

Looking ahead, upcoming Board reports will focus on facilities planning, financials, technical programs, and student success. Purdy said budget development and tracking will be a major emphasis in the spring.

Stinman also shared several upcoming deadlines and events, including the start of the spring semester on January 12, nursing program application deadlines on January 15, and the institutional scholarship deadline of March 1. He also noted the MPCC Rodeo Banquet is scheduled for March 14 and highlighted strong national rankings for the college’s rodeo teams.

MPCC campuses will close at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and reopen with normal hours on January 5, with classes beginning January 12.

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689685697512.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="MPCC Board of Governors Meeting Recap: Property Purchases, Workforce Training, and What’s Ahead for Students" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=p22w7-19f6ddf-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Listen to the full interview with Ryan Purdy and Daniel Stinman on our Kubota PodcastNorth Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors took action on property purchases, major equipment investments, facilities needs, and scholarship funding during its meeting Wednesday evening in North Platte.MPCC President Ryan Purdy and Director of Marketing and Public Relations Daniel Stinman joined North Platte Post to break down the Board’s decisions and what they mean for students and the broader community.Prior to the regular meeting, the Board held three public hearings related to the potential purchase of lots on Iron Eagle Court. While no public comment was offered during the hearings, Purdy said the properties play a key role in both short- and long-term planning for MPCC’s building construction program.The lots are used as training sites where students build homes as part of a hands-on educational lab. The program typically completes one home per year, allowing students to work through electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and finishing components that aren’t always possible when homes are constructed for immediate occupancy. Purdy said securing additional nearby lots ensures the program can continue for the next several years while keeping training sites close to campus.The hearings opened a required 30-day public comment period, after which the college can proceed with closing on the properties if no concerns are raised. The process is mandated by state law for real estate transactions involving public entities.As part of its regular financial oversight, the Board approved more than $1.3 million in bills for November. Purdy said the amount falls on the lower end of MPCC’s typical monthly expenditures, which often range between $1.8 million and $2 million. The expenses include utilities, equipment purchases, capital projects, housing operations, food service, and student-related costs, all within the approved budget.The Board also approved several sole-source bids tied directly to workforce and technical education. One of those included updated Code Blue medical simulators for MPCC’s mobile health occupations truck. The simulators will be used for training in rural hospitals, schools, fire departments, and emergency response settings, as well as for student exploration in nursing and other health programs.Additional approvals included electrical equipment for the new Electrical Technology Building’s automation control lab, selected to align with industry partner standards, and the replacement of an air handler in Brooks Hall following damage believed to be caused by a lightning strike.Scholarship funding was another highlight of the meeting. MPCC received $15,000 from the Nebraska Public Power District Open, part of a long-running partnership that has generated more than $416,000 in scholarship support for MPCC students over 34 years. Purdy said the endowment structure of the program allows the impact of those funds to extend well beyond the annual contribution.Student engagement was also front and center, with student trustees from both the North Platte and McCook campuses providing updates on campus activities, athletics, and student involvement. Purdy noted strong participation across events and said the Board is exploring the possibility of including students in future legislative advocacy efforts at the state level.Departmental reports highlighted several priorities moving into the spring semester, including expanded articulation agreements with four-year institutions, strategic enrollment planning, housing capacity challenges, workforce funding programs, and continued focus on retention and completion goals.Looking ahead, upcoming Board reports will focus on facilities planning, financials, technical programs, and student success. Purdy said budget development and tracking will be a major emphasis in the spring.Stinman also shared several upcoming deadlines and events, including the start of the spring semester on January 12, nursing program application deadlines on January 15, and the institutional scholarship deadline of March 1. He also noted the MPCC Rodeo Banquet is scheduled for March 14 and highlighted strong national rankings for the college’s rodeo teams.MPCC campuses will close at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and reopen with normal hours on January 5, with classes beginning January 12.

MPCC Board Actions Focus on Workforce Training, Property Purchases, and Student Support

Listen to the full interview with Caitlyn Jacobson and Leo Walz on our Kubota Podcast

A Logan County sixth grader is gaining hands-on farming experience through 4-H, using a wheat agronomy project to learn both the fieldwork and business side of agriculture.

Leo Walz, a fifth-year 4-H member, joined Nebraska Extension Educator Kaitlin Jacobson in the studio to talk about his project and what 4-H has meant to him so far.

Walz said joining 4-H felt natural, as it’s long been part of his family. “That’s where my mom and dad met,” he said. “So it kind of just came naturally. It’s a family thing.”

Over the years, Walz has explored a variety of projects. “My first two years, I showed cattle and then I did some shooting sports,” he said. “This last year, I did some baking projects and then this agronomy.”

When asked what he’s enjoyed most, Walz didn’t hesitate. “I liked showing cattle,” he said, adding that shooting sports has also been a favorite.

His current wheat agronomy project focuses on his family’s farm and a push toward more natural farming practices. “It involves our farm and everything we’re trying to do to get our farm back to not trying to use herbicides and chemicals,” Walz explained. “Kind of go in the natural route.”

That approach has come with challenges. “In today’s world, killing weeds is harder without chemicals,” Walz said. “So trying to keep the weeds down without chemicals is hard.”

Jacobson said projects like agronomy showcase 4-H’s “learn by doing” philosophy. “Agronomy is really just a prime example of the 4-H model,” she said. “4-Hers learn by doing.”

She explained that the project goes beyond fieldwork and includes detailed record-keeping. “He has a red binder with him, and that’s the record-keeping aspect,” Jacobson said. “You document all your expenses, what you make — all those things.”

Walz said much of that information came directly from his family’s farming operation. “Pretty much everything that my dad already has written down in the computers,” he said. “He was able to just give me that information right from his phone.”

Jacobson said that experience gives youth a realistic look at farming. “These are things that farmers have to do,” she said. “If a youth finds their spark in agriculture and wants to pursue being a farmer, this is great experience.”

Walz said the financial side of the project taught him a lot. “When we were doing the money aspect, like the breaking even stuff, I learned a lot about that,” he said.

Looking ahead, Walz plans to continue in 4-H. “This next year, I hope to do a couple more agronomy projects and some more wood and baking projects,” he said.

For youth thinking about joining 4-H, Walz offered simple advice: “Follow what you want to do and try your hardest.”

Jacobson said agronomy is just one of many project areas available. “The bottom line is you learn by doing,” she said. “It’s fun, and 4-Hers get life skills they can take with them into their adult life.”

4-H enrollment is currently open. Families can enroll online at v2.4honline.com, stop by the Nebraska Extension Office on West State Farm Road, or call 308-532-2683. Updates are also shared on the Lincoln Logan McPherson County 4-H Facebook page.

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post<div><iframe title="Learning by Doing: Logan County 4-Her Leo Walz on Agronomy & 4-H Experience" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=47aqh-19f6ba3-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=000000&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Listen to the full interview with Caitlyn Jacobson and Leo Walz on our Kubota PodcastA Logan County sixth grader is gaining hands-on farming experience through 4-H, using a wheat agronomy project to learn both the fieldwork and business side of agriculture.Leo Walz, a fifth-year 4-H member, joined Nebraska Extension Educator Kaitlin Jacobson in the studio to talk about his project and what 4-H has meant to him so far.Walz said joining 4-H felt natural, as it’s long been part of his family. “That’s where my mom and dad met,” he said. “So it kind of just came naturally. It’s a family thing.”Over the years, Walz has explored a variety of projects. “My first two years, I showed cattle and then I did some shooting sports,” he said. “This last year, I did some baking projects and then this agronomy.”When asked what he’s enjoyed most, Walz didn’t hesitate. “I liked showing cattle,” he said, adding that shooting sports has also been a favorite.His current wheat agronomy project focuses on his family’s farm and a push toward more natural farming practices. “It involves our farm and everything we’re trying to do to get our farm back to not trying to use herbicides and chemicals,” Walz explained. “Kind of go in the natural route.”That approach has come with challenges. “In today’s world, killing weeds is harder without chemicals,” Walz said. “So trying to keep the weeds down without chemicals is hard.”Jacobson said projects like agronomy showcase 4-H’s “learn by doing” philosophy. “Agronomy is really just a prime example of the 4-H model,” she said. “4-Hers learn by doing.”She explained that the project goes beyond fieldwork and includes detailed record-keeping. “He has a red binder with him, and that’s the record-keeping aspect,” Jacobson said. “You document all your expenses, what you make — all those things.”Walz said much of that information came directly from his family’s farming operation. “Pretty much everything that my dad already has written down in the computers,” he said. “He was able to just give me that information right from his phone.”Jacobson said that experience gives youth a realistic look at farming. “These are things that farmers have to do,” she said. “If a youth finds their spark in agriculture and wants to pursue being a farmer, this is great experience.”Walz said the financial side of the project taught him a lot. “When we were doing the money aspect, like the breaking even stuff, I learned a lot about that,” he said.Looking ahead, Walz plans to continue in 4-H. “This next year, I hope to do a couple more agronomy projects and some more wood and baking projects,” he said.For youth thinking about joining 4-H, Walz offered simple advice: “Follow what you want to do and try your hardest.”Jacobson said agronomy is just one of many project areas available. “The bottom line is you learn by doing,” she said. “It’s fun, and 4-Hers get life skills they can take with them into their adult life.”4-H enrollment is currently open. Families can enroll online at v2.4honline.com, stop by the Nebraska Extension Office on West State Farm Road, or call 308-532-2683. Updates are also shared on the Lincoln Logan McPherson County 4-H Facebook page.

🎙️Logan County 4-Her Gains Real-World Experience Through Agronomy Project

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

Strong winds swept across western and north-central Nebraska on December 17 and 18, with several locations reporting gusts strong enough to reach hurricane force, according to the National Weather Service in North Platte.

The strongest reported wind gust was 80 miles per hour, recorded 14 miles north of Bingham at 8 a.m. on December 18, based on Mesonet data. Another Mesonet site three miles east-southeast of Tryon reported a 77 mph gust at the same time.

Airports across the region also recorded extreme winds. Valentine Airport measured a 76 mph gust at 8:19 p.m. on December 17, while Broken Bow Airport reported gusts as high as 72 mph on the morning of December 18. North Platte Regional Airport recorded a 71 mph gust at 7:43 a.m. that day.

Multiple locations throughout the Sandhills and southwest Nebraska saw gusts exceeding 70 mph, including areas near Rushville, Whitman, Crescent Lake, Bassett, Cody, Antioch, Merriman, Eli, Brownlee, Kingsley Dam, Ogallala, Grant, Imperial, and Ainsworth.

Wind gusts of 60 mph or greater were widespread, with dozens of observations reported by Mesonet stations, airport weather sensors, trained spotters, and automated weather observing systems. The strongest winds were generally observed late on December 17 and during the early to mid-morning hours of December 18.

The National Weather Service noted that wind observations are collected from a variety of sources with different equipment and exposure levels, and not all reported data are considered official. Officials thanked volunteer weather observers for their contributions.

No immediate damage totals were included with the report, but winds of this magnitude are capable of causing power outages, downed trees, and travel disruptions, particularly for high-profile vehicles.

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766160353503.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Strong winds swept across western and north-central Nebraska on December 17 and 18, with several locations reporting gusts strong enough to reach hurricane force, according to the National Weather Service in North Platte.The strongest reported wind gust was 80 miles per hour, recorded 14 miles north of Bingham at 8 a.m. on December 18, based on Mesonet data. Another Mesonet site three miles east-southeast of Tryon reported a 77 mph gust at the same time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766160477196.png" alt="Parkade Plaza Christmas Tree in North Platte, downed in road during high winds early morning of December 18, 2025. (Courtesy Nikki Rawn)" />
 <figcaption>Parkade Plaza Christmas Tree in North Platte, downed in road during high winds early morning of December 18, 2025. (Courtesy Nikki Rawn)</figcaption>
 </figure>Airports across the region also recorded extreme winds. Valentine Airport measured a 76 mph gust at 8:19 p.m. on December 17, while Broken Bow Airport reported gusts as high as 72 mph on the morning of December 18. North Platte Regional Airport recorded a 71 mph gust at 7:43 a.m. that day.Multiple locations throughout the Sandhills and southwest Nebraska saw gusts exceeding 70 mph, including areas near Rushville, Whitman, Crescent Lake, Bassett, Cody, Antioch, Merriman, Eli, Brownlee, Kingsley Dam, Ogallala, Grant, Imperial, and Ainsworth.Wind gusts of 60 mph or greater were widespread, with dozens of observations reported by Mesonet stations, airport weather sensors, trained spotters, and automated weather observing systems. The strongest winds were generally observed late on December 17 and during the early to mid-morning hours of December 18.The National Weather Service noted that wind observations are collected from a variety of sources with different equipment and exposure levels, and not all reported data are considered official. Officials thanked volunteer weather observers for their contributions.No immediate damage totals were included with the report, but winds of this magnitude are capable of causing power outages, downed trees, and travel disruptions, particularly for high-profile vehicles.

Powerful Winds Gust Toward 80 MPH Across Western and North-Central Nebraska

<figure>
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 </figure><h2>Lincoln County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766154318650.jpeg" alt="Elliott Fair - Failure to Appear" />
 <figcaption>Elliott Fair - Failure to Appear</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766154331681.jpeg" alt="Anthony Tanner - Contempt of Court-Keith County" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766154343283.jpeg" alt="Taylor Trembly - Cruelty Toward Child" />
 <figcaption>Taylor Trembly - Cruelty Toward Child</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766154353032.jpeg" alt="Mannuel Zavala-Balderas - Immigration" />
 <figcaption>Mannuel Zavala-Balderas - Immigration</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766154362175.jpeg" alt="Toni Hopkins - Possession of Controlled Substance, Probation Violation" />
 <figcaption>Toni Hopkins - Possession of Controlled Substance, Probation Violation</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766154381712.jpeg" alt="Ronald Delome - Driving Under Influence of Liquor, Refusal to Submit Breath/Chem Test" />
 <figcaption>Ronald Delome - Driving Under Influence of Liquor, Refusal to Submit Breath/Chem Test</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Keith County Jail</h2>No New Bookings****<h2>Dawson County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766154470121.jpeg" alt="Pedro Valente-Renteria - Shoplifting $0-$500" />
 <figcaption>Pedro Valente-Renteria - Shoplifting $0-$500</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766154558358.jpeg" alt="Norlan Argenal - Threat-Terroristic-State Offenses, 3rd Degree Domestic Assault Strangulation" />
 <figcaption>Norlan Argenal - Threat-Terroristic-State Offenses, 3rd Degree Domestic Assault Strangulation</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Buffalo County Jail</h2>Temporarily Unavailable****<div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2> 

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

The Hot Sheets: December 19, 2028

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has received a report of wild geese in the health district that have tested positive for avian influenza, or bird flu.

There have been no human cases of bird flu in southwest Nebraska. This virus mainly affects birds and animals, and the risk to humans is low. It is still a good idea to take precautions around sick or dying wild birds.

If you do get symptoms during the 10 days, talk to your medical provider or call SWNPHD and let them know that you had an exposure to sick or dying birds so they can coordinate the right tests and treatments.

Nebraska Game and Parks is monitoring wild birds in Nebraska for bird flu, and residents can report sick, dead, or abnormally behaving birds to their avian influenza&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/conservation/conservation-challenges/wildlife-diseases/avian-influenza/">https://outdoornebraska.gov/conservation/conservation-challenges/wildlife-diseases/avian-influenza/</a>.&nbsp;

For more information about avian influenza, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/">cdc.gov/birdflu</a>&nbsp;or contact SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties.

You can follow us on Facebook, You Tube, and Instagram or view the website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.swhealth.ne.gov/">www.swhealth.ne.gov</a>.

SWNPHD: Bird Flu Found in Wild Geese

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736426651512.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lincoln County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766003881960.jpeg" alt="James Henley Jr. - Contempt of Court x3" />
 <figcaption>James Henley Jr. - Contempt of Court x3</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766027007773.jpeg" alt="Jacob King - Fraud-Impersonation, False Reporting, Obstructing Government Operations" />
 <figcaption>Jacob King - Fraud-Impersonation, False Reporting, Obstructing Government Operations</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766027021620.jpeg" alt="Kenneth Witt - Contempt of Court, Probation Violation, Possession of Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine" />
 <figcaption>Kenneth Witt - Contempt of Court, Probation Violation, Possession of Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766078767118.jpeg" alt="Dayjiah Miles - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault" />
 <figcaption>Dayjiah Miles - 3rd Degree Domestic Assault</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766078782373.jpeg" alt="Jose Sordia-Tello - Safekeep Other" />
 <figcaption>Jose Sordia-Tello - Safekeep Other</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Keith County Jail</h2>No New Bookings****<h2>Dawson County Jail</h2>No New Bookings****<h2>Buffalo County Jail</h2>Temporarily Unavailable****<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2> 

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

The Hot Sheets: December 18, 2025

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has a few recommendations on food safety to help make this year’s holiday feasts safe and enjoyable. Last year nearly half of all the disease cases (excluding COVID-19) investigated by SWNPHD between Thanksgiving and New Year were stomach bugs from food poisoning or other sources.

“The germs that cause food poisoning are definitely around this time of year,” explains Melissa Propp, Clinic Manager at SWNPHD. “Imagine the turkey covered in glitter. If you touched it and then didn’t wash your hands, you would spread glitter to everything else you touch. Germs work the same way; we just can’t see them.”

Everyone can take simple safety steps to make sure the food they share is safe to eat and will not make anyone sick, and it starts with washing your hands often while preparing food.

· Keep foods separate, especially raw meat. Anything that touches raw meat shouldn’t touch any other food, including the cooked meat once it is done.

· If you use ready-to-cook foods, like pre-made cookie dough, follow the package directions carefully. Eating them right out of the package without cooking them can make you sick.

· Cook food to the right temperature. You can’t tell it’s done by how it looks, so use a food thermometer to be sure it is hot enough to kill all the germs. You can find a chart of safe cooking temperatures at foodsafety.gov.

· Keep cold food cold (40°) and hot food hot (140°). If you bring food along when traveling to a get-together, make sure you can keep it at a safe temperature or choose dishes that are safe at room temperature.

· Keep an eye on the clock. Do you use a timer for how long to cook things? You can use a timer for how long food can stay out too. Get leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours, then eat them within 3 to 4 days.

With so many foods being cooked or prepared at the same time, it can be easy to mix things up. If you do get food poisoning, the symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea usually get better on their own. However, some people may get dehydrated and need to see a doctor, especially if they are babies, young children, pregnant women, or older adults.

For more information about food safety, call SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. Follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube or visit swhealth.ne.gov.

For Immediate Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756996738717.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has a few recommendations on food safety to help make this year’s holiday feasts safe and enjoyable. Last year nearly half of all the disease cases (excluding COVID-19) investigated by SWNPHD between Thanksgiving and New Year were stomach bugs from food poisoning or other sources.“The germs that cause food poisoning are definitely around this time of year,” explains Melissa Propp, Clinic Manager at SWNPHD. “Imagine the turkey covered in glitter. If you touched it and then didn’t wash your hands, you would spread glitter to everything else you touch. Germs work the same way; we just can’t see them.”Everyone can take simple safety steps to make sure the food they share is safe to eat and will not make anyone sick, and it starts with washing your hands often while preparing food.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765998919693.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>· Keep foods separate, especially raw meat. Anything that touches raw meat shouldn’t touch any other food, including the cooked meat once it is done.· If you use ready-to-cook foods, like pre-made cookie dough, follow the package directions carefully. Eating them right out of the package without cooking them can make you sick.· Cook food to the right temperature. You can’t tell it’s done by how it looks, so use a food thermometer to be sure it is hot enough to kill all the germs. You can find a chart of safe cooking temperatures at foodsafety.gov.· Keep cold food cold (40°) and hot food hot (140°). If you bring food along when traveling to a get-together, make sure you can keep it at a safe temperature or choose dishes that are safe at room temperature.· Keep an eye on the clock. Do you use a timer for how long to cook things? You can use a timer for how long food can stay out too. Get leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours, then eat them within 3 to 4 days.With so many foods being cooked or prepared at the same time, it can be easy to mix things up. If you do get food poisoning, the symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea usually get better on their own. However, some people may get dehydrated and need to see a doctor, especially if they are babies, young children, pregnant women, or older adults.For more information about food safety, call SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. Follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube or visit swhealth.ne.gov.

SWNPHD: Food Safety for Holiday Feasts

Mid-Plains Community College will host a special Festive Friday Bingo Night at the American Legion on Friday, December 19, marking the final bingo event of 2025.

Community members are encouraged to dress in their favorite festive attire for the holiday-themed evening, which will include sloppy joes, multiple raffle prizes, and a full night of bingo.

Early Bird Bingo begins at 6:45 p.m., followed by Regular Bingo at 7 p.m. (Mountain Time). Raffle drawings will be held throughout the night. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to play.

Bingo at the American Legion will resume in the new year, with the first event of 2026 scheduled for Friday, January 9.

The public is invited to attend and help send off the year with a festive night of bingo and prizes.

By Allison Peck | Sandhills Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766001635516.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Mid-Plains Community College will host a special Festive Friday Bingo Night at the American Legion on Friday, December 19, marking the final bingo event of 2025.Community members are encouraged to dress in their favorite festive attire for the holiday-themed evening, which will include sloppy joes, multiple raffle prizes, and a full night of bingo.Early Bird Bingo begins at 6:45 p.m., followed by Regular Bingo at 7 p.m. (Mountain Time). Raffle drawings will be held throughout the night. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to play.Bingo at the American Legion will resume in the new year, with the first event of 2026 scheduled for Friday, January 9.The public is invited to attend and help send off the year with a festive night of bingo and prizes.

Mid-Plains Community College Hosts Festive Friday Legion Bingo to Close Out the Year

Wauneta, Neb. - The Chase County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information in the interest of public awareness.

On December 14, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., a fuel theft occurred in Chase County. An investigation was initiated on December 15, 2025, when deputies responded to Crossroads in Wauneta, Nebraska, regarding the theft of approximately 500 gallons of diesel fuel.

During the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office was able to obtain video footage of the individual and vehicle involved in the incident. 

At this time, the suspect remains at large. 

The suspect is believed to be a male, wearing a gray sweatshirt, white sweatpants tucked into boots, and a trapper-style hat.

Pending charges include Nebraska Statute 28-511(B), Theft by Unlawful Taking, with a value between $1,500 and $5,000.

The Chase County Sheriff’s Office advises the public and local businesses to remain vigilant, as incidents of this nature are likely to occur again. Investigators note that offenders often target an area multiple times before moving on.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Chase County Sheriff’s Office at (308) 882-4748.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765999086811.jpeg" alt="Imperial Gas Theft 2025" />
 <figcaption>Imperial Gas Theft 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>Wauneta, Neb. - The Chase County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information in the interest of public awareness.On December 14, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., a fuel theft occurred in Chase County. An investigation was initiated on December 15, 2025, when deputies responded to Crossroads in Wauneta, Nebraska, regarding the theft of approximately 500 gallons of diesel fuel.During the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office was able to obtain video footage of the individual and vehicle involved in the incident. At this time, the suspect remains at large. The suspect is believed to be a male, wearing a gray sweatshirt, white sweatpants tucked into boots, and a trapper-style hat.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchasecountysheriffoffice%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0352r1x8U7QhSdNqC8b5sE9oQrjVMVVHG84t3f46hEfL1uBNYPW9UpAP7ERnek1Nywl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="442" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Pending charges include Nebraska Statute 28-511(B), Theft by Unlawful Taking, with a value between $1,500 and $5,000.The Chase County Sheriff’s Office advises the public and local businesses to remain vigilant, as incidents of this nature are likely to occur again. Investigators note that offenders often target an area multiple times before moving on.Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Chase County Sheriff’s Office at (308) 882-4748.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chase County Sheriff's Office Reports Fuel Theft in Wauneta; Investigation is On-Going

<figure>
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 </figure><h2>Lincoln County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765949505149.jpeg" alt="Terrance Alexander - Failure to Appear-Lancaster County" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765949518008.jpeg" alt="Dustin Gallegos - Contempt of Court" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765949537509.jpeg" alt="Kyron Johnson - Assault-Bodily Injury Consent/Mutual Consent, Failure to Appear" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765949561061.jpeg" alt="Bobby McMillian - Cocaine-Possession, Driving Under Suspension X2, No Drug Tax Stamp" />
 <figcaption>Bobby McMillian - Cocaine-Possession, Driving Under Suspension X2, No Drug Tax Stamp</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Keith County Jail</h2>No New Bookings****<h2>Dawson County Jail</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765949248010.jpeg" alt="Anthony Haggart - Dawson County Sheriff's Office Warrant Bond Revocation, Dawson County Sheriff's Office-Warrant-Bond Revocation, Dawson County Sheriff's Office-Warrant-Threat-Terroristic, Dawson County Sheriff's Office-Warrant-Child Abuse, Dawson County Sheriff's Office-Warrant-Domestic Abuse-Protection Order Violation, Third Degree Assault" />
 <figcaption>Anthony Haggart - Dawson County Sheriff's Office Warrant Bond Revocation, Dawson County Sheriff's Office-Warrant-Bond Revocation, Dawson County Sheriff's Office-Warrant-Threat-Terroristic, Dawson County Sheriff's Office-Warrant-Child Abuse, Dawson County Sheriff's Office-Warrant-Domestic Abuse-Protection Order Violation, Third Degree Assault</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765949281651.jpeg" alt="Andhy Rodriguez-Quinones - No Operators License" />
 <figcaption>Andhy Rodriguez-Quinones - No Operators License</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765949305790.jpeg" alt="Kallen Nickell - Driving Under Influence-1st" />
 <figcaption>Kallen Nickell - Driving Under Influence-1st</figcaption>
 </figure>****<h2>Buffalo County Jail</h2>Temporarily Unavailable****<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2> 

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

The Hot Sheets: December 17, 2025

By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner

Five state senators took Pillen administration offer to tour state prison converted to federal migrant detention center Monday

LINCOLN — Five of Nebraska’s 49 state lawmakers Monday toured the controversial ICE migrant detention center in McCook, taking the Pillen administration up on a group invite to walk through the converted prison.&nbsp;

The lone Democrat participating, State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, estimated that between 100 and 150 migrants, all of them men, were being held at what state and federal officials call the “Cornhusker Clink.”&nbsp;

State prison officials have declined to provide a detainee population count or daily average, citing security concerns.

Except for new fencing, Juarez said much of the physical facility looked similar to what she had seen when she arrived unannounced in September, when the McCook prison still operated as the state’s Work Ethic Camp, aimed at stepping people toward lives outside of prison.&nbsp;

Several detainees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday were outside exercising, she said. A TV, a small library and a medical office were visible.&nbsp;

Some detainees inside played cards, according to observations by other senators on the tour, a group that included State Sens. Myron Dorn of Adams, Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Rob Clements of Elmwood and Dan Lonowski of Hastings.

Some key differences this time,&nbsp; Juarez said, were the backgrounds, languages and cultures of those being held at the center, which previously held Nebraska inmates nearing release.&nbsp;

The lawmakers told the Examiner the current detainees represented multiple countries, including Russia, India, Somalia, Mexico and Guatemala.&nbsp;

“I still think that how this is being done is wrong, and I’m not happy the place exists,” Juarez said after the visit, which lasted more than an hour.&nbsp;

But she and the other participating senators said the facility appeared clean, orderly and that detainees had access to visitors and a list of pro bono lawyers.

Juarez said she remains frustrated with federal immigration laws and enforcement tactics and said that pressure for change should be placed on Congress and at the ballot box.

“That change is what is needed so we’re not wasting our federal tax dollars,” she said, citing studies that immigration arrests under the Trump administration continued to increase but that an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/repub/a-larger-share-of-ices-arrested-immigrants-have-no-criminal-record/">ever-lager share of arrests&nbsp;</a>were solely for immigration violations and not for crimes the administration said would be its focus.

The tour of the McCook facility was offered to all 49 senators in the officially nonpartisan Legislature&nbsp; two days after State Sen. Michaela Cavanaugh of Omaha publicly criticized Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration for twice denying her entry on Nov. 12 and 13 to the McCook facility.

Cavanaugh initially arrived unannounced to the McCook facility Nov. 12, citing a state law that says members of the Legislature can enter such a state facility “at any time.” She was rejected and tried again the next morning, on Nov. 13, after alerting the Department of Correctional Services the prior evening.

Pillen on Monday said in a statement that the McCook facility has been up and running in its new role since November and said Monday was “a good opportunity for senators to come and see first-hand the operational aspects of the detention facility.”

Legislators were required to fill out a form by the end of the work day Friday to attend, which was sent to federal officials prior to the visit.

A Pillen spokesperson said reporters were not allowed on the Monday tour, which was led by Rob Jeffreys, the state’s director of Correctional Services. The Examiner spoke to the five lawmakers afterward.

Jeffreys had told Cavanaugh that her alert in November was problematic, as it came with notice that was too short. Furthermore, he and a spokesperson for the Pillen administration said they interpret state law differently as it relates to entry to the McCook facility.&nbsp;

The state contracts with and is paid by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to house the federal detainees at the McCook center while the detainees await deportation to other countries.

Cavanaugh declined to participate in the tour, saying she had previous commitments and also that it was unclear last week whether lawmakers would be allowed to bring a pen and paper into the facility, “let alone a phone” to perhaps record observations. She said one of her main goals was to ask questions of detainees and gather information in the event they needed services.

Lawmakers on the tour said they did not bring phones on the tour, but had access to staff members to answer questions. Some questions, including the average number of detainees each day, were not answered.

Senators said they were told that the range of time behind bars at the McCook facility ranged from a day for some, while others have been there since it pivoted to federal use.&nbsp;

Pillen said earlier that detainees started to arrive in early November and that he had expected 200 by Thanksgiving and up to 300 when other facility modifications were completed. The Republican state senators on the tour agreed with Juarez’s estimate that between 100 and 150 detainees were being held at the center on Monday.

A spokesperson for the Corrections Department said the number of detainees housed at the McCook facility “fluctuates regularly,” and that federal officials asked the state not to disclose numbers.

Brandt said the group was told many of the detainees are transported to McCook from the Omaha and North Platte airports, but that senators were not told the cities or states where the ICE detainees were originally arrested.&nbsp;

The five senators said they didn’t personally talk to detainees but said they were not prohibited from doing so.&nbsp;

They said at least some detainees had access to electronic tablets.

“It was very clean, well kept, very well run,” Dorn said of the former Work Ethic Camp facility.&nbsp;

“It seemed very peaceful, the dining room where they eat was nice,” said Clements. He said phone numbers for various foreign consulates were posted on a wall, and he could see a bank of phones available for detainee use.

The senators saw technology that allows detainees to attend immigration court hearings remotely.&nbsp;

Lonowski said he was impressed with the professionalism of staff, who appeared to be from the local area.

By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner<h2>Five state senators took Pillen administration offer to tour state prison converted to federal migrant detention center Monday</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WEC-immigration-walkthrough_CTSY-e1765846592973.jpg" alt="&nbsp;All 49 Nebraska lawmakers were invited to a group “walkthrough” of the McCook ICE detention center on Monday. Five attended. Some had other commitments by the time they were notified. A few Democrats said they declined in part because they believe state senators have legal right to tour state prison facilities “at any time” and they want legislative leadership to defend the oversight authority. Dec. 15, 2025. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;All 49 Nebraska lawmakers were invited to a group “walkthrough” of the McCook ICE detention center on Monday. Five attended. Some had other commitments by the time they were notified. A few Democrats said they declined in part because they believe state senators have legal right to tour state prison facilities “at any time” and they want legislative leadership to defend the oversight authority. Dec. 15, 2025. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — Five of Nebraska’s 49 state lawmakers Monday toured the controversial ICE migrant detention center in McCook, taking the Pillen administration up on a group invite to walk through the converted prison.&nbsp;The lone Democrat participating, State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, estimated that between 100 and 150 migrants, all of them men, were being held at what state and federal officials call the “Cornhusker Clink.”&nbsp;State prison officials have declined to provide a detainee population count or daily average, citing security concerns.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/juarez_ZJW_121324-01-300x200.jpg" alt="State Sen.-elect Margo Juarez of Omaha. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen.-elect Margo Juarez of Omaha. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Except for new fencing, Juarez said much of the physical facility looked similar to what she had seen when she arrived unannounced in September, when the McCook prison still operated as the state’s Work Ethic Camp, aimed at stepping people toward lives outside of prison.&nbsp;Several detainees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday were outside exercising, she said. A TV, a small library and a medical office were visible.&nbsp;Some detainees inside played cards, according to observations by other senators on the tour, a group that included State Sens. Myron Dorn of Adams, Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Rob Clements of Elmwood and Dan Lonowski of Hastings.Some key differences this time,&nbsp; Juarez said, were the backgrounds, languages and cultures of those being held at the center, which previously held Nebraska inmates nearing release.&nbsp;The lawmakers told the Examiner the current detainees represented multiple countries, including Russia, India, Somalia, Mexico and Guatemala.&nbsp;“I still think that how this is being done is wrong, and I’m not happy the place exists,” Juarez said after the visit, which lasted more than an hour.&nbsp;<h2>Frustrated</h2>But she and the other participating senators said the facility appeared clean, orderly and that detainees had access to visitors and a list of pro bono lawyers.Juarez said she remains frustrated with federal immigration laws and enforcement tactics and said that pressure for change should be placed on Congress and at the ballot box.“That change is what is needed so we’re not wasting our federal tax dollars,” she said, citing studies that immigration arrests under the Trump administration continued to increase but that an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/repub/a-larger-share-of-ices-arrested-immigrants-have-no-criminal-record/">ever-lager share of arrests&nbsp;</a>were solely for immigration violations and not for crimes the administration said would be its focus.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Resized_20251215_142352-300x169.jpeg" alt="Four of the five Nebraska lawmakers take a photo prior to their tour of the McCook ICE detention facility Monday. Included are State Sens. Rob Clements of Elmwood, Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Myron Dorn of Adams and Dan Lonowski of Hastings. (Courtesy of State Sen. Rob Clements)" />
 <figcaption>Four of the five Nebraska lawmakers take a photo prior to their tour of the McCook ICE detention facility Monday. Included are State Sens. Rob Clements of Elmwood, Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Myron Dorn of Adams and Dan Lonowski of Hastings. (Courtesy of State Sen. Rob Clements)</figcaption>
 </figure>The tour of the McCook facility was offered to all 49 senators in the officially nonpartisan Legislature&nbsp; two days after State Sen. Michaela Cavanaugh of Omaha publicly criticized Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration for twice denying her entry on Nov. 12 and 13 to the McCook facility.Cavanaugh initially arrived unannounced to the McCook facility Nov. 12, citing a state law that says members of the Legislature can enter such a state facility “at any time.” She was rejected and tried again the next morning, on Nov. 13, after alerting the Department of Correctional Services the prior evening.Pillen on Monday said in a statement that the McCook facility has been up and running in its new role since November and said Monday was “a good opportunity for senators to come and see first-hand the operational aspects of the detention facility.”Legislators were required to fill out a form by the end of the work day Friday to attend, which was sent to federal officials prior to the visit.A Pillen spokesperson said reporters were not allowed on the Monday tour, which was led by Rob Jeffreys, the state’s director of Correctional Services. The Examiner spoke to the five lawmakers afterward.<h2>Time in McCook varies</h2>Jeffreys had told Cavanaugh that her alert in November was problematic, as it came with notice that was too short. Furthermore, he and a spokesperson for the Pillen administration said they interpret state law differently as it relates to entry to the McCook facility.&nbsp;The state contracts with and is paid by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to house the federal detainees at the McCook center while the detainees await deportation to other countries.Cavanaugh declined to participate in the tour, saying she had previous commitments and also that it was unclear last week whether lawmakers would be allowed to bring a pen and paper into the facility, “let alone a phone” to perhaps record observations. She said one of her main goals was to ask questions of detainees and gather information in the event they needed services.Lawmakers on the tour said they did not bring phones on the tour, but had access to staff members to answer questions. Some questions, including the average number of detainees each day, were not answered.Senators said they were told that the range of time behind bars at the McCook facility ranged from a day for some, while others have been there since it pivoted to federal use.&nbsp;Pillen said earlier that detainees started to arrive in early November and that he had expected 200 by Thanksgiving and up to 300 when other facility modifications were completed. The Republican state senators on the tour agreed with Juarez’s estimate that between 100 and 150 detainees were being held at the center on Monday.A spokesperson for the Corrections Department said the number of detainees housed at the McCook facility “fluctuates regularly,” and that federal officials asked the state not to disclose numbers.Brandt said the group was told many of the detainees are transported to McCook from the Omaha and North Platte airports, but that senators were not told the cities or states where the ICE detainees were originally arrested.&nbsp;The five senators said they didn’t personally talk to detainees but said they were not prohibited from doing so.&nbsp;They said at least some detainees had access to electronic tablets.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_6016-scaled-e1756847222745-259x300.jpeg" alt="McCook Mayor Linda Taylor speaks during a previous press conference with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen at McCook’s Ben Nelson Regional Airport on Tuesday. (Brigham Larington/McCook Gazette)" />
 <figcaption>McCook Mayor Linda Taylor speaks during a previous press conference with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen at McCook’s Ben Nelson Regional Airport on Tuesday. (Brigham Larington/McCook Gazette)</figcaption>
 </figure>“It was very clean, well kept, very well run,” Dorn said of the former Work Ethic Camp facility.&nbsp;“It seemed very peaceful, the dining room where they eat was nice,” said Clements. He said phone numbers for various foreign consulates were posted on a wall, and he could see a bank of phones available for detainee use.The senators saw technology that allows detainees to attend immigration court hearings remotely.&nbsp;Lonowski said he was impressed with the professionalism of staff, who appeared to be from the local area.<h2>More construction this week</h2>Dorn said he would have liked to see more lawmakers, but he said some had other commitments.&nbsp;“I definitely expected a few more,” he said, saying he thought up to 15. “I’m glad five showed.”Prior to the state senator visits, McCook Mayor Linda Taylor and McCook Police Chief Kevin Hodgson had their own tour of the facility.&nbsp;Pillen’s statement said construction begins this week to expand the facility’s capacity from 200 to 300 detainees.&nbsp;He said that as a federal detention center, compensation to Correctional Services,&nbsp; based on the expected use of the facility and costs associated with providing services to ICE, will be $2.45 million per month.&nbsp;The arrangement with ICE should clear the state about $14.25 million annually, Pillen said. The current contact expires Sept. 29, 2027.

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