Friday, September 3, 2010
Performing Arts Center A Go
ALLIANCE - Thursday night, shortly before 8:30, the Alliance Public Schools Board of Education unanimously voted to move forward with the performing arts center addition to Alliance High School. The gross maximum price for the project is over $6.6 million, though it is expected that bonds will cover a large part of the cost. Physical progress on the addition is expected within the next four to six weeks.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:47 PM
Police, Emergency Unit
Respond To Bicycle-Vehicle Accident
By MARK DYKES
Asst. Managing Editor
ALLIANCE — Wednesday at 5:12 p.m. the Alliance Police Department and the Alliance Emergency Unit responded to an accident at East Third and Niobrara.
According to a police report, a vehicle driven by Shadell L. Peterson, 33, Alliance, was southbound on Niobrara, heading toward Third. The vehicle stopped at the stop sign before attempting to make a right turn onto East Third.
Brianna M. Taylor, 18, Alliance, was riding her bicycle, eastbound on the north sidewalk on East Third.
Suspect Bound Over
To District Court
By MARK DYKES
Asst. Managing Editor
ALLIANCE — Corey A. Richter, 40, Gering, has bee bound over to Box Butte District Court on a charge of operating a motor vehicle during a 15-year revocation period, a Class IV felony.
The charge stems from a June 16 incident.
Dawgs Face New Foe Tomorrow Night
By TAMMY COWARD
T-H Sports Editor
ALLIANCE — Tomorrow night, the Alliance High Bulldogs (1-0) will host the Gordon/Rushville Mustangs (1-0). Alliance got off to a superior start in their opener against the Class C Chadron Cardinals last Friday night with a 33-14 victory. The Mustangs also had success shutting out their opening opponents 48-0. The matchup tomorrow night will be the first time Alliance and G/R have faced off in many, many years. The team, much like Alliance defensive-wise will post a challenge for the Bulldogs who are looking forward to the confrontation and hoping to progress from where they ended with Chadron.
“We played very well,” AHS Head Coach Travis Hawk noted. “We did all the things well that you talk about, we didn’t turn the ball over, we were fairly sound in the kicking game, our line blocked very well — we played two units of line which I think really paid dividends towards the end of the game. We started taking control of the line of scrimmage and Kyle Sanders ran very well. All the things that you like to have happen in game 1 happened. Now, the important thing is build and more forward.”
The Bulldogs will continue to focus and try and do what they need to do to get better and Coach Hawk claimed that Gordon/Rushville is a very good team who is picked to win their District over teams like Chadron and Ogallala.
Gorsuch Barrels Reserve All-Around
LEXINGTON – Alliance High’s Bailey Gorsuch clocked a 17.949 (second place) in Barrel Racing at the Lexington rodeo to earn the Reserve All-Around on day one of the on Aug. 21 competition. Gorsuch placed fourth on day 2 recording an 18.061 ride.
Next, the high school rodeo athletes competed at Bloomfield and O’Neill on Aug. 28-29.
Sterkel, Anders Engagement
ALLIANCE — Jessica Lynn Sterkel, daughter of Rodney and Sandra Sterkel of Scottsbluff, is engaged to marry Robert Levi Anders, son of Russell and Gina Anders of Alliance.
The couple is planning a Sept. 18, wedding at Scottsbluff.
Mr. And Mrs. Craig Iossi
ALBION — Tia Aguilar, daughter of Nick and Willa Linnerson of Albion, and Bob Aguilar of Brady, was married to Craig Iossi, son of Jerry and Lois Iossi of Alliance, in a double ring afternoon wedding on June 5, 2020, at Albion, with Rev. Don Dennison officiating.
Following a wedding trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota, the couple resides at Omaha.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 11:35 AM
Bicycle Rider Struck By Vehcle
Wednesday at 5:12 p.m. the Alliance Police Department and the Alliance Emergency Unit responded to an accident at East Third and Niobrara. Brianna M. Taylor, 18, Alliance, was riding her bicycle, eastbound on the north sidewalk on East Third and was struck by a vehicle driven by Shadell L. Peterson, 33, Alliance. Taylor was transported to Box Butte General Hospital. No information was available on her condition.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 2:18 PM
College Enrollment Surges
By Rachelle King
Times-Herald Intern
As many area schools are back in session, college freshmen are packing up all their belongings, stuffing their cars plum full, and heading off to college. It is usually the hardest for the parents saying goodbye to their just graduated high school seniors. It means their little ones are all grown up, and they will be on their own. But getting a college education is an investment that will pay back for a lifetime, and the memories are unforgettable. It doesn’t matter if a student is going to school up the road at the local community college, or going to Chadron State College, or going to University of Nebraska Lincoln, college is a very valuable investment, with many opportunities for the future.
The nation’s college’s enrollment has surged by six percent for the fall 2010 semester. This is mainly due to more Hispanics finishing high school and young adults opting to pursue higher education rather than jumping straight into the job market. More than 70 percent of the high schools graduating class of 2009 were enrolled in college last October. That is the highest portion on record, which goes back from 1959, according to the Labor of Department Report. As of 40 years ago it was just 45 percent, but that was partly due to the poor job market, it encouraged youngerpeople to attend college.
Although college rates are up, it is also varied by gender and ethnicity. In the class of 2009, 73.8 percent enrolled into a college for the fall semester. The male graduates followed behind with 66 percent attending college the following fall semester.
Suspect Bound On Aiding, Abetting Charges
By MARK DYKES
Asst. Managing Editor
ALLIANCE — An Alliance man has been bound over to Box Butte District Court for arraignment on Sept. 15.
According to court documents, Christopher L. Maxey, 31, is charged with aiding and abetting attempted second-degree assault, a Class IV felony; aiding and abetting burglary, a Class III felony; and terroristic threats, a Class IV felony.
The charges allege that on July 1 Maxey aided and abetted Jason R. Maxey in committing the offense of attempted second-degree assault, by hitting and punching a male victim and threatening to kill him and a female victim with a knife.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 3:06 PM
Out Of The Darkness Community Walk For Suicide Prevention
ALLIANCE — On Sept.18, people from throughout the state will participate in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Alliance. The walk’s primary objective is to raise awareness of the devastating effects of suicide in the community. A secondary goal is to raise funds for local and national suicide prevention and awareness programs.
The Panhandle Out of the Darkness Walk is one of nearly 175 Out of the Darkness Community Walks (www.outofthedarkness.org) this fall nationwide, from September through December. The walks are expected to unite more than 45,000 walkers nationally and raise nearly $4 million for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“Suicide is a national health problem, but in addition suicide is plagued by silence and stigma that continue to be barriers for seeking help,” said Kim Engel, director for Panhandle Public Health District. “Sept. 18, this walk will help bring suicide out of the darkness and raise money for education, prevention and awareness programs.”
Brennan Leads Lady Linksters At W. Conference
SIDNEY — Alliance High’s girls golf team competed at the 2010 Western Conference Golf Meet at Sidney this past Saturday placing fifth.
The Lady Bulldogs carded a 444 while Scottsbluff carded a 317 for the top team honor. AHS’s Danielle Brennan tied for 10th carding a 100 over the 18-hole course. Scottsbluff’s Sabrina King shot a 71 to win the Western Conference individual title.
Monday, August 30, 2010 2:13 PM
Tasers Beneficial To Police Department
By MARK DYKES
Asst. Managing Editor
ALLIANCE — Just over two years ago, the Alliance Police Department gained a tool to help them detain suspects.
Police Chief John Kiss said the department first began using tasers in July 2008. When the tasers were first introduced, Kiss said, each of the officers had to be certified with them. He explained that this certification involved a six-hour certification class, and each officer had to be shocked with a taser.
Kiss further explained that the officers were shocked so that they know the effects when they use them to detain suspects. New officers are required to go through the same certification process, and Kiss noted that each officer has a taser.
Eagles Claim Season-Opening Win
CHADRON — The Chadron State College football team had just about everything happen during its first game of the 2010 season. Everything, that is, except a punt.
The Eagles cruised to their fifth-straight season-opening win with a 35-3 victory over the University of Mary Saturday at Elliott Field but it wasn’t without drama.
Chadron State lost its starting quarterback — senior Garrett Treffer — near the end of the first half with a hip pointer, but the offense didn’t miss a beat under the direction of redshirt freshman Jonn McLain and the solid leg of redshirt freshman kicker Michael Ziola, who booted four field goals and added three extra points.
WNCC VB Team Picks Up Two More Wins
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — The Western Nebraska Community College volleyball team continued to shine at the Reiver Classic Saturday, picking up two more wins to finish the tourney with a 4-0 mark.
The Cougars opened the second day with a sweep over No. 2 Missouri State-West Plains 25-20, 25-18, 25-21. WNCC then took care of Jefferson College 25-15, 23-25, 25-16, 25-21.
WNCC head coach Giovana Melo said they played well, especially against West Plains, who defeated the Cougars in the semi-finals of the national tournament last November in five games.
Saturday, August 28, 2010 9:30 AM
Habitat For Humanity Needs A Helping Hand
By DENICE ABY
Times-Herald Writer
HEMINGFORD — According to Hemingford Administrator Peggy Sheldon, she has recently become aware of the many questions that people have regarding Habitat for Humanity houses, including the application process, income qualifications, and what the Habitat does for communities. She is on the local Habitat board.
Local organizations of Habitat for Humanity provide safe, simple, quality housing for low-income working families, providing them with an affordable no-interest, non-profit mortgage, in which all funds from the purchase of the home go back into the program for the construction of future homes.
Alliance 33, Chadron 14 — Bulldogs Take Care Of Cardinals For Opening Win
By TIMES-HERAD STAFF
CHADRON — The drought is over for the Alliance High football team as the Bulldogs went to the well often for a 33-14 opening win at Chadron. In addition to securing an elusive win in the opener, Alliance also downed their rivals to the north for the first time since 2002.
Friday night, the Bulldogs were able to score early and often — a feat not always achieved in recent seasons. AHS scored on their opening drive, then added two more touchdowns in the second for a 24-0 lead at halftime. The visitors matched a 14-point Cardinal comeback attempt in the second half with a touchdown in each frame.
AHS 6 13 7 7 — 33
CHS 0 0 7 7 — 14
WNCC Volleyball Rolls to Two Wins at Iowa Western Tournament
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — The Western Nebraska Community College volleyball team started the season strong by rolling to two wins in the first day of the Reiver Classic at Iowa Western Community College.
The Cougars (2-0) started the Invite with a 25-10, 25-8, 25-13 win over Hutchinson Community College before rolling through Marshalltown Community College 25-8, 25-12, 25-12. The Cougars will have two more games Saturday as they face No. 2 ranked Missouri State-West Plains and then Jefferson College.
WNCC coach Giovana Melo was pleased with how the entire team played in both matches.
Friday, August 27, 2010 3:02 PM
University Regent Visits Alliance
By DENICE ABY
Times-Herald Writer
ALLIANCE — District Seven University Regent, Bob Phares, stopped in Alliance Thursday morning to offer an informational overview about happenings at the University of Nebraska campuses statewide, and to address questions or concerns from attendees.
Phares points out that the role of the regents is to represent the University, and to keep in touch with Nebraska residents.
Phares has served on the Board of Regents since 2006, and is one of eight regents in the state.
Groups Seeks To Aid Soldiers
ALLIANCE — A new group in town is looking to aid soldiers in Box Butte County through care packages, and words of support and gratitude.
The Box Butte County Soldiers Support Group was originally started by BNSF employees in Gillette, Wyo., to support railroad family members deployed to war zones. In Alliance, it was too difficult to separate BNSF family members from others in the area, and the group was allowed to expand to all soldiers in the county. There are currently about 50 soldiers from the county enlisted in the Armed Forces.
Currently, the group is having a donation drive for care packages to send to soldiers. Items can be dropped off at the Alliance Chamber of Commerce. Also at the Chamber is a list of the most requested items.
AHS Softball —
Chadron Downs Alliance In Opener
By JOHN E. WEARE
T-H Managing Editor
ALLIANCE — The Alliance girls softball team seemed ready to rally against Chadron in their opener yesterday at the Hal Murray Memorial Softball Complex. However, a spark in the bottom of the fourth only prolonged the game an inning as the Lady Cardinals bagged their first win 13-2.
With Chadron leading 11-0 going into the bottom of the fourth, the Lady Bulldogs needed some offense to avoid ending the game on the 10-run rule. Although Chadron opened the game by retiring the side with the first eight pitches strikes, AHS’s Brittany Andersen walked to start the fourth. Maria Gomez found a pitch she liked and drove it to right for a standup double. With no outs and two runners in scoring position, Chadron quickly prompted two outs on fly balls by Annalise Placek and Shelly Moeller.
Next, Jaycie Sward stepped to the plate. She found a hole in center field for a double and the two runners scored. The two-out rally proved short-lived as Jennifer Garza worked the count full. Despite getting a piece of the ball she struck out to end the inning.
Thursday, August 26, 2010 3:01 PM
Auer: Defense improving every day
CHADRON – It’s easy to see why defensive coordinator Todd Auer likes what he sees.
Auer, who is entering his 21st season at Chadron State, has a nucleus of six starters and several others with experience returning to a unit that led the conference in both total and scoring defense a season ago.
“The defense has improved every day since we opened preseason camp,” he said. “We are ahead of last year’s team in terms of knowing assignments and I think we have more team speed and experience than we had last season.”
Berg named to D2Football.com Preseason All-America Team
CHADRON — Chadron State College punter Kevin Berg has been placed on the D2Football.com Preseason All-America First Team, the Web site devoted to Division II football announced Tuesday.
Berg, a senior from Longmont and a 2009 American Football Coaches Association All-American selection, booted 44 punts for an average of 41.7 yards a season ago. Fourteen of his kicks landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and his seasonal average led the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
For his career, Berg averages over 40 yards a punt.
Scottsbluff/Gering Surprise Truck Inspection Results
SCOTTSBLUFF — Nebraska State Patrol conducted surprise commercial vehicle inspections Wednesday, Aug. 25, in Scottsbluff and Gering. The surprise inspections target commercial vehicles that might not travel outside the city or pass through weigh stations as part of their regular routes.
During the special enforcement effort, the Metropolitan Aggressive and Prevention Selective (MAPS) Teams conducted 51 inspections, discovered 256 violations, and took 31 vehicles out of service (not allowed to continue on the road). Vehicles are placed out of service for a variety of reasons relating to bad brakes or tires, or other problems that pose immediate safety risks. In addition, three drivers were taken out of service (not allowed to continue driving) for No Operators License (2), Alcohol in a Commercial Motor Vehicle (1). Officers issued a total of $ 5,930 in fines.
“The MAPS Team ensures truck operators who rarely leave the city limits are maintaining their vehicles and abiding by safety regulations,” said Colonel Bryan Tuma, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “While most truck owners and operators share our concern for safety, we know some think they can ignore safety standards as long as they avoid the weigh stations. The MAPS Team extends our reach into cities and towns across the state.”
Superintendent, Curriculum Director
Positive About Direction Of District
By MARK DYKES
Asst. Managing Editor
ALLIANCE — Recently, the Nebraska Department of Education released information regarding the Nebraska State Accountability assessment for Reading, Spring 2010. According to that information, about one third of public school students in the state failed to meet standards, and about 20 percent exceeded the standards.
According to results for Alliance Public Schools — where grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 11 were tested:
•53 percent of 114 students tested in Grade 3 met or exceeded standards
•47 percent of 115 students tested in Grade 4 met or exceeded standards
•52 percent of 113 students tested in Grade 5 met or exceeded standards
•58 percent of 88 students tested in Grade 6 met or exceeded standards
•62 percent of 112 student tested in Grade 7 met or exceeded standards
•60 percent of 112 students tested in Grade 8 met or exceeded standards
•63 percent of 102 students tested in Grade 11 met or exceeded standards
Superintendent Dan Hoesing and Instructional Services Director Rita Moravek spoke about the assessments, what the results mean for the district and where the district is headed.
Johnson, Backous Engagement
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — Alicia Johnson, daughter of Richard and Alice Johnson of Farmington Hills, is engaged to marry Jarrod Backous, son of Neil and Carmen Backous of Alliance.
The couple is planning an Oct. 2 wedding at Farmington Hills.
