A television host was asked what his favorite song is, and why. I don’t recall his answers, other than that I hadn’t heard of
Month: July 2024
No Butts: Confronting e-Cigarette Litter
Cigarette butts hold the dubious distinction as the largest category of litter under four inches in the USA, according to Keep America Beautiful. No
Tracking the History of Storms
Meteorologists’ ears don’t only perk up when severe weather is happening, it begins long before that. Sure, occasionally a severe storm will pop up
If You’re Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands
By Nikki Eining CSW-PIP, QMHP “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.” A song familiar to all of us. However, how
AG Announces First Settlements in Campaign Against Delta 8 Retail Industry
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers recently announced the first two settlements in his statewide campaign to clean up the Delta 8 retail market in
CIR Upholds Governor’s Order for State Employees to Return to the WorkplaceRecently, the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations (CIR), which rules on labor disputes, issued an order upholding Governor Jim Pillen’s November 2023 executive order (EO 23-17) for all state employees to return to their workplaces. The CIR’s decision completely upheld the validity of the Governor’s executive order, ruling that the issue of ordering the state’s workforce back to the office is fully under the Governor’s executive authority and dismissing all the Nebraska Association of Public Employee (NAPE) union’s claims. The CIR went further, ordering the union to repay the taxpayers for their expenses in defending the case. The CIR characterized the union’s petition as a “disingenuous maneuver seemingly for the purpose of improperly delaying the [executive order] and boosting membership numbers using the subsequent press coverage.” The CIR further ruled that the union “could not have reasonably or in good faith believed they would prevail by bringing this case.” Gov. Pillen issued the following statement commending the CIR’s decision: “Today’s ruling is a vindication of the state’s right to determine that its public servants will come into work where they can be most productive. The COVID-19 pandemic is long over, and it is likewise long overdue that our full workforce is physically back. I am grateful for this thorough and well-reasoned decision and to the state’s personnel and legal teams for their tremendous work in securing this victory on behalf of the people of Nebraska.” The Governor expects all state agency heads to immediately enforce Executive Order No. 23-17. “It is my expectation that all public servants currently working remotely, should be prepared to report to their home offices starting Monday,” said Gov. Pillen. “That is exactly what our state troopers, correctional officers, highway workers, farmers, ranchers, and business owners have done before, during and since the pandemic. I know they will come with a positive attitude that reflects their professionalism and determination to serve the people of the Nebraska.”
Recently, the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations (CIR), which rules on labor disputes, issued an order upholding Governor Jim Pillen’s November 2023 executive order
Rock Valley Physical Therapy to Close
Rock Valley Physical Therapy will close its Alliance office July 29, 2024 according to Jeff Zimmerman, PT, DPT, ATC, Nebraska Region Manager. In the
APD Responds to Barricaded Suspect
The Alliance Police Department and other law enforcement agencies were quick to respond to a reported dispute between neighbors that led to the arrest
Heritage Days Returns
Heritage Days is returning from the 17th to the 21st of July, bringing with it several events, and one new to account for. Cassielien
Governor Suggests Possible Solution to Property Tax Issue
During his recent town-hall meeting in Alliance, Governor Jim Pillen offered a possible solution to address the high property taxes throughout the state: increase