January 3, 2024—Bridgeport native Molly (Schmunk) Ridgeway was sworn in as Deputy Clerk of the Box Butte County District Court by County Clerk Martie Burke on Tuesday, January 2. Ms. Ridgeway, a 2012 graduate of Bridgeport High School, has served as the Box Butte County District Court Records Clerk since July 1, 2019. She and her husband, Sean Ridgeway, reside in Alliance with their two small children.
January 10, 2024—It’s always significant when a long-serving executive director decides to step down, and Chelsie Herian’s 15 years of service to BBDC certainly leave a notable legacy. Transitioning from Historic Main Street Manager/Assistant Director to the Executive Director position is a testament to her dedication and capabilities.
January 17—Jacki Musgrave of Bingham, expected to accomplish a special goal early Sunday morning. She ran a marathon in Hawaii, making it the 50th state where she’s completed the 26-mile, 385-yard trek.
January 24—In recognition for all of her accomplishments throughout her basketball career, including have her number 35 jersey retired at a ceremony on Jan. 7 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Jordan Hooper was awarded the key to the city of Alliance by council members at their regular meeting on Jan. 16.
January 31—Randolph Rph Named in Pharmacy Top 50 Award: The Pharmacy Podcast Network (PPN) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023, 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy. The 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy program was launched in 2021 by the PPN as a way to draw attention to industry professionals whose thoughts, actions, accomplishments and leadership have helped solve clinical, customer service and financial problems.
February 7—Box Butte County 4-H Invites Youth to Monthlong Celebration: Every year, Nebraska 4-H Month brings thousands of young people, parents, volunteers, and alumni together to celebrate all the ways in which 4-H helps youth find a place where they belong.
February 14—Western Nebraska Community College named Allie Tyree as the new Alliance campus director in January. Tyree began with WNCC in February of 2018 as the executive secretary of the Alliance Campus and was promoted in 2022 to the Alliance workforce specialist.
February 21—Nebraska District Court Judge Travis P. O’Gorman from Alliance, was invited to sit with the Nebraska Supreme Court on February 8, 2024. O’Gorman heard arguments in the case of S-21-0364, Nieveen v. Tax 106.
February 28—The Alliance Rec Center (ARC) was the recipient of a $20,000 grant courtesy of WESTCO and the CHS Seeds for Stewardship Grant Program. The funds will support the ARC’s Make More Possible Campaign 2024. The campaign aims to raise funds for upgrades to the gymnasium.
March 6—Visitors will enjoy more than $1 million of recent upgrades to state park and recreation areas in the Panhandle this summer, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. At Fort Robinson State Park, the equestrian campground expansion began late last year and is expected to be complete for visitors this spring.
March 13—Members of the Hemingford Community Foundation presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to the Hemingford Foundation Scholarship committee. The Ray’s daughter, Jodeen Worth, shares why this donation was so important to their family as she was a previous recipient and challenges others to give back: “For me, the scholarship I received was very important to my college journey.”
March 20—Alliance Business Fails Alcohol Compliance Check: Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have conducted alcohol compliance checks in Box Butte County. The Business that failed the compliance check was: Safeway 549 – Alliance. The businesses included convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants, liquor stores and bars.
March 27—According to the new ratings from the Insurance Services Office, Inc., The Alliance Fire Department is among the top 15 percent of fire departments in the country and the top 3 percent of fire departments in Nebraska regarding fire suppression capabilities. In addition to making the Alliance area residents feel safer, the higher rating can translate into more affordable property insurance.
April 4—The Box Butte County Commissioners would like to officially announce Box Butte County’s enrollment in the National Association of Counties (NACo) “Live Healthy” Prescription Discounts program, which allows them to offer all county residents the opportunity to save money with discounts on everyday prescription medicine costs.
April 10—The Alliance Police Department is reaching out for help from the public in solving a burglary that occurred at Carhenge at the end of March. On April 5, the APD posted on social media asking for help in solving this crime that occurred on March 28. “We’ve got a case that’s straight out of a Hollywood flick, and we need your help,” the post on social media stated.
April 17—The Alliance Volunteer Fire Department took quick action on Friday afternoon at approximately 1:38 p.m., after a trailer fire as reported on Highway 387, just south of the Box Butte County line. AVFD Chief Troy Shoemaker explained that the vehicle lost the air to the trailer and the brake set, which resulted in overheating of the hub. He said that they took a line off the truck and applied water to t rear axle of the trailer until it was cool. Shoemaker said that they sent one engine with four people to the scene.
April 24—On Friday morning, Alliance Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Troy Unzicker announced that he scheduled a public forum take place today (April 24) at the High School Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m. to discuss the possibility of shifting Alliance Public Schools to a four-day week and offering the pros and cons.
May 1—Smoke hung in the air over the 900 block of Mississippi Avenue early Monday morning as firefighters with the Alliance Volunteer Fire Department worked diligently to hunt down and suppress an attic fire. AVFD Chief Troy Shoemaker explained that the department responded quickly to the report of a possible attic fire, which came in around 4:45 a.m.
May 8—A reported vehicle fire on Friday afternoon on South Potash Avenue Led to quick action from the Alliance Volunteer Fire Department as they rushed to extinguish the blaze. AVFD Chief Troy Shoemaker said they responded to the report of the vehicle fire with an ambulance, an engine, the heavy-rescue truck and eight personnel.
May 15—A severe geomagnetic storm offered Box Butte County residents a glimpse of the Northern Lights over the weekend. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G4 Watch, the first of this severity since January 2005, from Friday into Saturday, tracking a series of coronal mass ejections, eruptions of solar material, heading toward the Earth.
May 22—Sword Attack Leads to Severe Injury: An early-morning stabbing led one person to be life-flighted for an injury sustained, and for another person to receive criminal charges. According to the Affidavit for Custody filed in the case, on May 15, at 2:43 a.m., a person contacted 911 and reported that someone had been stabbed and that they feared they would be attacked next.
May 29—Jones Completes Final Act as Mayor: Earl Jones completed hi final act as Mayor of Alliance on Monday morning, representing the city of Alliance during a Memorial Day ceremony on the grounds at the Box Butte County Courthouse.
June 5—On May 14, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $30 billion in renewal funding for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV). The funding will help 23 Nebraska-based Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) continue to aid families and individuals who need affordable housing options. Nebraska agencies were awarded $77,621,778.
June 12—The City of Alliance saw a change in leadership as the city council underwent a reorganization process at its meeting on June 4, with a new council member joining the ranks and a new mayor and vice mayor being appointed.
June 19—Members of the American Legion hosted a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Sallows Military Museum on Flag Day, June 14, allowing people to bring their unserviceable Flags to be disposed of in the proper way, and giving citizens an opportunity to pay their proper respects to the Flag.
June 26—Community, Panhandle Shows Outpouring of Support in Schiff fire Battle: “It just, kind of gives you goosebumps to see how everybody just pulled together to try to stop this thing. I think, overall, it went as good as it possibly could, using some of these resources that we’ve never had to request, it was amazing how quickly they arrived, and how we were able to put them to work for us,” said Alliance Volunteer Fire Department Chief Troy Shoemaker, describing the massive effort to contain the Schiff Fire last week.
July 3—The Alliance Bulldog Backpack Program is proud to be a recipient of a $3,000 grant from Arby’s Foundation that will help us feed kids across our community. Our program is designed to meet needs of hungry children from financially struggling homes. The program provides food when other resources are not available, such as weekends and school vacations.
July 10—The Alliance Police Department and other law enforcement agencies were quick to respond to a reported dispute between neighbors that led to the arrest of an Alliance man after he barricaded himself inside a building. APD Chief David Leavitt issued the following statement on Friday evening: “The Alliance Police Department responded to a significant disturbance and barricade situation earlier today at approximately 7:22 PM.
July 17—A fire that broke out at B&S Repair is believed to have been ignited by lithium battery chargers, and was deemed to be accidental in nature. The fire led to extensive smoke damage to the building, though, according to officials, is believed to be structurally sound.
July 24—The Central Park Foundation will not be operational for several days while repairs are being completed. On the morning of July 16 City staff discovered that a cap in the equipment pit of the fountain had broken, which allowed water from the fountain basin to leak back into the controls area of the fountain. As a result of the leak, the electric components housed in that pit were damaged.
July 31—Plans for a new location for Consumers Cooperation Federal Credit Union are coming to fruition as officials gathered on Friday morning on the southwest corner of the intersection of West Third Street and Cody Avenue to break ground. Consumers Cooperative FCU Manager Betsy Marsteller said that the plans for the new location have been in the works for some time, as they have outgrown their current location.
August 7—Get Your Boots on…it’s Fair Time: The county fair makes us all feel nostalgic. I remember sitting in the back seat of my folk’s car as we sped toward the fairgrounds, craning my neck to see just a glimpse of the fun that was to come. We could hardly stand the excitement as we parked. I can still smell the popcorn and taste the cotton candy. So folks…are you ready for five solid days of the fabulous fun?
August 14—Former APS Teacher Becomes Vice Presidential Contender: Former Alliance Public Schools Teacher Tim Walz has gained national attention after being selected by Vice President Kamala Harris to be her running mate in the 2024 Presidential election.
August 21—The Alliance Bulldog Backpack Program is proud to be a recipient of a $3,000 grant from Arby’s Foundation that will help us feed kids across our community. Our program is designed to meet the needs of hungry children from financially struggling homes.
August 28—An Alliance man is facing prison time after being convicted by a federal jury on Aug. 21 for transporting and possessing child pornography. On Aug. 21, United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced hat Tyler Denby, formerly f Alliance, was found guilty by a federal jury in Lincoln for one count of possession of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
September 4—The Alliance Police Department is asking the community for assistance in identifying suspects who attempted to break into an ATM at Nebraska Bank Sunday morning. Officers posted the request for assistance on their social media, noting in a press release that they received the report of an alarm being triggered at 9 a.m. Sunday at the ATM located outside Nebraska Bank.
September 11—APD Reinstates SRO Program: After a lapse in having the program, the Alliance Police Department has reinstated the School Resource Officer program at Alliance Public Schools, with Officer Tyler Sherlock serving in the role, providing a strong role model and positive interactions between law enforcement and youth.
September 18—APD Sergeant Injured During Barricaded Suspect Incident: At approximately 11:10 am on 9/15/24, officers were dispatched to 416 Errbo place on a disturbance call. Upon arrival, Gregory L. Buethe M/W DOB 06/23/87 was cursing, screaming, and refused to talk to officers. The suspect’s mother told police that Mr. Buethe is off his meds and has a history of mental illness. He broke a window in the home and assaulted his mother by throwing a table at her, causing a knee injury. Officers attempted to interview Mr. Buethe, however despite efforts to deescalate the situation, he became more agitated and violent toward officers. Mr. Buethe picked up a large piece of wood and threw it at Sergeant David LaDuke, causing a fracture to his leg.
September 25—On September 19, 2024, at approximately 9:15 p.m., the Alliance Police Department responded to a report of a firearm at the Alliance High School football game. School Resource Officer Sherlock was alerted by Alliance Dispatcher, Angel Trejo, who provided information that a student was in possession of a firearm in the stadium bleachers.
October 2—The Alliance Police Department Communications Center is excited to announce new, potentially life-saving technology, that is now in place and available to the public. Apple users who have updated to iOS 18 will have access to the live video feature during a 9-1-1 call.
October 9—Annual Suicide Prevention Walk Promotes Mental Health: Many people gathered at this year’s Alliance Community Suicide Prevention Walk, coming together to remember those lost to suicide, offer support and to promote the importance of mental health in the community.
October 16—Alliance Native Crowned UNK Homecoming Queen: Caleb Wiseman of Plattsmouth and Courtney Cox of Alliance were crowned UNK homecoming king and queen during a ceremony Thursday evening at the Health and Sports Center on Campus.
October 23—To Board or not to Board: While the future of the 1st Interstate Inn remains up in the air, the Alliance City Council is looking for options to reduce the risks associated with the building being openly accessible. At their meeting on Oct. 15, city council members heard from Alliance Police Department Chief David Leavitt and Alliance Volunteer Fire Department Chief Troy Shoemaker regarding the hazards the structure poses in its current condition.
October 30—The University of Wyoming Cowboys Lacrosse Club visited Alliance Lacrosse Team and share their skills and learn some tricks from the next generation of lacrosse players. Edison Red Nest III organized the meeting of the teams, which saw them play two games together. Red Nest explained the event was a positive one for everyone involved.
November 6—The Alliance Police Department investigating the theft of campaign sign on Mississippi Avenu on Oct. 31, an incident that was caught on camera. Chief David Leavitt issued a press release about the incident with an accompanying video, which may be viewed at www.alliancetimes.com, on Friday morning. He noted that they have received sporadic reports of campaign sign thefts, but before this incident, none with clear video or enough evidence to go on.
November 13—The Alliance Police Department, Alliance Fire Department and the Alliance Airport Maintenance Staff, responded to an emergency situation involving a single-engine aircraft experiencing power loss. At approximately 8:30 a.m., the aircraft, which was reported to have four occupants including the pilot, and 60 pounds of fuel remaining, lost power and was in danger of shutting down. The FAA Denver Center and local authorities were notified and began coordinating a safe landing.
November 20—At a packed meeting last Monday evening, the Alliance School Board took action to approve a four-day school week beginning in the 2024-25 school year for students and teachers in the district. Discussion on the topic kicked off with two public comments offered by Chelsie Herian and Karen Benzel. Herian offered support for the four-day week, noting it would offer her students a chance to miss less time in the classroom due to activities.
November 27—Alliance Police Locate Runaway Juvenile: On November 20, the Alliance Police Department received a tip that a runaway juvenile from Lawrence, KS may be in Alliance. Kuel Karbino Kuel, M/B 16 years old, had been missing since October 18. Throughout the morning our communications center received several calls from citizens stating that they had spotted the juvenile, however, he continued to elude officers. At approximately 12:30pm, officers received another call that the juvenile was in the area of 1st St walking east toward Yellowstone. The clothing description w aired to all units and officers converged on the area.
December 4—An eleven-minute discussion ensued about the bid received from Riverfront Concrete and Excavation to board the 1st Interstate Inn before the Alliance City Council voted to approve the bid for $17,88438 in a 3-1 vote. Council Member Jay Weisgerber kicked off the discussion, asking whether the materials used to board the abandoned motel would be strong enough to keep people from entering the structure.
December 11—Former City Council Member Brian Mischnick was recognized at the Dec. 3 meeting of the Alliance City Council for his years of service to the city as a council member. Mayor John McGhehey read a proclamation recognizing Mischnick during the meeting, highlighting his service and leadership demonstrated in his nearly 10 years of service to the city both on and off the council.
December 18—In a significant development related to the attempted ATM theft that occurred on September 1, 2024, the Alliance Police Department has helped identify and two individuals have been arrested in connection to the crime following an extensive investigation.
December 25—Rebecca Ashing received her sentence on several charges relating to an incident in July of 2023, in which she stabbed her husband, being sentenced by District Court Judge Travis O’Gorman to serve 25-35 years in prison.