As another year draws to a close, five community members were recognized for their volunteer service as LincUP panel members.

LincUP (Lincoln County-Union Pacific) is a community advisory panel which meets monthly to encourage open dialogue and discussion between the community and railroad personnel on issues related to health, environment and safety.

In addition to learning about railroad operations and community emergency response efforts, panel members are encouraged to share the knowledge they gain with others in the community.

At a recent LincUP meeting the following were honored for three years of service on the panel:  Will Winchester (North Platte High School teacher), Don Weber (retired banker who currently volunteers at the Golden Spike), Larry Campbell (retired UPRR Special Agent currently serving on City Council), Orville Kaschke (retired business owner with strong ties to agriculture) and Cory Johanson (Lender at First National Bank).

Comments made by retiring members shared a common theme of appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about how the railroad works and to become better informed about what the community should do to be well prepared in the event of an emergency.

One of the continuing projects LincUP panel members have worked on involves efforts to educate the community on how to prepare for a Chemical Emergency by sheltering in place.

For more information on how you can be a part of LincUP or to learn more about Shelter in Place, contact LincUP Facilitator Lorre McKeone at 532-7246.