(Grand Island, Neb.)- Thirty-six young women and 41 young men will experience what it takes to become law enforcement officers as they participate in the American Legion Junior Law Cadet program. The cadets will spend a week in June at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center/Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy (NLETC/NSPTA), 3600 Academy Road in Grand Island.

In its 45^th year, the week-long academy follows a strict itinerary providing the cadets with firsthand knowledge of what is required to become a law enforcement officer in Nebraska. The participants begin each day at 6:15 a.m., with calisthenics, followed by a flag raising ceremony.

The young women cadets will attend the Jr. Law Academy the week of June 11-15, while the male cadets will participate the following week, June 18-22. During their stay the cadets will get hands-on experiences to include defensive tactics, vehicle operations and patrolling, firearms, and methamphetamine awareness.

American Legion Posts across the state nominated the cadets, who were then selected by district. Participants were selected based on worthy character, interest in law enforcement, evidence of self-discipline and the ability to share the knowledge gained with others. The American Legion and the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) originated the Junior Law Cadet program in Nebraska. The program has since been used as a model in many other states.

The young women participating are from communities across Nebraska to include: Bancroft, Beatrice, Bennington, Blair, Blue Hill, Campbell, Deshler, Elwood, Fremont, Grand Island, Gordon, Hayes Center, Hay Springs, Lawrence, Lexington, Lincoln, Madison, Marquette, Omaha, Palmer, Plattsmouth, Scribner, Shelby, South Sioux City, St. Paul, Sutherland, Valentine, Valparaiso, Wayne, Winside, and Wood River.

The young men participating are from communities across Nebraska to include: Allen, Aurora, Blair, Burwell, Ceresco, Gordon, Gothenburg, Hay Springs, Hebron, Hemingford, Homer, Indianola, Juniata, LaVista, Lawrence, Lindsay, Lincoln, McCook, Mitchell, North Platte, Omaha, Palisade, Palmer, Papillion, Ponca, Pawnee City, Ralston, St. Paul, Scribner, Sterling, Stuart, Superior, Valparaiso, Verdigre, Virginia, Wahoo, & York.

A graduation ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m., on the final Friday of each week at the NLETC/NSPTA. The Junior Law Program Coordinator is NSP Training Sergeant Jim Stover. Media interested in covering the Junior Law Program can reach Sgt. Stover beginning Monday, June 11, at (308) 385-6030 ext. 318.

NORTH PLATTE (North Platte Post)- On Tuesday June 5th at 5:00 begins the Nebraskaland Days Ribbon Cutting at the Wild West Arena.Family and friends gather together to hear David Fudge and other members of Nebraskaland Days speak with pride and excitement for the weeks to come, and all the improvements to the arena.

Watch the video of the Ribbon Cutting, and see what David Fudge has to say about Nebraskaland Days! Brought to you exclusively by The North Platte Post!

The Ribbon Cutting Speech

David Fudge

NORTH PLATTE  (North Platte Post)

July is the last month that Ron Snell is the Director at The Connection Homeless Shelter in North Platte. Now The Connection will see a new path as Roy Lawton takes the Executive Director position Monday June 4th.

Lawton has 12 years experience working in the Panhandle with homeless. “It’s not a landing pad, but a Launching pad” says Lawton at the conference.

Ron Snell will be present to Help move Lawton into the position.