Midwest Media by Melanie

07/26/2024

07/26/2024

Pictures from the Lincoln County Fairgrounds Thursday night with 4-H families and B.J. Jamison Music and the Twin River Band!

07/25/2024

Radio time for B.J. Jamison Music and Lisa Jamison with Kx104, Today's Best Country 103.5 FM

07/25/2024

LINCOLN COUNTY FAIR CONCERT: Fri, Jul 26
Lincoln County Fairgrounds/Raceway
Michael Ray w/ Drew Phillips Band

Join the Lincoln County Fair for a concert on July 26 featuring Michael Ray and North Platte, NE native Drew Phillips Music.

07/25/2024

Triple Bee Flea Market LLC in the gym July 27 at Salvation Army, North Platte!

07/25/2024

Thank you to my awesome tractor pulling friends for letting me be a part of the truck and tractor pulling world! Since Brian Anderson let me pull with his tractor the first time, I’ve been hooked! The people are amazing! Thank you to all of you! Platte Valley Truck & Tractor Pullers (PVTTP)

Also amazing is what the folks at Midwest Truck and Tractor Pulling Events put together in North Platte, Nebraska every year! I have a video story or two in the works! Here are a few photos from the Midwest Thunder in North Platte Saturday! Most of what I took was video. It’s coming!
Outlaw Pulling - Heartland Division

07/25/2024

Thank you veterans, and Welcome Home ❤️
The local chapter for the Quilts of Valor Foundation presented honor quilts to thank and comfort veterans at the 2024 North Platte Pow Wow Sunday. Here are some pictures from that beautiful ceremony. I have a full story coming.

07/25/2024

Here is a collection of photos from North Platte Pow Wow (from Sunday). I have many more and many stories from this event to share too, including the dancing, tent raising, and a Quilts of Valor presentation to local veterans. Visit North Platte

07/25/2024

Get out to Crystal Cave and Falls
in North Platte! The cave is open! You’ll find flowers and waterfalls too! And happy dances. They are there too!
North Platte, Nebraska
Visit North Platte

07/25/2024

BJ JAMISON AT THE LINCOLN COUNTY FAIR!
It’s fair time at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in North Platte, Nebraska! And that means music with B.J. Jamison Music Thursday from 5-8 pm!

Hailing from the Nebraska Sandhills and preforming across the state and recording in Nashville, B.J. brings a blend of classic country twang and iconic 80s & 90s hits that'll have you bootin' scootin' all night long! Don’t miss this!

Picnic tables are available, but feel free to bring your own chair to relax and enjoy the music.

Don't miss B.J. Jamison's FREE concert in the Pavilion at the Lincoln County Fair this Thursday, July 25th from 5-8PM.

Visit North Platte

07/25/2024

There were roughly 25,000 people in a town of 5000 in Atlantic, Iowa Monday - and my son and this guy walked past each other.
RAGBRAI

07/25/2024

Gov. Pillen Calls Special Session to Fix the State’s Property Tax Crisis



LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued a proclamation calling for a special session of the 108th Nebraska Legislature. The session will convene Thursday, July 25 at 10 a.m. The scope will be limited to enacting legislation related to reducing state property taxes.

07/25/2024

Thank you to the World Champion Wichita War Dancer for coming to the North Platte Pow Wow!
Full video story of the 2024 Pow Wow coming soon!

07/25/2024

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office vehicles racing south in possible pursuit toward Wallace around 8 pm.

07/24/2024

6:42 pm North Platte, Nebraska
Wednesday courtesy of Victoria Simmons.

07/24/2024

Video from 5:22 am Tuesday morning in North Platte. Courtesy of Amber Shippee.

07/24/2024

I have had several kind people share videos from their doorbell cameras since the mysterious North Platte BOOM(s). One thing the flash seen has in common in the images is how directional the light rays are from the explosion. Another - it appears to come from the ground.

Jed McKenney of North Platte shared his doorbell camera video and he has done some calculations utilizing the known calculations for flash to sound ratio. He plotted the vector and a straight line at 1.5-1.6 miles from his home. Using a 127 degree bearing line at 1.7 miles out the BOOM seems to have come from Centennial Park/South Platte River area. I do know the North Platte Police Department searched that area Tuesday morning but I have not heard back from them with anything more.

Another video from Orabella Square area on West E street looking south plots out the same way.

With more videos to compare I am betting the sound is less intense out from this plotted area and more intense toward the hospital area/Sonic restaurant area. Don’t be confused - this was not sonic boom (although if it originated from that area it would be an ironic name for it).

This is looking more and more like a homemade firecracker or something.

07/24/2024

From the North Platte Police Department:

The North Platte Police Department is seeking assistance in identifying the subject in this photo, as part of a criminal mischief investigation. The incident occurred on June 23, near the Wild West Arena. If you have any information on the identity of this subject, please contact the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789 or submit your information anonymously at lincolncountycrimestoppers.com or by calling, 308-534-8400.

Case

07/24/2024

UPDATE: Two additional pictures show a semi was involved. Witnesses tell me they don’t believe there were serious injuries. Additional photos courtesy of Maui Brogdon.

*******

Screenshot from video sent to me (tough to see)
Trouble on I 80 (3 pm Wednesday) westbound from Gothenburg.

07/24/2024

I sent two of the first videos of the “North Platte BOOM” to NASA.
Bill Cooke, lead for NASA’s Meteoroid Environments Office looked them over and issued the following:

“The flash seen in one video was not caused by a fireball – it is way too short and looks like lightning. The loud sound heard in the other is not that produced by a meteor; it is too sharp, more like a gun shot. Again, no eyewitness or sensor reported seeing a fireball streaking across the sky.”

I have asked them if they have any other ideas and I sent these two additional videos (courtesy of Victoria Simmons) to them for review. I’ll let you all know what they say.

MORE:

I have had several kind people share videos from their doorbell cameras since the mysterious North Platte BOOM(s). One thing the flash seen has in common in the images is how directional the light rays are from the explosion. Another - it appears to come from the ground.

Jed McKenney of North Platte shared his doorbell camera video and he has done some calculations utilizing the known calculations for flash to sound ratio. He plotted the vector and a straight line at 1.5-1.6 miles from his home. Using a 127 degree bearing line at 1.7 miles out the BOOM seems to have come from Centennial Park/South Platte River area. I do know the North Platte Police Department searched that area Tuesday morning but I have not heard back from them with anything more.

Another video from Orabella Square area on West E street looking south plots out the same way.

With more videos to compare I am betting the sound is less intense out from this plotted area and more intense toward the hospital area/Sonic restaurant area. Don’t be confused - this was not sonic boom (although if it originated from that area it would be an ironic name for it).

This is looking more and more like a homemade firecracker or something.

07/24/2024

A young woman lost too soon. A gofundme for Ali Crow has been established to help her family with funeral expenses. Prayers of comfort and healing for her loved ones.
Donations may be made at House Bar in North Platte, too.

Hi everyone. My name is Tyler Crow and I am the older brother to Ali Crow. As many already … Tyler Crow needs your support for Help Us Honor Ali Crow's Memory

07/24/2024

Wednesday update:

I sent two of the first videos of the “North Platte BOOM” to NASA.
Bill Cooke, lead for NASA’s Meteoroid Environments Office looked them over and issued the following:

“The flash seen in one video was not caused by a fireball – it is way too short and looks like lightning. The loud sound heard in the other is not that produced by a meteor; it is too sharp, more like a gun shot. Again, no eyewitness or sensor reported seeing a fireball streaking across the sky.”

I have asked them if they have any other ideas and I sent these two additional videos (courtesy of Victoria Simmons) to them for review. I’ll let you all know what they say.

MORE:

I have had several kind people share videos from their doorbell cameras since the mysterious North Platte BOOM(s). One thing the flash seen has in common in the images is how directional the light rays are from the explosion. Another - it appears to come from the ground.

Jed McKenney of North Platte shared his doorbell camera video and he has done some calculations utilizing the known calculations for flash to sound ratio. He plotted the vector and a straight line at 1.5-1.6 miles from his home. Using a 127 degree bearing line at 1.7 miles out the BOOM seems to have come from Centennial Park/South Platte River area. I do know the North Platte Police Department searched that area Tuesday morning but I have not heard back from them with anything more.

Another video from Orabella Square area on West E street looking south plots out the same way.

With more videos to compare I am betting the sound is less intense out from this plotted area and more intense toward the hospital area/Sonic restaurant area. Don’t be confused - this was not sonic boom (although if it originated from that area it would be an ironic name for it).

This is looking more and more like a homemade firecracker or something.

*******

9:14 pm: Another BOOM being reported.

******

9 pm UPDATE: The following video with sound was shared with me by Chad Hall. The rest of this post is the same as the first post (the video is just different). This video has been shared with NASA.

*******

5:30 pm UPDATE: NASA returned my call. No sensors indicate an event, but often they rely on witness accounts. So I am emailing the video from Amber to them along with a detailed description of the account for further investigation.

********

4:pm UPDATE: Video from Amber Shippee added to post. First few second shows flash in the sky about 3 seconds before boom. There is no audio.

2:18 pm UPDATE: Nebraska Public Power District confirms there was no situation with Gerald Gentleman or their hydro facility.

1:46 pm UPDATE: In North Platte - no transformers exploded Tuesday morning.
The railroad did not immediately respond because the press representative was busy but it doesn’t feel like this is a railroad situation. I’m just hoping to rule things out. No word on Gerald Gentleman Station yet. I think Nebraska Public Power District would issue a statement of sorts if something this big happened, but I’m reaching out to them anyway.
My new unsolicited opinion is leaning toward bolides (fireball) now that people have said they witnessed a flash before the boom.

12:51 pm UPDATE:
Just spoke with folks at Offutt Air Force Base
They said they do not have planes that will cause a sonic boom (no supersonic jets at Offutt or with Air Nebraska National Guard). Monday afternoon there were jets going cross country (fueled at Offutt and they flew over North Platte area around 3:30 pm) but they were long gone by 5:20 am Tuesday so it was not them.

The person I spoke with suggested it may have been something with the International Space Station or NASA activity. So that is being added to the list of phone calls to make.

*********

UPDATE AGAIN: My guess (not that my guess matters) - a sonic boom of sorts. The North Platte Police Department did not have any information to share (no active investigation to speak of). Same from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. If it was an explosion we would know it.
There is no seismic activity in the area.
People say the trains slamming together aren’t quite that loud at Union Pacific Railroad
The Region 51 Emergency Management had no information either.
I am waiting for response from scientists at USGS.gov and I’ll make a couple calls to military experts. 😊

*******+

UPDATE: I’ve reached out to several agencies and no concrete answer. I’m awaiting a response from the experts on earthquakes and sonic booms.

Did you hear the loud bang in or near North Platte early Tuesday morning?

07/23/2024

Such a fun and exciting summer learning program for Kearney students! This annual event is funded by Epanded Opportunity Learning Grants specifically for after school/summer learning programs through the State of Nebraska.
The Kearney Community Learning Center (KCLC) teams up with Christine's horseback riding to teach students about horses in the KCLC program. Students in the program come from 9/10 Kearney Elementary Schools in Kearney, Nebraska.

07/23/2024

West Central District Health Department recognized as Top Training Provider by the American Red Cross

North Platte, NE (July 23, 2024) –The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) is honored to announce its recognition as a Top Training Provider by the American Red Cross. This prestigious designation is a testament to the department’s unwavering commitment to public health and safety through community-based training.

In 2023, WCDHD achieved a significant milestone by issuing over 200 certifications in lifesaving training, including Community CPR/AED, First Aid, and First Aid for Severe Trauma. This initiative is part of WCDHD’s strategic effort to educate citizens on how to provide critical assistance during emergencies, thereby enhancing the resilience of our community.

Jean Campbell, Regional Training Service Specialist, with the American Red Cross, praised the department’s accomplishment, stating, “This designation as an American Red Cross Top Training Provider symbolizes the dedication and patience it took to teach so many. We commend the work that was put into educating community members in lifesaving skills and the extraordinary efforts at maintaining a training component at your agency.”

Research indicates that when bystanders are trained and can respond before the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS), the chances of survival increase dramatically. As an authorized provider of American Red Cross training courses, WCDHD is proud to contribute to this life-saving impact.
“We deeply appreciate the acknowledgment from the American Red Cross,” said Shannon Vanderheiden, Executive Director at WCDHD. “Understanding the significance of this recognition, we remain committed to our shared mission of empowering community members with lifesaving skills.” WCDHD Assistant Executive Director, Meghan Trevino, added, “We would like to thank our WCDHD team and American Red Cross instructors for their dedication to our community. This achievement would not be possible without their hard work and commitment to excellence.”

WCDHD extends its gratitude to the American Red Cross for their support and partnership. Together, we continue to make a difference in our community, one training at a time.

07/23/2024

I sent two of the first videos of the “North Platte BOOM” to NASA.
Bill Cooke, lead for NASA’s Meteoroid Environments Office looked them over and issued the following:

“The flash seen in one video was not caused by a fireball – it is way too short and looks like lightning. The loud sound heard in the other is not that produced by a meteor; it is too sharp, more like a gun shot. Again, no eyewitness or sensor reported seeing a fireball streaking across the sky.”

I have asked them if they have any other ideas and I sent these two additional videos (courtesy of Victoria Simmons) to them for review. I’ll let you all know what they say.

9:15 pm: another BOOM being reported.

9 pm: UPDATE A second video has been shared with NASA. I have posted that video in a second post with the same information.

MORE:

I have had several kind people share videos from their doorbell cameras since the mysterious North Platte BOOM(s). One thing the flash seen has in common in the images is how directional the light rays are from the explosion. Another - it appears to come from the ground.

Jed McKenney of North Platte shared his doorbell camera video and he has done some calculations utilizing the known calculations for flash to sound ratio. He plotted the vector and a straight line at 1.5-1.6 miles from his home. Using a 127 degree bearing line at 1.7 miles out the BOOM seems to have come from Centennial Park/South Platte River area. I do know the North Platte Police Department searched that area Tuesday morning but I have not heard back from them with anything more.

Another video from Orabella Square area on West E street looking south plots out the same way.

With more videos to compare I am betting the sound is less intense out from this plotted area and more intense toward the hospital area/Sonic restaurant area. Don’t be confused - this was not sonic boom (although if it originated from that area it would be an ironic name for it).

This is looking more and more like a homemade firecracker or something.

*******

5:30 pm UPDATE: NASA returned my call. No sensors indicate an event, but often they rely on witness accounts. So I am emailing the video from Amber to them along with a detailed description of the account for further investigation.

********

4:pm UPDATE: Video from Amber Shippee added to post. First few second shows flash in the sky about 3 seconds before boom. There is no audio.

2:18 pm UPDATE: Nebraska Public Power District confirms there was no situation with Gerald Gentleman or their hydro facility.

1:46 pm UPDATE: In North Platte - no transformers exploded Tuesday morning.
The railroad did not immediately respond because the press representative was busy but it doesn’t feel like this is a railroad situation. I’m just hoping to rule things out. No word on Gerald Gentleman Station yet. I think Nebraska Public Power District would issue a statement of sorts if something this big happened, but I’m reaching out to them anyway.
My new unsolicited opinion is leaning toward bolides (fireball) now that people have said they witnessed a flash before the boom.

12:51 pm UPDATE:
Just spoke with folks at Offutt Air Force Base
They said they do not have planes that will cause a sonic boom (no supersonic jets at Offutt or with Air Nebraska National Guard). Monday afternoon there were jets going cross country (fueled at Offutt and they flew over North Platte area around 3:30 pm) but they were long gone by 5:20 am Tuesday so it was not them.

The person I spoke with suggested it may have been something with the International Space Station or NASA activity. So that is being added to the list of phone calls to make.

*********

UPDATE AGAIN: My guess (not that my guess matters) - a sonic boom of sorts. The North Platte Police Department did not have any information to share (no active investigation to speak of). Same from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. If it was an explosion we would know it.
There is no seismic activity in the area.
People say the trains slamming together aren’t quite that loud at Union Pacific Railroad
The Region 51 Emergency Management had no information either.
I am waiting for response from scientists at USGS.gov and I’ll make a couple calls to military experts. 😊

*******+

UPDATE: I’ve reached out to several agencies and no concrete answer. I’m awaiting a response from the experts on earthquakes and sonic booms.

Did you hear the loud bang in or near North Platte early Tuesday morning?

07/23/2024

RAGBRAI in Atlantic, Iowa Monday, July 22, 2024

07/22/2024

This needs no caption. But I will say, it is always a joy visiting with the likes of these fine folk! Thank you for being you (well you know what I mean) ❤️

07/22/2024

Take a look at this ultimate treasure in Gothenburg, Nebraska from Vintage Treasures!

FOR SALE BY OWNERS!Built in 1920, renovated back to its era, 2 story house with finished basement. Main floor has living room, laundry room, 1/2 bath, farmhouse kitchen and dining room. 2nd floor has 2 bedrooms; large primary bedroom with walk through closet into shower/vanity area separate from sink and toilet area. Finished basement with living room, kitchenette, storage room, large bedroom, sink and whirlpool bath tub separate from shower and toilet area and mechanical room. 36' x 54' garage with 1/2 bath and office and mezzanine area. 18' x 20' heated workshop/"she-shed." Underground tunnel connects house to garage. Large parking area with drive thru driveway. Central A/C. Geothermal heat. Beautifully renovated with abundance of oak trim and woodwork! Farmhouse kitchen includes island with sink; two garbage disposals; niche for desk; wood stove; patio doors. Renovation included several unique features that makes this house a must-see! Site sits on 4 city lots close to school and hospital in a quiet neighborhood. SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY! Requesting proof of pre-approval for loan before an appointment can be made for a tour. Call Linda at 308-529-2639 to view this beautiful home.

07/21/2024

Livin Out Loud
Gothenburg, Nebraska
August 17!