PRIDE-Healthy Lifestyle

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Pride Healthy Lifestyles

Scottsbluff/Gering, Nebraska

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Training facility builds firefighters’ skills MAUNETTE LOEKS Digital News Editor mloeks@starherald.com

A generous gift to the Gering Fire Department has resulted in a facility that departments throughout the Panhandle can use in fire and emergency response training.

Gering Fire Chief Jay Templar said that the facility, located on D Street near the city’s shops, had been “dreamed up and thought about for years before it came to fruition.”

“In the past, we would use acquired structures (to practice and train),” he said. “In other words, there would be old buildings that people wanted to get rid of and we would use those to burn down. They worked OK for years, until it got to the point that the demolition part became difficult with the fees and costs.”

Requirements for disposing of asbestos and other environmental hazards brought concerns that had to be mitigated, making it costly and difficult for fire departments.

At the new facility, built in 2014, the department has converted old shipping containers where they practice entry and other maneuvers during live burns.

Firefighters get the full effects of a live fire, seeing the fire build up, the reaction from their nozzles as they knock down fires and even practice hydraulic ventilation through window-like areas.

Western Nebraska Community College and Tom Cozad donated the containers, which have now been built with a roof to allow firefighters to practice ventilations.

A large steel building has been built and a variety of training can be held.

The building has two stories, with window-type areas, so that firefighters can practice ladder operations,

Courtesy photo

A live fire burns in a storage container at the Gering fire department. The live fire allows firefighters to practice putting out a fire and see how it reacts.

rescues and hoses.

“It will never be done,” because it is built to change,” Templar said. “Currently, the fire department has false walls up in the structure to simulate a maze, like entering into a home and going down hallways, for firefighters to practice search patterns.

“Obviously in a smoke-filled room you can’t see. Everything is done by

feel so we have made it so they can go through doorways and have to find different parts of the building. It’s flexible, so that we can change it.”

The department is working on constructing a sprinkler system in the building, to practice shutting off the system or using it to augment the city water system for extinguishing a fire.

A 35-foot training tower was built

People have different ideas of getting healthy.

While most think that it means physically healthy through diet and exercise, some see that you need to be mentally and spiritually healthy as well. Jeff Courtier, who is a staff pastor at the Rock Church in Scottsbluff, works with people in all of those aspects, but also includes families being emotionally healthy. He accomplishes this with his ministry, Celebrate Recovery.

Courtier took over Celebrate Recovery, which has been going for four years now, about a year and a half ago. He says that while the name might make people think it’s just another version of Alcoholics Anonymous, it actually serves a much wider audience, dealing with what he calls hurts, habits and hang-ups.

“Hurts are abuse, abandonment, codependency, divorce, betrayal, etc. Habits are your more traditional addictions dealing with alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex, overspending and things like that,” said Courtier. “Then hang-ups in anger, depression, fear, anxiety, pride, greed and things of that nature.”

Courtier said he feels like he is able to connect with people in every area that comes through the door by

Pride 3 3-19-16 1

using his past to send the message, “I’ve been there, too.”

“I grew up very rough.

My mom was married four times, moved all over the country, and I went to three different junior high schools and five different high schools. Through all that, I picked up some bad habits of drugs like methamphetamine and drinking. That led me to being in and out of jail from the age of 12 until I was 25,” said Courtier. “I’m not scared of my past any more though. I was sexually, emotionally and physically abused, but I know now it’s not my fault. That is the biggest thing: connecting with people and letting them know it’s not their fault either.”

Courtier has created an environment in Celebrate Recovery that affects the entire family. Starting with “celebration place,” which is for toddlers to fifth grade, where kids will learn about how to communicate healthy feelings, and how to deal with past hurts. Then they have the “landing place” for teenagers. This is a newer ministry and has begun to help kids take preventative measures and help them recognize the pitfalls and traps of drugs and alcohol abuse. Lastly, they help the parents and other adults through their normal Celebrate Recovery program as well.

GERING page 2

CAPWN Health Center director strives to make the world a better place

Courtier looks to help families get ‘emotionally healthy’ Aaron Seaney Staff Reporter aseaney@starherald.com

this year. Firefighters can practice hose operations — hauling hoses up and down stories and maneuvering them, rope rescues and more. The tower is meant to simulate some of the larger structures in the community, giving firefighters the type of exercise that they need to practice for advancing hose

as opposed to a defensive weapon,” he said. “There were a lot of people, as well Many years ago, Jeff Tra- as Congress, concerned this cy made the philosophical would ratchet up tensions decision that, at the end of between the U.S., and the each day, if he had to choose Soviet Union.” between being good or being From there, he did a lot of kind, he would choose to be political organizing, workkind. It’s a measurement he ing on environmental and works on every day. social justice issues. EventuTracy is a ally, he began humble man. working as a He doesn’t coordinator I thought like to talk for the Ryan I would about himWhite proself.

He’d do a gram, which rather laud three-month led him to the accominterim. Ten-and- have frequent plishments a-half years later, contact with and hard I’m still here.”

CAPWN. work of his The grant for Jeff Tracy staff at the the program Health Center director, health center CAPWN goes to Chadat Commuron Comnity Action munity HosPartnership pital, which contracts with of Western Nebraska (CAPCAPWN for care in westWN). ern Nebraska. In 2005, the In 1983, nuclear armament was a big concern and CAPWN Health Center Tracy worked and organized director resigned and Tracy people around peace and was asked to be the interim justice. Tracy came to Ne- director.

“I thought I would do a braska to oppose the MX three-month interim,” Tracy missiles which were gosaid.

“10 1/2 years later, I’m ing to be placed in western still here. ” Nebraska. He helped with Although they accept pacommunity organizing to tients from all walks of life, prevent their deployment. the population base CAPThe intent was to place the WN cares for is primarily missiles in Minuteman silos in Wyoming, Colorado and low income, which adds to the challenge of tackling Nebraska.

“The opposition was that health care needs.

IRENE NORTH Staff Reporter inorth@starherald.com

Courtesy photo

Jeff Courtier takes a picture with wife Brandy, and his two kids Jaycee and Bryce.

“We’ve had a family coming for six months and we’ve seen something different from their first grader, their junior high kid, and the mom and dad,” said Courtier. “Their behaviors have changed, their communication has changed, and it’s great because now they see hope for their family.”

Courtier enjoys the family aspect of his ministry so much because his own family time is so valuable to him. He often takes his vacation time to go off with his wife Brandy, and two kids, Jaycee, 11, and Bryce, 3, to nearby locations and simply relax and have fun.

Whether it’s Rockies games, basketball games or going

to Rapid City, to him, it’s all about time together.

Courtier said making the program accessible to the whole family was also inspired by his past mistakes, and hopes he can help other men avoid them, or move past them.

“When I drank, it didn’t just hurt me. It was hurting my whole family,” said Courtier. “I’ve been sober now for 14 years but there was a time when I almost lost my family.”

Celebrate Recovery happens every Friday night at the Rock Church starting at 5:30 p.m. with a free meal. Courtier said the meal is multi-purpose and

COURTIER page 4

it was an offensive weapon

CAPWN page 3

3/18/2016 4:49:39 PM

Pride Page 2

Saturday, March 19, 2016

The inside of a shipping container is pictured at the Gering fire facility. It’s used for firefighters to practice live burns and can be easily replaced.

MAUNETTE LOEKS/Star-Herald

n GERING: Continued from page 1

lines and other skills.

“Scottsbluff has brought over its aerial and we have simulated aerial rescues,” Templar said. “We have done a lot of rope rescues off it.

We will do a lot of repelling.

In industrial type accidents, we have had those types of calls where we have had to get (people) off of structures.

Practicing skills regularly that are used in a residential, business or industrial sites assists firefighters by giving them that “muscle memory” when it comes time to use the skills in real life. “Whenever you do training, you try to minimize accidents,” he said. “We have made it safer and it has certainly helped our training planning.

“It’s easy to sit in class. It’s easy to watch a video, but you need to get your hands on it and get involved.”

The city has also established a cement pad to allow the fire department to conduct regular maintenance such as hose testing and to do hose operations.

“No matter where we go, we are blocking off a public street. It becomes a hassle,” he said. The cement pad allows the department to do these activities, without blocking traffic. Eventually, a road will be complete and the fire department will have highway and street access from its training facility.

The facility can and has been used by other fire

MAUNETTE LOEKS/Star-Herald

TOP LEFT: The Gering fire training facility was built in 2014 and a tower was added in 2015. Much of the cost was made possible by an estate donation given to the department by a Gering resident.

TOP RIGHT: Gering Fire Chief Jay Templar is pictured in front of a storage container used for live burns at the Gering Fire Department’s training facillity.

Courtesy photo

LEFT: A fire burrning in a storage building at the Gering fire training facility burns and is viewable through a ventilation window.

departments, including Scottsbluff, Bridgeport, Morrill and others for training and testing. The department wants to share it with departments around the area. The department wants to see it used as often as possible.

“There are many, many opportunities,” he said.

Other departments, such as a fire department in Mullen, Nebraska, gave the department ideas for its facility.

An estate gift of $140,000 to the Gering Fire Depart-

ment helped to kick off construction of the new facility, Templar said.

“We have always wanted to do this,” he said. “It made it easier when we were able to go to the city, to the rural district, because we had some money to put it into ourselves.”

The fire department

$40,000 in keno funding, $30,000 from the City of Gering and $10,000 from the rural fire board.

“It will be an ongoing

process,” he said. “It will be a project that is never going to be completed because it can change. We have a shell that gives us options.”

Do you have something to sell?

Call the Star-Herald Classifieds department at 632-9020 for assistance.

Worship Times For

Holy Week

Maundy Thursday 7:00 pm Good Friday 7:00 pm Church will be open for meditation and prayer all day.

No Service Saturday Night

Easter Sunday 8:30 am & 10:45 am Easter Potluck Dinner will follow the 10:45 service

Join us for worship!

Pride 3 3-19-16 2

3/18/2016 4:50:38 PM

Pride Saturday, March 19, 2016

Page 3

n CAPWN: Continued from page 1

“In general, it’s very fluid whether you’re in a community health center, a hospital or a private setting,” he said.

“There are a lot of uncertainties.”

People come to CAPWN often with unmet needs because they’ve put off health care for a long time. The patients have a need for a lot of different services. Tracy points out they also do a lot with transportation and interpretation.

“We try to provide that comprehensive set of services,” he said. “Keeping all the pieces of the puzzle funded is a challenge.”

CAPWN provides those services and Tracy lauds the good work his staff has done in medical, oral health and behavioral health and how much they have done helping patients with chronic disease management.

“I think we have a truly great staff,” he said. “They are really top quality people.

Many have been here for a long time and have built that patient population base that is loyal to them.”

Most patients are repeat patients. Tracy said people, in general, feel like they receive high quality care at affordable price.

Tracy knows his staff could easily find jobs elsewhere, often for much more money and he is grateful they stay and for what they do. Many work at CAPWN because Pictured is Jeff Tracy, the health director for Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska. they believe in what we do, “The majority of patients in his spare time and still “I’d go to communi- “It was a lot of hard work by he said. who come follows politics, though he ties small and big,” he said. the board and by the staff to The agency here feel they doesn’t find it nearly as en- “There are a ton of good bak- see it through. There’s a long has struggled get good ser- gaging as camping. He hopes ers across the country and a road ahead making good on the last few vices by a very when he retires to continue ton in smaller communities our commitments, but we’re I think years, but the we have c o m p e t e n t to give back to others. He’d that have been doing it forev- through the worst of it.” great majoristaff,” he said. like to work as a volunteer er that aren’t recognized.”

Tracy is hopeful the culture a truly ty stayed with “We serve an in the national parks system has changed enough so CAPCAPWN recently came great staff.

CAPWN. i m p o r t a n t and work internationally and WN doesn’t ever have to go out of bankruptcy and TraThey are really “We hope niche in the nationally with problems that cy is glad that phase can be there again. top quality to do good by c o m mu n i t y. occur when disaster strikes.

Though Tracy took a difput behind them. The board people. Many them going The extra steps “I could put to use some made many hard decisions ferent path to his career, he have been here forward,” he we take helps, of my bureaucratic skills,” but made lots of changes. wouldn’t change a thing. for a long time said. “I believe in part, make he said. “At the same time, it “It’s a lot like a computer.

“It feels good to have gotand have built that so many people loyal would allow me to see other ten through that,” he said. It’s Xs and Os. You make a that patient did stay with to getting care parts of the country or the population base here.” us is a testaworld that would provide ment to the that is loyal to When he help to some folks.” belief in what them.” does get a little One of his big hobbies is we do.” free time from baking bread. He has a recipe Ever dework, Tracy from the New York Times for flecting from Jeff Tracy and his wife, a kneadless bread. He tries to Health Center director, his own life, Anne Radford, make a loaf every week.

CAPWN Tracy continlike to hike “It’s a whole wheat, French, ually points around the rustic-looking bread,” he to his staff valley and get out and enjoy said. “I enjoy it. It’s easy and as the ones who should be the area. tastes great.” recognized. He is reluctant “We hike at the Monument He would love to take a to name one staff member a lot,” he said. “We hike al- year off of making sure the because, according to him, most every weekend at the CAPWN Health Center runs he has tons of stories of staff Wildcat Hills or the Monu- smoothly to travel the world members going above and ment.” and meet bakers and see how beyond each day.

Tracy also likes to read they make their breads.

Courtesy photo

decision and it impacts everything,” he said. “To live it all over again, even change something minutely, it’s going to change the path you’ve been on.”

Tracy said it would be silly to try to predict or control your decisions, which are made on a constant basis.

“Part of what I enjoy is the uncertainty of it,” he said. “I like that uncertainty of the day-to-day life.”

Do you have something to sell?

NEIGHBORS

16, 2015

632-9020 • 800-846-6102 PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DRJM PROPERTIES, LLC Nebraska Limited Liability Company

100 PUBLIC NOTICES 4. The company commenced 27, its existence on August dura2015, and the period of tion is perpetual.

PHILIP M. KELLY, NSBA # 15427 DOUGLAS, KELLY, OSTDIEK and OSSIAN a professional corporaThe address of the desig- tion Attorneys at Law fice of the company is Avenue, Scottsbluff, 105 East 16th Street P.O. Box 419 Nebraska, 69361.

Scottsbluff, NE purpose for which the en- 69363-0419 company is organized is to Telephone: 308-632-7191 act or activi-

100 PUBLIC NOTICES s/ Kent A. Hadenfeldt, Trustee Published in the Star-Herald Scottsbluff, Nebraska 2, 9, 5t. August 26, September 16, 23, 2015

The name of the limited liability company is DRJM PROP-

gage in any lawful which a limited liability may be organized unNeder the laws of the State of

IN THE DISTRICT COURT

OF SCOTTS BLUFF

) NOTICE OF DIVORCE ) PROCEEDING

are unknown . JACKSON, whose whereaboutsbe had, and is of summons cannot upon whom personal service Lucy A. JackAugust 26, 2015, Plaintiff, Scotts you in the District Court of son, filed a Complaint against number CI-15-556, the object of , Nebraska, at case that of marriage, on the grounds which is to obtain a dissolution

October said Complaint on or before ou are required to answer true. against you will be taken as 1, 2015, or said Complaint

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DRJM PROPERTIES, LLC A Nebraska Limited Liability Company

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION

1. Name of the Limited Liability EMS Company: Panhandle Education, LLC 2. Address of the Company’s 1915 initial designated office: 10th Street, Gering, NE 69341 3. Address of the Company’s principal place of business: NE 1915 10th Street, Gering,

lia1. The name of the limited bility company is DRJM PROPERTIES, LLC.

69341 ini4. Name and address of the proctial agent for service of ess: Robert M. Brenner, 1915 10th Street, Gering, NE 69341 5. Company IS NOT organized serto provide professional vices.

Robert M. Brenner, Organizer PREPARED BY: 2. The address of the desigRobert M. Brenner, NSBA is nated office of the company #10426 2221 3rd Avenue, Scottsbluff, ROBERT M. BRENNER Nebraska, 69361.

LAW OFFICE NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S 1915 Tenth Street, P.O. SALE the 3. The purpose for which Box 370 enTO WHOM IT MAY company is organized is to Gering, Nebraska 69341 CONCERN: gage in any lawful act or activiTel:(308) 436-3424/ for which a limited liability Fax:(308) 436-7262 The following-described prop- ties unauccompany may be organized Email: erty will be sold at public Nethe der the laws of the State of rbrenner@scottsbluff.net tion to the highest bidder at

Published in the Star-Herald Scottsbluff, Nebraska 3t. September 1, 8, 16, 2015

Bluff North door of the Scotts at County Courthouse located Ne1725 10th Street, Gering, braska, on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.:

Lot 8, Bryant School Addition, of an Addition to the City Scottsbluff, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. More commonly 15th known as 405 West Street, Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

braska.

4. The company commenced 27, its existence on August dura2015, and the period of tion is perpetual.

PHILIP M. KELLY, NSBA # 15427 DOUGLAS, KELLY, OSTDIEK and OSSIAN

rea professional corporaThe successful bidder is certition quired to deliver cash or the at Law fied funds in the amount of of Attorneys 16th Street purchase price on the day is 105 East sale, except his requirement P.O. Box 419 waived if the successful bidder Scottsbluff, NE puris the beneficiary. The for 69363-0419 chaser will be responsible the Telephone: 308-632-7191 all fees or taxes, including The documentary stamp tax. any sale will be made without Published in the Star-Herald warranties or representations the Scottsbluff, Nebraska as to the title or condition of 3t. September 1, 8, 16, 2015 real estate.

HELP WANTED

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General

Bookkeeper

100 PUBLIC NOTICES

The North Platte Natural Resources District Scottsbluff is seeking a dependable, motivated and friendly indidual for bookkeeper position. 30 hrs per week. Duties include working with general ledger, bank statements, financial reports, budget. Working knowledge of computer based accounting software, Word and Excel, high school diploma or equivalent and valid

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Personal Representative Peggy J. Wells 150672 Highway 92 Mitchell, Nebraska 69357 (308) 641-6116

John K. Sorensen SORENSEN, HAHN & BROWNING, P.C. 1620 Avenue A, P.O. Box 1557 Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69363-1557 308-632-5111 Published in the Star-Herald Scottsbluff, Nebraska 2015 3t. September 16, 22, 29,

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, NEBRASKA

Chaloupka, Holyoke, Snyder, Chaloupka, Longoria & Kishiyama, PC, LLO 1714 Second Avenue Post Office Box 2424 Scottsbluff, NE 69361 Telephone: (308) 635-5000 Facsimile: (308) 635-8000 E-mail: kaa@chhsclaw.net Published in the Star-Herald Scottsbluff, Nebraska 2t. September 16, 23, 2015

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION 1. The name of the company JJP PROPERTIES, LLC.

IN RE: JERRY LORENZO by HERNANDEZ, A Minor Child parent MELONIE WARFIELD

Chaloupka, Holyoke, Snyder & Longoria Chaloupka, Kishiyama, PC, LLO TO ALL INTERESTED PERPublished in the Star-Herald SONS: on Scottsbluff, Nebraska Notice is hereby given that 2015 2015 3t. September 16, 22, 29, the 9th day of September, in the District Court of Scotts Nebraska, County, Bluff DISTRICT COURT THE IN Petition a filed Melonie Warfield OF SCOTTS BLUFF of requesting that the name be COUNTY, NEBRASKA Jerry Lorenzo Hernandez NOTICE Warchanged to Jerry Lorenzo reIN RE: MAURICIO DEMA field. A hearing upon said by the GONZALES, A Minor Child IN THE COUNTY COURT quest shall be held in parent MELONIE W OF SCOTTS BLUFF Scotts Bluff County District 10th Court located at 1725 COUNTY, NEBRASKA 1st Case No. CI 15-588NOTICE Street, Gering, NE, on the 3:30 day of October, 2015, at Estate of HARLAN L. BROWN, TO ALL INTERESTED o’clock p.m. before the HonoraDeceased SONS: ble Leo Dobrovolny.

Estate No.PR15-2 on Notice is hereby given that a fithe 9th day of September PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF Notice is hereby given that adin the District Court ACCORDINGLY. nal account and report of Nebraska, County, for Bluff ministration and a Petition Sepof Melonie Warfield filed a Petition DATED this 11th day of complete settlement, probate of and requesting that the name tember, 2015.

Will, determination of heirs, be tax Mauricio Dematric Gonzales determination of inheritance for changed to Mauricio Dematric MELONIE WARFIELD, have been filed and are set of Warfield. A hearing Petitioner, hearing in the County Court the request shall be held in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska, in Scotts Bluff County District By: Katy A. Anderson, located at the Court House 19th NSBA #25148 Gering, Nebraska on the Case No. CI 15-589NOTICE

200 HELP WANTED

Healthcare

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Pride 3 3-19-16 3

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Pride Page 4

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Jeff Courtier and his wife Brandy, right, take a picture with Celebrate Recovery leaders Damon and Lori Schlenker at a Rock Church volunteer banquet.

Courtesy photo

n COURTIER: Continued from page 1

serves as more than just motivation to get people in the door.

“We have families eating together, laughing and connecting,” said Courtier.

“Then we have people who come and are there because they are struggling to find a good meal, and we are able to encourage those as well.

We hope they stay for service afterward, but if they

Pride 3 3-19-16 4

don’t that’s OK. At least we got to connect with them.”

After the big meal, is what is called the large group, where they talk about 12 steps similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, though they base it more in Christian scripture, as well as eight principles to bettering yourself.

After that, they separate into small groups, which are separated by gender. While

some might think this is a time to complain about their spouse, Courtier says it is a time of self-reflection.

“Small group time is where they get to talk about their week, what did they struggle with, and what can we help them with. They aren’t allowed to talk about their spouse or kids, but focus on what is going on with them instead,” said Courtier.

Courtier says there is

no such thing as a “typical crowd” at Celebrate Recovery as people from all walks of life come, including people from other churches in the community.

“I’m not looking to steal anybody from another church, and in fact one of the best parts about my job is they come here, they get healing and learn to have healthy relationships then they go back to their church

and community and help make it better,” said Courtier.

Courtier said everyone is welcome to Celebrate Recovery and that everyone has things they can work on.

He also said Friday nights’ anonymity is one of the most crucial elements.

“I’ll even ask some of our kids what they learned that night and they tell me that they can’t talk about it be-

cause it’s confidential,” said Courtier. “We all look out for each other, and we all need help so what we talk about there stays there, creating an open and safe environment for everyone.”

Courtier has enjoyed seeing so much success come out of the program, so much so that he has given a fouryear commitment to continue seeing its success in helping families be healthier.

3/18/2016 4:51:43 PM

Pride Saturday, March 19, 2016

Page 5

SANDRA HANSEN/Star-Herald

TOP: Wayne Anderson, left, of Torrington, offers advice to Derek Votaw of Golden, Colorado, as he practices with Anderson’s pistol on the outdoor firing range. Metal targets are made of an iron that flattens the bullets instead of ricocheting.

ABOVE: Carl Rupp of Torrington aims at a target in a new 120x70 foot indoor firing range during the Feb. 20 Goshen County Sportsmen Club open house. Targets move with the touch of a button to adjust the distance from the shooter.

RIGHT: Andrew Votaw watches while his father, Derek, practices on the Goshen County Sportsmen Club firing range, Feb. 20. Also in the audience is Andrew’s mother, Ali Stofflet, and Jim Hildebrand of Douglas, Wyoming.

Community support helps Goshen County Sportsmen Club attain goals SANDRA HANSEN Ag Editor ag@starherald.com

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Beginning as a local effort to give archery and firearms enthusiasts a safe place to practice and improve their skills, the 600-acre Goshen County Sportsmen Club has evolved into a destination location, with a multistate membership.

The organization hosted an open house Saturday, Feb. 20 to welcome visitors and members to the new 120x70 foot indoor firing range. Though hampered by high winds, which restricted practice out on the ranges, the crack of gun powder explosions could be

heard from the new indoor facility that features eight individual shooting booths with electronic target adjustments. All shooters and bystanders are required to wear hearing protection while in the facility.

In addition to completing the new range, the club is hosting a series of special events this spring. Child with adult sessions will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings. These sessions familiarize children with safe firearms practices.

Monday nights in March will be Women’s Basic Pistol shooting, an Eastern Wyoming College program presented by range master C.B. Walker, who has

earned high praise from club board members for her efforts.

April will find a fourweek Shooting League competition, and a Spring Shotgun League will run for six weeks, beginning April 19. Two-man teams will compete in trap, skeet and 5-stand skills. More information on these opportunities are found on the club’s website: www. goshencountysportmenclub.org According to Ron Miller, treasurer of the club’s board of directors, the website offers a calendar of events that is convenient for members, and those interested in the club’s offer-

ings. Other board members are President Frank Sawyer, Vice President Dennis Huckfeldt, Secretary Gary Olson, and at-large members, Mike Lulow and Mike Havely.

During a pickup tour of the outdoor ranges, Miller said, “Completing the indoor range has been quite a project. But we’re getting closer to the way we want it.”

The main building, including the club house, a full service kitchen, and the indoor firing range, is 210 feet long and 66 feet wide.

The club hosted the 2014 Wyoming State Shoot and will do so again in 2018.

According to Miller, campers and RV owners have

115 spots for their convenience, 80 of which have sewer, water and electric hookups.

Sportsmen have 18 trap fields, two skeet fields, a 5-stand field, six target archery fields, with turkey, deer, moose and pig targets available, in addition to a 100-200-300 yard rifle range, and an outdoor pistol range of 25-50-75 feet.

All facilities are handicap accessible.

About 200 members participate in the club’s activities. They come from as far as Douglas, Lusk, and Cheyenne, Wyoming; Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Colorado.

Annual dues are $65.

According to the club’s

website, the organization was created “...to provide a first-class shooting experience for everyone.”

Olson believes it has accomplished its goal.

“I think it is truly one of the best facilities in the western states,” Olson said Tuesday afternoon. “We’ve had 700 shooters from 30 states at the state shoot.

“We started with Dave Eaton and Bob Harpstreith, both deceased, and George Young, Dennis Huckfeldt, Mike Lulow and myself. As for the future, we’ll take it one step at a time. We’ve had a lot of community interest and support. And it’s taken lots of volunteers and lots of volunteer time.”

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Pride Page 6

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Great Plains trail HiGHliGHts

Teacher envisions a Great Plains Trail across America’s Heartland STEVE FREDERICK Special Projects Editor sfrederick@starherald.com

Steve Myers grew up in a state called “The Land of 10,000 lakes.” But he’s come to love the subtle beauty of the prairies.

Bulldozed by ancient glaciers, Minnesota is awash in ponds and pothole lakes. A mere 1,700 feet separates its highest and lowest points. It left him with a craving to see more of America.

“I was in college and saw a poster in the lobby about working in a lodge in a park,” he said. “I spent a lot of my 20s traveling around. I was always drawn to national parks and always finding new places.”

He accepted the job, which took him to the foothills of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, where some of his duties included serving as fishing guide and showing visitors around.

“In between Minnesota and Wyoming, traveling across the Dakotas, I fell for the Great Plains,” he said. “It had its own flavor that appealed to me.”

Now a fifth-grade teacher in Longmont, Colorado, Myers graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula.

“I was loving life out here and decided I wanted to stick,” he said.

“That sentiment, in the early 1990s, gave rise to a grand ambition: What would it be like to go on a big adventure across the Great Plains?

Myers wants to share his affection for the region with the rest of the world, through a national Great Plains Trail threading the nation’s Heartland from west Texas to North Dakota.

“People see the Great Plains as something to travel through. I began to think,

STEVE FREDERICK/ Star-Herald

Steve Myers plans to incorporate Scotts Bluff National Monument and segments of the Oregon Trail and other Panhandle sites into his proposed route for the Great Plains Trail, which would cross the country from New Mexico to North Dakota.

‘What if people began to think of it as a destination?’”

The trail would take adventurers on a cross-continental 1,700-mile pathway, similar to the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail.

In 2012, he formed the non-profit Great Plains Trail Alliance, a small group of volunteer supporters of the project, and began researching possible routes. In shaping the notion, he visited parts of the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails. Myers is completing research on a

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Pride Saturday, March 19, 2016

Page 7

n MYERS: Continued from page 6

route from Guadalupe Peak in West Texas to Grasslands National Park in Canada.

He seeks to blend public access, scenery, history and nearby towns that can serve to supply trail travelers. He’s walked about 70 percent of the areas he envisions as being part of the route, mostly in Colorado, Nebraska, the Dakotas and Montana.

“I don’t have detailed knowledge of New Mexico, but I have an idea of where it could be,” he said. “It’s more of a route, with as much established trail as possible.”

He’s trekked through western Nebraska several times. He recently released a “top 10” list on his Great Plains Trail Alliance website and Facebook page where he mentions several local attractions. Toadstool Geologic Park, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Fort Robinson, Scotts Bluff National Monument and Panorama Point, the highest spot in Nebraska, rank among some of his favorite places.

“No place that I’ve been to on my rambles has captured me more than the open grasslands of northwest Nebraska,” he wrote.

“It’s a really special place with a feel all its own.”

Photos and accounts of his travels can be found on his website and blog: https://g re atplainst rai l. wordpress.com.

Similar trails, such as the Pacific Crest Trail, run through federal and state lands on a well-marked path. A Great Plains Trail would require a much different approach.

“Here, it’s tiny pockets of public land surrounded by huge tracts of private land,” he said. In the areas he’s considering, you can go 100 miles between gas stations, let alone food and water.

“There are stretches where no human could walk it in one day,” he said.

He envisions a network of “Trail Angels,” such as bed-and-breakfast innkeepers, who could supply shelter and access to wifi, or ranchers or other nearby residents who might offer hikers space for a tent and a little water and firewood.

“I’m picturing a system of volunteers that will develop as the trail takes on its own momentum. It could be a cache of water. It could be a ride into town,” he said. “I definitely don’t have all the answers, but I can see solutions developing on their own as the trail gets established and used.”

Public grasslands on the north and south borders of western Nebraska and trails through Scotts Bluff National Monument and the Wildcat Hills figure into his plans. In most areas it would accommodate hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.

The challenges of the lonely prairie also offer opportunities. Unlike the well-defined trails, a Great Plains route could be broad and generalized, allowing for shortcuts and side trips, accommodating motorcycles and four-wheelers in places, and utilizing foot trails, two-tracks and even county roads. There’d be few bottlenecks and plenty of options, such as alternate routes that take in Native American sites, cavalry forts, fossils and American history.

“There could be a designated route with information about other aspects of the journey, where you could do whatever you want.

You could have a spur going to the top of Scotts Bluff or to Mount Rushmore.”

As he envisions it now, the trail will require little in the way of construction or signage, incorporating existing trails and backroads along a mapped route.

“There will be a few spots

Pride 3 3-19-16 7

STEVE FREDERICK/Star-Herald

Steve Myers eyes Scottsbluff-Gering from a viewpoint atop Scotts Bluff National Monument. The Colorado teacher lists the monument among his favorite places in Nebraska.

where people would find themselves stuck, if they want to walk the entire thing. But you could also

do small chunks over a period of years,” he said. “You could easily cover 60 to 70 miles a day on a bike.”

Congressional designation would boost awareness of the trail, he said, but it wouldn’t be necessary.

“There are pros and cons with that,” he said. “In a sense, it already exists. It’s a matter of finding the best way to do it. I don’t want to step on local people’s toes. I want to highlight an area of the country that I think is very cool.”

The idea has met with enthusiasm, especially in towns that welcome any new source of business for their stores, cafes and coffee shops.

“Most people I’ve talked to are intrigued. I met with the chamber of commerce up

in Crawford and they were super supportive,” he said.

“They wanted to know when it was going to happen.”

While few people might walk the entire route, the reputation of the trail would encourage local residents to sample sections of it on day hikes. They could serve as well-informed guides to available parks and campgrounds.

“It’s local, in that sense, but it connects to other places where people want to go.

It’ll create a mystique about the places nearby. When people start using it, it’s going to produce stories that people want to hear.”

The next step, he said, is to

“make it real” — firm up the route and get people to start taking it.

“We need to put a line on a map, generate interest in it, get people doing it and see what happens.”

To find out more about the Great Plains Trail or how you can get involved, visit the website at www.greatplainstrail.org.

“Simply put, the Great Plains is a national treasure,” Myers wrote in his blog. “It is a region of unique scenic beauty, ecological diversity, amazing wildlife, and rich human history. It has also been and continues to be a landscape of deep inspiration.”

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Saturday, March 19, 2016

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Families whose babies need higher levels of care will take comfort in knowing that they have access to the highest level of neonatal care in western Nebraska. Regional West’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is an eight-bed special care nursery located in the Birth and Infant Care Center that provides highly specialized care, around-the-clock for premature babies and critically ill infants who have problems such as breathing disorders or infections.

After your baby is born, Regional West is also your community resource for exceptional, high quality pediatric services. Regional West Physicians Clinic-Pediatrics offers western Nebraska’s only boardcertiVed pediatricians, physician assistant, and nurse practitioners to care for children from birth to 18 in and out of the hospital.

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Pride Saturday, March 19, 2016

Page 9

Connelly helps youth find purpose through fitness AARON SEANEY Staff Reporter aseaney@starherald.com

On any night of the week there is a place in Scottsbluff where kids are working up a sweat, learning new disciplines and being encouraged by the coaching staff. Panhandle MMA, located on East Overland, is owned by Ian Connelly who opened the gym four years ago with the vision of having a place where kids could work out, but also have a positive environment.

“I got the idea in church actually,” said Connelly, laughing. “I just kept hearing sermons over and over about impacting those around you and I really wanted to impact the community, and with my wrestling and boxing background this just seemed like a good fit.”

Connelly runs youth classes five nights a week at the gym.

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday he teaches a boxing class and Tuesday and Thursday he teaches Mixed Martial Arts where kids learn about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and kickboxing.

“Martial arts has always been a good thing for youth programs. I mean, any time you can get 40-50 kids in the gym over being on the street it’s a good thing,” said Connelly. “Then, you couple that with a positive environment, and a place where I can speak into the kids’ lives and actually see them change, well it’s even better.”

Connelly works for Scotts Bluff County detention center as a juvenile specialist and he has been able to use that role to spread that same positive influence to the teens there by getting some of them into his program.

Connelly recalls one young

AARON SEANEY/Star-Herald

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach Will Ellis works on one of his student’s technique during a youth class at Panhandle MMA.

man from the center who enjoyed the boxing classes so much he completely changed his behavior to make sure he wouldn’t lose the privilege.

Soon, through working with Ian and the other students, he even became student of the month at the center. After being released, he still comes to classes and has continued to make life changes.

“To see the change that this kid had after coming here was so drastic, it blew my mind,” said Connelly. “I even got to go testify for him and talk about his changes before he got out. He has made some huge strides and he really has a bright future now.”

This is one of many examples Connelly has seen over the past four years, and he said part of the success comes from simply showing the kids

that he cares.

“I love the physical activity, and the discipline they learn and the fact that I get to pray with kids after practice,” said Connelly. “Showing these kids you care helps build up their self confidence in a huge way.”

Connelly, who is a Scottsbluff native, said he wishes there was something like this when he was in his youth opting for a “rougher” lifestyle growing up.

“I was rough around the edges in high school, then I didn’t go to college. I just worked construction for my uncle. I didn’t really live a great life until I became a Christian when I was around 30. That’s when everything changed for me,” said Connelly.

Despite his background, he strives to give the MMA

community a more positive name and show that many of the guys who train there are good people.

“People who are in these type of combat sports aren’t typically seen in a positive manner. A lot of people think they are thugs, or that I am running a fight club,” said Connelly. “But every one has positive things in them.

Sometimes you just need to find it and pull it out of people, but it’s there.”

The gym has now become a multi-generational thing, as his wife, Andrea, and three kids, Sienna, Jaliah and Jude, have started to train in the classes as well. Connelly is set to box in Mitchell at the end of March, and his oldest daughter Sienna has followed in his footsteps.

“One of my most mem-

orable moments doing this would have to be Sienna’s first boxing match in Denver when she was 12. It was amazing to see her go down and compete, and win,” said Connelly.

Panhandle MMA also offers adult classes, which includes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, kickboxing and a cardio class. While Ian stays plenty busy, he has a coaching staff to help him take care of all of the classes that are offered.

“We have Mitch Peterson running the MMA and kids’ MMA class, and then we have Will Ellis who runs the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing classes, and Laz Perez who runs our cardio class.

We also have two amazing assistant coaches Jeremiah Magdaleno and Renae Mar-

quez. All those guys make what we do possible, so it’s great having them around,” said Connelly.

Connelly encourages any one who wants to start a business that they are passionate about to persevere and stay patient.

“Be ready to be committed, take the good with the bad, and don’t give up even when it’s completely overwhelming. Which it will be at times,” said Connelly.

Connelly has had a hard fought road over the past few years working full time and getting the gym going, but with recent expansions to the building and possibly building on more in the future, he hopes to continue to be an positive influence for the overall health of the community.

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Pride Saturday, March 19, 2016

Page 11

Rider hopes Wildcat Hills race will boost bicycle tourism STEVE FREDERICK Special Projects Editor sfrederick@starherald.com

Robidoux Quick and diRty

Matt Hutt got a bruising welcome to the community where he’d spend most of his working career.

As a high school wrestler for Cheyenne Central, his team competed against a Gering outfit led by a Hall of Fame coach, the late Chuck Deter.

“I had to wrestle Coach Deter’s kid, and he cleaned up the mat with me,” he said with a laugh. “We walked into a buzzsaw.”

That was in the late 1970s, before Hutt became a clinical psychologist. These days he stays fit in a gentler way, by riding a bicycle whenever he can. He’s turned his interest in bicycling into plans for a 75-mile “gravel grinder” bike race through the Wildcat Hills on some of the county’s most scenic back roads. He hopes the inaugural event in May will attract riders and crews to become an annual tourism event that will rival the Monument Marathon in putting the county in the competitive spotlight.

His interest in bicycling began early, as the sixth of seven children.

“That’s the way we got around when we were young,” he said. “We were a roving gang of bike riders.

It was your way out of your neighborhood. You were 10 years old, and you just keep pedaling.”

An older brother got him interested in psychology as a career.

“I wanted to do what he was doing,” he said.

After studying at Laramie County Community College and the University of Wyoming, he earned his doctorate at Colorado State University and was recruited to practice in Scottsbluff in 1992 by another avid bicyclist, Dr. Tom Perkins, who directed the Panhandle Mental Health Center.

“My original idea was to work here for a couple of years and go back to Colorado or Wyoming,” he said. “I’ve remained a front-line clinical psychologist here at the mental health center.”

He works with an array of patients, including some with court-ordered treatment.

“My case load is primarily people who are making adjustments in life. Some have severe or persistent mental illnesses.”

On all but the worst winter days, he rides his bike to work. It helps to keep mind and body in shape, he said.

“I fully admit it’s kind of crazy when you can be taking a car,” he said. “I get some exercise and it’s transportation at the same time.

It’s a little bit like recess.”

As a psychologist, he sees a parallel between bicycling and mental health.

“You have to be balanced. You have to be centered. You have to be moving forward,” he said. “All of those things are also true about healthy living.”

Hutt also admires the way the bicycle is designed to transform leg, back and arm power into an efficient means of transportation.

“It’s a great invention. It doesn’t hurt anyone. It doesn’t pollute.

You’re not burning up fossil fuels,” he said. “There isn’t another (non-motorized) device that can move a human that fast with so little energy.”

His first experience with backroad distance races was in 2013 in the 115-mile Gold Rush Gravel

n Route: 75 miles, mostly gravel roads n Difficulty: Difficult terrain with long, steep hills n Entry Limit: 200 riders n Itinerary: Race check in — Saturday, May 21, Five Rocks Pavilion. n Start time: 8 a.m., May 22 n Cost: $55 n Prizes: Cash prizes for top three men and women — First $300, second $200, third $100 n Start Address: Five Rocks Amphitheater 200701 County Road P, Gering

Pride 3 3-19-16 3

To register: Robidouxquickdirty.wix.com/race.

STEVE FREDERICK/Star-Herald

TOP: Matt Hutt takes a test ride on the course for the inaugural “Robidoux Quick and Dirty” 75-mile gravel bike race in May. ABOVE: Matt Hutt pulls his “gravel grinder” bike down from its spot in his garage, where he keeps a collection of bicycles.

RIGHT: Matt Hutt and his wife, Susan Dickinson, leave Gering for a ride into Banner County on their tandem bicycle, one of about 20 in his collection.

Grinder in Spearfish, South Dakota.

“The terrain was demanding. It had rained hard the week before.

There were a lot of falling riders,” he said, but added, “It was a rollicking good time.”

He’s also ridden in the Laramie Enduro in Curt Gowdy State Park, a 75-miler on dirt trails. For that he rides another of his bikes — he has about a dozen in his collection.

“I’ve tried to do that one every year for the past few years,” he said. “Those two rides inspired me.”

He spends a lot of time riding on Scotts Bluff County’s back roads and believes the gravel-grinder community, which meets regularly at a series of annual events, will find them different and fascinating.

“A gravel road is just thrown over Mother Earth, so it’s more interesting to ride on,” he said.

“The surface changes from sand to clay to gravel. The county gentlemen do a great job of grading, and our roads tend to absorb the water very well.

“It’s different from Laramie and Spearfish, but it’s really beautiful,” he added. “We have some pristine countryside out here. You get to be close to an urban center but you get to be alone at the same time.”

Gravel grinders tend to be avid bicyclists who enjoy a shared sense of adventure and a physical challenge with other riders. Races have a sense of camaraderie,

where riders stop and help others or congregate for a rest at the food and water stations.

“There’s a lot of serious competition out at the point, but for most the goal is to accomplish the ride, to get through it,” he said.

He found a similar sense of camaraderie within the West Nebraska Bicycling Club, a group of about 20 active cyclists that meets monthly for various social and service activities.

“Our calendar is filling up,” he said. “We took over the Oregon Trail Days Monument hill climb.

We are now organizing the Recycle Your Cycles event in April.”

In Recycle Your Cycle, donated bicycles are cleaned up or used to provide parts for other bikes.

Last year, the club turned over 30 reconditioned bikes to Potter’s Wheel, a local charity. It’s also planned rides and done service projects.

Hutt and other club members hope to attract up to 200 cyclists to take part in the inaugural “Robidoux Quick and Dirty” on May 22. The club has sent brochures to about 300 bike shops in Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Kansas. By the end of January about 20 riders had already signed up.

Riders will spend almost 90 percent of the ride on gravel, although a route mapped out for the event includes a portion of Stegall Road and Old Oregon Trail road through Mitchell Pass. Riders will pedal through scenic Carter Canyon and ride on the slopes of the

Wildcat Hills south of Gering. The race will offer prizes of up to $300 for men and women and is expected to take four to seven hours to complete.

“In the world of gravel races, 75 miles is a short race,” Hutt said.

“It’s the right length. There’s something a little more user-friendly about a 75-mile race.”

He added, “If anybody thinks Nebraska is flat, they’re going to get an education,” he said. “In those 75 miles there’s 4,000 feet of climbing.”

Bikes equipped for rougher roads are the fastest growing segment of the industry, he said. He envisions the ride as part of a circuit that could attract participants from a wide area. Similar rides are held in North Platte, Lincoln and Spearfish. The “Dirty Kanza” in Emporia, Kansas, attracts 2,000 riders.

Gravel-grinder races began about a decade ago. They fill a gap between road biking and moun-

tain biking in terms of equipment.

“It’s a Midwest invention. It’s spread from the middle of the country to the coasts,” he said.

“It’s become a phenomenon. The Dirty Kanza has become a weeklong extravaganza. It transformed Emporia.”

He hopes for a similar success here.

“Every door I’ve knocked on, from the county commissioners to the county roads to the private property owners, has been opened. There’s been a real, instant enthusiasm,” he said. “It makes sense to a lot of people.”

His dream is to see the race end in similar fashion to the finish of the Monument Marathon.

“I have this hope that the whole last mile will be lined up with community members cheering on these people. That’s what’s going to bring them back every year,” he said. “If it gets more local people on bicycles, it will be a great accomplishment.”

3/18/2016 4:55:34 PM

Pride Page 12

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Geocaching: GPS-based treasure hunt lures millions STEVE FREDERICK Special Projects Editor sfrederick@starherald.com

All around you — stashed along your street, under a bench you sit on, in the quiet corners of parks and public lands — are containers containing a paper log sheet and, sometimes, tiny trinkets inside.

There are dozens of them in the Scottsbluff-Gering area a l o n e , part of a h i g h - te ch outdoor treasure hunting game called Peggy Manley geocaching. It uses global positioning satellite devices or smartphones to locate earth coordinates in order to direct players to the hidden troves. Though you might not be aware of their activities, more than 15 million people play the game, seeking nearly 2.8 million caches worldwide. It’s one more reason to get out of the house and spend more time outdoors.

Secrecy is part of the game, according to Peggy Manley of Mitchell.

“At the most basic level, people hide a cache, which is a container, and list the coordinates,” she said. “The whole thing isn’t what’s in the cache. The fun is in finding it. You follow the clues.

The point is to get outdoors and find it. It’s a family activity.”

Players have developed a language about the game, adapted in part from the Harry Potter books.

“People who don’t geocache are called ‘muggles,’” she said.

A cache that has been vandalized or removed is said to have been “muggled.”

Caches are listed on a site called geocaching.com. To play, you have to take out a free membership and have access to a computer or smartphone. The tech-driven pastime first became popular in the early 2000s with the expansion of GPS access and the availability of handheld GPS devices. Smartphones, which are equipped with GPS and can download a geochaching app, are bringing the game to a larger audience.

A computer consultant in Oregon developed the roots of the game in May 2000 when he wanted to test the accuracy of newly released GPS technology, hiding a container in the woods near Portland and leaving clues to its location on a website. The challenge was simple: “Take some stuff, leave some stuff.”

It soon had a name, the number of caches and players grew, and by September a website made the growing hobby official by listing 75 cache sites around the world.

“You need technology to get started, but the fun is in going out to find the caches,” Manley said.

A typical cache is a waterproof container containing, at a minimum, a logbook with a pen or pencil. Containers can range from tiny tubes to larger containers such as plastic storage totes.

Ammunition boxes are popular because they’re durable and waterproof. A player who finds a cache, following coordinates and other clues on the website, enters the date that he or she found it and signs in with a chosen code name. Afterward, the cache is left in a place for others to find. Players can also leave caches of their own for others to find. Players can post photos and comments on the geocaching site to let others know when the new cache has been found.

The site records information about the players and how many caches they’ve found.

“When you place one you have to register it. There are volunteers who go around to verify that you’ve left it, and then it’s released,” she said.

Pride 3 3-19-16 4

STEVE FREDERICK/Star-Herald

TOP: Peggy Manley checks her computer for a map of nearby sites where geocaching fans have left caches to be found by other players.

ABOVE: LEFT: A log sheet from a cache records the names of players who have found it. The players then record the find online on the geocaching.com website.

ABOVE RIGHT: A cache can be as small as a thumb, as long as it’s weatherproof and has room for a log sheet.

Most caches are placed on public lands. That has led to controversy in some places, driven by fears that caches might be mistaken for a bomb or a drag stash.

In response, government agencies and others responsible for public land sometimes publish guidelines for geocaching. A “Geocacher’s Creed” posted on the Internet asks participants to “avoid causing disruptions or public alarm.”

Players are also asked to minimize their impact on nature. Because caches are left on public lands, players have adopted a “cache in, trash out” ethic.

“You’re supposed to go in and find the cache and take a bag with you to take out any trash you find,” Manley said.

The game has spawned a number of variations. Some players leave swag, or small trinkets, for others to take.

“A lot of people put in stickers for kids, because a lot of families do this,” Manley said. “If you take swag out, you’re supposed to replace it with other swag.”

Swag can include “trackables,” numbered items left by visitors and intended to be moved to other sites. The trackables become global hitchhikers, carried from one site to another based on

online instructions or goals now I can track it and see left by the player who originated them. The idea is to send them a long distance or to a certain destination.

“When you find a trackable, you put the number in (on the website) when you find them. The person who finds them is supposed to place them in another cache. They travel around and you can see where they’ve been,” she said. “I found one that originated in Europe.”

She launched a trackable called “Appalachian Dream.”

“I thought I’d never get to go on the Appalachian Trail, so I put out one and

where it’s gone. I planted it in Arkansas in November. I can see where it is by checking on it,” she said. “It’s in Pennsylvania right now, waiting to go on the trail.”

Other variations include a requirement to solve an additional mystery or puzzle, staged caches that lead players from one cache to another, caches that take players to a site of historical interest in order to learn more about it, and caches with coordinates that lead players to a specific location and time for an event, including events with a purpose, such as removal of litter or invasive species.

With an expanded membership, which includes a fee, players are given access to additional search tools, the ability to download large amounts of cache information onto their GPS devices at once, instant email notifications about new caches, and access to premium-member-only caches.

Because caches are located worldwide, the game is popular with travelers.

Manley got into the game in part because her job as a quality assurance monitor for Head Start took her to many places around the nation. When she visits a new city, she spends her free time seeking out caches.

Manley said tourism can benefit from interest in the game, because players from around the world can be directed to local attractions.

As she began playing, she learned that already there are dozens of caches within 10 miles of her home north of Mitchell and in popular scenic locations such as Robidoux Pass and Carter Canyon.

“There are a lot that will take you on trails and tell you the history of the place,” she said. “It’s addictive when you get into it.”

She put a cache of her own near Spotted Tail Creek north of her home, containing information about the Lakota chief the creek was named for and about the history of a nearby fish farm. She’s able to keep track of visitors when they register their finds online.

“Everybody that finds it, logs it,” she said. “There have been six people who found it already.”

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3/18/2016 4:56:08 PM

Pride Saturday, March 19, 2016

Page 13

Mental health manager helps patients recover from addiction STEVE FREDERICK Special Projects Editor sfrederick@starherald.com

Phil Darley was a young ex-Marine attending college at Colorado State University.

Like many students who’d just reached 21, he liked to drink.

One Sunday night, he’d had a few too many.

“One of my buddies took my last six-pack away, and I was ready to hit him. I had my fist cocked,” he said. “It was a place in me that I’d never experienced.”

That was 25 years ago.

“I hit bottom with alcohol.

I was president of a fraternity, living the dream, and the alcohol just got to me,” he said.

“That was the last day that I drank: Dec. 6, 1990.”

He sought help, met with a counselor. The road was rough. He felt suicidal at times. He underwent treatment. He struggled in school, tried different majors. In time, he came to grips with how alcohol had affected his life, even his career in the Marines.

“My drinking kept getting in the way,” he said.

One of the best things that happened to him was meeting a friend, later his roommate, who was going through a similar struggle.

“We were both in treatment and in recovery. We could support each other and have that same goal and kinship, which is pretty powerful,” he said.

They were lessons he never forgot, experiences that shaped his future career.

“I became more confident and compassionate,” he said.

“It gave me a better understanding of people who went through a psychiatric break.”

Today, at 46, he’s assistant executive director of Panhandle Mental Health Center.

His latest project is Recovery House, a place where men who are getting their lives back together after drug or alcohol addiction can share the same sort of support system that helped Darley get back on his feet.

But even after he established goals and a support system, his career path took some twists and turns. Originally from California, he had arrived in Fort Collins, where he lived for eight years, as a business major. He met his future wife, Chris, while working at a McDonald’s.

“I worked the night shift.

She worked the morning shift,” he said. Chris is originally from western Nebraska.

Eventually they moved here.

“I was a semester away from graduating, and I stopped,” he said.

He became an on-air personality at KMOR Radio for a time, later moving to sales. He tried other jobs. He bought a tire franchise and later sold it.

Eventually he went through vocational rehabilitation, seeking to find a clearer career path. That took him into education and the completion of a degree in history, 10 years after he’d left college. Through Western Nebraska Community College and Chadron State College he got into an accelerated program to become a teacher and taught history and social studies at Minatare High School.

“They were some exceptional kids,” he said. “I had seven different classes that I had to prepare for every day. It was a good lesson in survival.”

He returned to WNCC, this time as assistant director at Upward Bound, a job he held for six years, helping low-income, first-generation high school students get on a path to a college degree. It was a challenge. While a third were already preparing for college, another third weren’t sure what they wanted to do, “and a third wouldn’t have graduated if they hadn’t been in Upward Bound,” he said.

“They want to be successful, but they might not have the tools to succeed,” he added.

The students, most from area high schools, took classes during the day, participated in program activities, accessed community services

Pride 3 3-19-16 5

STEVE FREDERICK/Star-Herald

ABOVE: Phil Darley keeps medals from his races in his office at the Panhandle Mental Health Center. He says staying fit and competing gives him an outlet from stress.

LEFT: Phil Darley and his daughter, Tiersa, go on a training run on the Monument Valley Pathway. They compete together in races and triathlons.

and joined in cultural activities. They’d live on the WNCC campus for six weeks in summer, taking classes all day and earning high school credit.

“Its purpose is to broaden their minds about the possibilities available to them,” he said. “The kids would put on theater programs that would knock your socks off. At every stage, they had to push themselves so they can grow.”

A highlight for Darley came in 2007, when the NBC Today program showed up for three days of shooting and selected student Danielle Heitman for a profile segment. She got to go to the studio in New York, where she was presented with a scholarship.

Darley, meanwhile, wanted to continue his own education. He started a master’s

program at Chadron State in organizational management with an emphasis on human services. He left WNCC for a job with the Region I Behavioral Health Authority, a state and federally funded program organizing and supervising comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services in the 11 counties of the Panhandle. He worked with people who had been put into protective custody, helping them organize their lives after they were released, with jobs, counseling and services.

“That was my introduction to mental health services,” he said. “I learned more about these systems for adults and youth.”

Eventually he became youth director and Professional Partner Program supervisor

with the state Department of Health and Human Services, working with young people with serious emotional disturbances who are at high risk of becoming a state ward, being kicked out of their homes, committing juvenile crimes or dropping out of school. He helped supervise four offices and seven staff members.

As Darley’s career grew and changed, so did his blended family. He and Chris, who now manages the Runza restaurant in Scottsbluff, share a family that includes biological, adopted and foster children.

“We have another foster kid that we took in in September,” he said. “That makes eight.”

Four of the children live at home now. The others are grown.

“Right now we have a kid in every level of school in Scottsbluff,” he added.

Darley became a competitive runner and triathlete.

He’s competed in five triathlons, including two with his daughter, Tiersa, as well as half marathons, and ran in the L.A. Marathon three years ago. He runs several times a week to train and swims in the YMCA pool.

His running medals hang on the wall in his office, alongside a Marine Corps flag.

“It’s been a great outlet,” he said.

Last year, in May, he stepped into his present job.

One of his first challenges was getting Recovery House open.

Located in a building near Regional West Medical Center’s South Unit, the house offers a clean and sober living environment. Residents must apply, meet house rules, which include a curfew, and pay rent and a share of utilities. While there’s no treatment offered, men in the program must attend 12step sobriety program meetings.

“The goal is for them to develop a living community where they can find support for their recovery from drug and alcohol addiction,” Darley said. “They’ve been clean and sober for a while, and they don’t want to go back to their former environment.”

While it takes about a week to detoxify from the physical effects of drugs or alcohol, overcoming the psychological effects is more complicated, he said, “especially when their only choice is to go back to the same people, same atmosphere, same environment — but you’re not supposed to drink. It’s a challenge.”

Support for the program has been gratifying, he said.

Oregon Trail Community Foundation, local banks and other donors stepped up to provide beds and furnishings. House manager Nick Eskam and his mother, Jennifer, worked hard to gather donations and put the program in motion. Like Darley, Nick Eskam had struggled with alcohol addiction before getting treatment. While it’s too early to count any successes, the residents are building credibility with neighbors and employers, he said.

“They have a sense of ownership about the home, and that’s important,” he said.

After residents begin recovery, having a support system helps them succeed, he said. It’s a dynamic he’s experienced many times during his career.

“The thread through all of the jobs I’ve had is working with other people,” he said.

“You can’t get it done on your own. It takes teamwork.”

Although he’s not a therapist, he takes a personal interest in health center clients and lets them know he understands their struggles.

“I’m not a clinician. I work in a management role. But I get it,” he said. “I can share my story.”

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3/18/2016 4:56:36 PM

Pride Page 14

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Banner Health Community Hospital investing in Goshen County visiting specialists for several years, and recently announced the addition of cardiology services proTORRINGTON, Wyo. — vided by visiting physicians Multi-million dollar invest- from Greeley, Colorado. ments in its Goshen Coun“We started with a carty facilities is evidence of diologist coming one day a Banner Health’s dedication month from Banner Medto the community, accord- ical Group and North Coling to Sandy Dugger, chief orado Medical Center in operations officer at Banner Greeley,” Dugger explained.

Health Community Hospi- “He flew up for a day in Jantal in Torrington. uary, and the next month “We see ourselves as key we added a second cardiolplayers in a successful com- ogist so we could see more munity,” Dugger said during patients. We now know that a recent tour demand is great enough, of the 25that beginbed hospining in The end tal.

“With April, we’ll result is that that goal, we have three we are able are bringing cardioloin new physi- to provide higher gists comcians, and pro- quality images that ing to Torviding the lat- help physicians rington.” est in patient better diagnose an These care technol- illness or injury.” physicians ogy.”

Sandy Dugger provide a B a n n e r second set CEO, Health has of eyes and Banner Health operated the Community Hospital ears in adhospital since dition to 1977 and adthe physijoined Banner Medical cians and nurses at the bedClinic for nearly 20 years. side, said Dugger, noting During that time, all aspects that the telehealth physician of patient care have been has access to the patient’s vimodernized, allowing pa- tal statistics and can pick up tients, in most circumstanc- on slight changes in the paes, to remain in Torrington tient’s medical conditions. for treatment, which lends Additional information can to quicker recovery with be had from the medical less expense. staff in the patient’s room.

Dugger, who was named “Faster intervention when COO six weeks ago after 24 there’s a change in the payears in the hospital’s hu- tient’s condition can make a man resources office, said huge different in outcomes,” Banner’s mission is to make Dugger said. a difference in people’s lives The telehealth equipment through excellent patient is also extremely useful in care, and each of the com- the emergency room when pany’s recent investments a patient arrives with signs builds on that mission. of a stroke. Expert neuroloBanner has invested $12.4 gists at another location can million in capital improve- see a patient via camera, and ments and equipment over decide what interventions the last three years. A $3.1 can be done in Torrington, million remodel was com- or if the patient needs to be pleted in the Women’s Care flown to Denver for a higher and Birthing Center, which level of care. includes two large patient Dugger said helicopter suites where women go transport is available from through labor, delivery and several providers, and derecovery in the same room. pends on the needs of each The other half of the suite patient. is furnished for the conAlways striving for exvenience of visiting family cellence, Dugger said Tormembers.

The medical imaging department underwent extensive renovation to provide for a new CT scanner, digital mammography equipment and other medical imaging units. Those include several telehealth opportunities such as a portable stroke monitoring unit that connects with Swedish Hospital in Denver. Bedside monitoring with physicians in other locations, who can evaluate patients’ needs and offer diagnosis and suggested treatment, is available in three patient rooms.

“The end result is that we are able to provide higher quality images that help physicians better diagnose an illness or injury,” Dugger explained. “Patients are happy that they can have that service done locally, and don’t have to travel out of town.”

In addition to the new telehealth equipment, two surgeons have been hired, and several pieces of equipment have been purchased to meet their needs. Orthopedic surgeon Dale Adishian arrived in Torrington in 2015. Since then, a number of patients have been able to have a variety of orthopedic surgeries locally. Previously, a broken wrist requiring surgery had to be treated out of town, but now the patient can receive local care.

Dr. George Fortier IV, joined Banner Health in Torrington in 2013, and provides general surgery.

Dugger said their services are a huge benefit to patients, as well as the community, because their families stay local and invest locally.

“The new surgeons have also significantly increased our surgical volumes at the hospital,” Dugger said.

Banner has provided SANDRA HANSEN Ag Editor ag@starherald.com

Pride 3 3-19-16 6

SANDRA HANSEN/Star-Herald

Gail Van Buren, medical imaging senior manager, places her hands on a new X-ray machine, while Jennifer Troxel, multi-modality technician, lines up the imaging device. The new equipment produces images almost instantly.

rington’s hospital recently was recognized for its patient services.

Community Hospital earned the five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

It is the highest rating given by the federal agency, and only 155 out of 4,542 hospitals participating in the nationwide program receive that top rating. The rating is based on patient satisfaction surveys as well as reports on quality of care and

the outcomes for a patient after they have received care. CMS updates the rating quarterly.

“We were the only one in Wyoming that quarter, and we’re very proud of that,” Dugger said.

Banner has also received awards from state organizations for quality control and infection prevention.

“Effort from our entire organization goes into making sure we have the highest quality of care in a safe envi-

ronment,” Dugger said.

Banner Health is not only concerned about immediate patient care and services, but also about future medical needs, physical and financial. With this in mind, Banner has initiated a project to look at ways to respond to those needs.

According to Banner Health, it has seen market place changes in southeastern Wyoming with the opening of a new Banner Health Clinic in Wheat-

land, growth in the number of physicians, and the acquisition of an ambulance service in Platte County.

Because of that, Banner created a regional leadership structure to serve the area. Recognized internally as Banner Wyoming South, Banner’s Community Hospital in Torrington and Platte County Memorial Hospital in Wheatland now work together as a single market area.

This allows the facilities and leaders to think and plan from a collaborative perspective to more effectively serve patients and to share resources.

“We want to look at those potential impacts and develop a model of best practices for rural facilities,” Dugger said.

Banner has 149 local employees, including about 30 nurses. There also are nine doctors and three advanced practitioners. The 2015 payroll was $7.9 million.

Banner Health has facilities in seven states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming, that include 29 hospitals.

Among the challenges that Banner Health is studying is the national nursing shortage, which is a local issue also. But, Dugger said, having Western Nebraska Community College and the University of Nebraska nursing programs near by is very beneficial.

“We’re fortunate to have two very strong nursing programs in Scottsbluff,” she said. “They can go to school there and come here to work.

We do offer clinicals for those students, and it’s beneficial for us to help them develop and grow in their careers.”

Looking to the future, Dugger said Banner’s plans include the possibility of expanding rehabilitation services, along with capital investments in expanding the physical footprint, and other service lines not offered yet.

“Banner Health is analyzing those needs,” Dugger said.

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3/18/2016 4:58:44 PM

Pride Saturday, March 19, 2016

Page 15

On the right track IRENE NORTH Staff Reporter inorth@starherald.com

When people meet Daniel Palomo for the first time, they see him as big and scary, but he’s just a big teddy bear.

Palomo said he is grateful for his place in life. It hasn’t been an easy road, but he’s hopeful because he knows what life is like before and after recovery.

Palomo grew up in an alcoholic home. His co-dependent mother was trying to raise five children. When Palomo attended elementary school, many of his classmates were already smoking and drinking.

“I started dabbling at an early age,” he said. “But I had a solution to my home life. I played basketball.”

Palomo’s talents took him to McCook Junior College for two years, where he was player of the year in 1984. By the time he was a student at Central Connecticut State University, he was a “fall down” drunk.

“I did the best I could, but there were generational things,” he said. “It wasn’t easy growing up. I was in a lot of fear. My job was to take care of my brother and sisters.”

He was the hero, his brother the scapegoat and one of his sisters was the clown.

His alcoholic life was becoming his normal. He became distant from his mother, his father, his siblings. He started doing his own thing, trying to break away. His maternal grandparents and two uncles on his father’s side were supportive of what he was trying to do.

As far as basketball in college, everything was great for Palomo, but between his freshman and sophomore year, he became unrecognizable to his coach.

“Alcohol was my new life,” he said.

Drinking took him on long binges. One led to a tragedy that Palomo has never forgotten and makes him wonder what would have happened had he been sober. He was supposed to go pick up his sister and her son in Texas. When he was late, his family assumed he was drunk and wouldn’t make it.

His other sister, Irene, and her boyfriend went instead.

Irene was killed in a car wreck on the way back to Nebraska. Her boyfriend had fallen asleep at the wheel.

“I accept it today, but I carry a lot of guilt with that,” he said. “If I hadn’t been drunk, I would have been the one who picked up my sister and nephew.”

He used the accident as a justification to keep drinking and fell further into criminal activity and hanging out with criminals. Selling drugs and making fast money became important to him. He got into trouble with the

Pride 3 3-19-16 7

Courtesy photo

Daniel Palomo, third from right, with his family.

law. Assaults. Disturbing the peace. Possession of marijuana paraphernalia. Stealing credit cards. He calls them alcohol arrests. When he applied for a license to become a counselor, he had a chance to look at them all.

There were 145 separate arrests and he couldn’t remember them all.

“For a license, they wanted to know where my mentality was,” he said. “It was all on my record and I had to account for those.”

Palomo struggled to remember them all. He was always in jail and had a reputation of being an angry person.

“I was always causing problems,” he said. “I can’t really explain it.”

After college, he moved around a lot. He’s lived in Gillette, Wyoming; Los Cruces, New Mexico; Texas, anywhere he could get away from himself.

“It didn’t matter where I went,” he said. “There I was, doing the same things, hanging around with the same people.”

If there were legal charges pending, he’d move. Palomo eventually ended up in San Antonio, Texas. He saw many people like himself there. He got involved with gang members and thought his chances of getting caught by the law was slim to none.

On one occasion, he was asked to deliver a backpack from one organization to another.

“It was a fearful, but exciting experience,” he said. “I wasn’t supposed to open it, but I did. I still was not able to follow the rules.”

They knew he had opened it. There were consequences, but still Palomo continued down a path of destruction.

His life revolved around drinking and using drugs.

“I hurt a lot of people,” he said. “I stole from them.

Cheated. Lied. Was disrespectful. I did anything to have my cocaine or alcohol.”

As a homeless man in San Antonio, he regularly passed out in places he didn’t know.

He’s been stabbed 14 times, had a punctured lung, had his bowels cut in half.

“I should have been dead several times,” he said. “I’m here to pass this message on.”

Sometimes, he didn’t want to wake up. When he did, he thought about how he’d made it again, but he grew tired of the way he felt about himself.

“I knew I was capable of so much more,” he said. “I thought, ‘I have kids out there. I have family and they know nothing about me.’”

Palomo has a tattoo that reads 2-8-08. It’s the day his life changed. It wasn’t a conscious thought. On that day, he had what he describes as a spiritual experience. He had a seizure from a threeweek alcohol binge. During that time, he said he saw his sister and his grandmother, both who had died, and the Virgin Mary. His sister chastised him for using her as an excuse to continue drinking.

“I miss her a lot,” he said.

“In that spiritual awakening, that was the first thing she told me. She said, ‘Daniel, You thought you actually had the power over whether I died or not.’”

When he woke up, he said he knew he wasn’t going to use drugs or drink anymore.

“I never had any intention of quitting,” he said. “I died from being that person and I’m a new person.”

Palomo had been active in addiction from ages 18 to 41.

It had put a wedge between the relationships with his children.

“I chose drugs and alcohol over my family,” he said.

“I was never really a part of their lives. I wish I could take it back, but I can’t.”

Recovery has allowed him to mend the fences with the people he hurt. His children were the first to forgive him.

But like many who suffer from generational addiction, his children, Roman, Joses, Joziah, Nicholas, Irene, Bethany, Allison, Chereice and Joey are also familiar with the devastation addic-

tion can have.

“Without me being there, Nicholas and Bethany are in treatment, Roman has struggle with it,” he said. “But they’re good kids.”

His other children have stayed away from the attraction of drugs and alcohol.

Palomo’s children motivate him to stay clean and sober.

He now works with other people struggling with addiction. He hopes people who come from the kinds of environments he is familiar with know there is a better life if they are willing to make some changes.

“It’s my duty to help others, that’s what I was chosen to do,” he said. “Life has purpose because of that spiritual awakening. I never knew life could be OK.” Even though he grew up in a home that was dysfunctional, Palomo said it wasn’t always bad. There were times when things seemed OK. He learned the meaning of love, honor, respect and loyalty.

“I learned what it’s like to take care of others before

yourself,” he said. “I learned, no matter where you come from, even if the cards are stacked against you, you have to find a way to get through that fear. There is something better waiting for you.”

Today, Daniel Palomo is at peace with himself. His spirituality guides him. His relationships with his family are great. He has a healthy relationship with his father, who is also in recovery.

His position as a substance abuse counselor at Panhandle Mental Health Center provides him the opportunity to help people on a bigger venue.

“When it’s all said and done, they’ve helped me more that I could have done,” he said. “By being around them, it reminds me of the time I was in their shoes.”

He knows 35 people who have died since he became clean and sober.

“That’s how prevalent this is and how real it is,” he said.

“Every day I go to work, they’re on my mind.”

One of his passions is to help the homeless and those who are less fortunate than him. He’s documenting their stories in Scottsbluff. Some have already died. Their legacy is only on film.

“I’m waiting for the weather to calm down a bit to do more video,” he said. “Two of them have moved, but three want to get the message out.”

He has plans to travel to Whiteclay to see the differences and similarities to Scottsbluff.

Palomo said addiction was a roller coaster with a lot of stops and ups and downs.

Eventually, he was on the road to destruction, which was killing him. He learned a different kind of respect in those deep, dark cultures most people don’t want to

know exist.

“I know I shouldn’t be here today,” he said.

Palomo once worked with a 60-year-old man who was already serving life in prison. He found their conversations interesting, but also found wisdom in them.

“He cherished life, but he was never going to have anything like what I have,” Palomo said. “He’s never going to have anything but what he has. To me that’s a person at peace with themselves.”

Palomo finds inspiration at his job from the people he sees every day and the compassionate people in the community. He knows that, while he likes to help people, he needs to take care of himself first.

He was a trash talker when he played basketball. Now, he likes to rap and write poetry. He’s also a crier, especially during sad movies. As a counselor, Palomo says he’s isn’t there to tell people what to do. He wants his clients to tell him what they want to do so they can accomplish those goals together.

“In the process, I hope they get enough education to not come back,” he said.

His mother, Alice, is an inspiration to him. No matter what, she was always there for him.

“As many times as she’s been knocked down, the ability to get back up and the ability to be there for us, she’s my rock,” he said. “It’s amazing how she’s survived all the things she’s been through.”

Today, Palomo finds his greatest success is the ability to be a father.

“I never knew what one was or how to be one,” he said. “I told my children, we were going to learn together.”

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3/18/2016 4:59:18 PM

Pride Page 16

Saturday, March 19, 2016