Mental health discussed after Sandy Hook shooting

 Panhandle Mental Health Clinical Director Pamela Richardson and Youth Services Director Phil Darley were guests on KNEB's News Extra program Wednesday morning. They were on the air to discuss ways to help your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting. And general discussion of reaction to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting from a mental health perspective.

As a parent, you may be struggling with how to talk with your children about a shooting rampage. It is important to remember that children look to their parents to make them feel safe. This is true no matter what age your children are, be they toddlers, adolescents or even young adults.
Consider the following tips for helping your children manage their distress.
Talk with your child. Talking to your children about their worries and concerns is the first step to help them feel safe and begin to cope with the events occurring around them. What you talk about and how you say it does depend on their age, but all children need to be able to know you are there listening to them.

• Find times when they are most likely to talk: such as when riding in the car, before dinner, or at bedtime.
• Start the conversation; let them know you are interested in them and how they are coping with the information they are getting.
• Listen to their thoughts and point of view; don't interrupt — allow them to express their ideas and understanding before you respond.
• Express your own opinions and ideas without putting down theirs; acknowledge that it is okay to disagree.
• Remind them you are there for them to provide safety, comfort and support. Give them a hug.

Keep home a safe place. Children, regardless of age, often find home to be a safe haven when the world around them becomes overwhelming. During times of crisis, it is important to remember that your children may come home seeking the safe feeling they have being there. Help make it a place where your children find the solitude or comfort they need. Plan a night where everyone participates in a favorite family activity.
Watch for signs of stress, fear or anxiety. After a traumatic event, it is typical for children (and adults) to experience a wide range of emotions, including fearfulness, shock, anger, grief and anxiety. Your children's behaviors may change because of their response to the event. They may experience trouble sleeping, difficulty with concentrating on school work or changes in appetite. This is normal for everyone and should begin to disappear in a few months. Encourage your children to put their feelings into words by talking about them or journaling. Some children may find it helpful to express their feelings through art.
Take "news breaks." Your children may want to keep informed by gathering information about the event from the Internet, television or newspapers. It is important to limit the amount of time spent watching the news because constant exposure may actually heighten their anxiety and fears. Also, scheduling some breaks for yourself is important; allow yourself time to engage in activities you enjoy.
Take care of yourself. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your children. Be a model for your children on how to manage traumatic events. Keep regular schedules for activities such as family meals and exercise to help restore a sense of security and normalcy.
These tips and strategies can help you guide your children through the current crisis. If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you may want to consider talking to someone who could help. A licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist can assist you in developing an appropriate strategy for moving forward. It is important to get professional help if you feel like you are unable to function or perform basic activities of daily living.

For more information, call 635-3171.

Tour of Trees at The Village this Friday

Karen Vorse from The Village at Regional West was guest on KNEB's News Extra program Tuesday morning to talk about the 10th annual Tour of Trees at The Village. 

It will be this Friday, December 14th from 2 to 4 p.m. It's inside, in the lobby and throughout the building, including the huge 22' tree in the main lobby.

Holiday sounds to fill Midwest Theater Friday

Rita Stinner, Vocal Music Director at Western Nebraska Community College joins Kevin Mooney on KNEB's News Extra program Monday morning. 

WNCC's free Vocal Music Christmas Show is coming up this Friday, November 30th. The concert, "Carols,

Cookies & Christmas Cheer will take the stage at the Midwest Theater at 7:30 p.m. 

 

Seasonal favorites set the mood for the upcoming holiday festivities and guests may enjoy cookies after the performance.

 

Stinner says while the concert is free and no tickets are required, free-will donations ($5 suggested) will be accepted at the door to benefit the WNCC Taylor Gulley Memorial Scholarship Fund.  

 

The doors open at 6:45 p.m.

 

For local school children only, there is a 9 a.m. matinee performance Friday.  To check availability and reserve seats, teachers and administrators should contact Billy Estes, theater manager, at 308.625.6794.  

Salvation Army Bell Ringing to begin

Jennifer Rogers was guest Tuesday morning on KNEB's News Extra program.

Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska (CAPWN) has teamed up with The Salvation Army again this year for the annual Salvation Army Bell Ringing Campaign which will kick-off on Thanksgiving and ring through Christmas.

“This is the 121^st year for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing Campaign,” CAPWN Community Bridges Director Jennifer Rogers said. “It will be the 13^th year in the Scottsbluff/Gering area.”
The bells will ring at Wal-Mart, Kmart, Safeway, in Scottsbluff and at Fresh Foods in Gering.

“We are focusing mostly on ringing Friday and Saturday’s at all four locations,” Rogers add. “However, the bells will also ring at other times depending on how many bell ringing volunteers we get this year.”
The bells will start ringing at Wal-Mart Thanksgiving evening from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Last year the campaign brought in $27,104.89.

“I think we can raise over $30,000 this year,” Bell Ringing Coordinator John Randall said.
Ninety percent of all the money raised will stay in the area to help people in need
“This is a great example of our community coming together,” Rogers said.

If anyone or a group would like to volunteer to ring the bells they are encouraged to call Jennifer Rogers or CAPWN Community Bridges Assistant Director Carmen Trevino at 308-635-3089.
“If you ring one time you will be hooked,” Randall, who has rung for the last 12 years, added.
Whether you ring or not “we encourage you to give,” Rogers said.

Gering ready to kick-off "125th Vintage Christmas"

RaNae Garton was guest on KNEB's News Extra program Monday morning to promote the Gering Merchant’s “125th Vintage Christmas.” 

A holiday parade will kick-off holiday events in downtown Gering on Friday, Nov. 23rd at 6 p.m., followed by the opening of Santa’s Village in the Civic Center parking lot at 6:30 pm. Gering Merchants will serve hot chocolate and cookies and everyone is invited to come see Santa, take pictures, tour the village and see the holiday lights. 

Santa’s Village will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday in December. Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and receive a goodie bag. On Dec. 1, a Pony Express rider will be picking up letters to deliver to the North Pole. Real reindeer will also be on site Dec. 1. The Gering Kiwanis Club will host the Dec. 8 Santa’s Village. City of Gering employees will be welcoming guests on Dec. 15 and the Gering Fire Department will be spreading Christmas cheer at the village on Dec. 22. 

For more information, contact Cozad at 436-7312 or RaNae Garton, Gering Merchants Santa’s Village Chairman, at 641-2842.

Tree decorating fun to begin at North Platte Valley Museum

Katie Bradshaw from the North Platte Valley Museum was guest on KNEB's News Extra program Thursday morning.

Katie was here to remind those wishing to participate in the Christmas tree decorating contest that setup time will run from November 17th through the 30th with the contest running from December 1-21. 

 

It is a great opportunity for organizations to showcase themselves to hundreds of museum visitors. Businesses are encouraged to sponsor trees on behalf of charitable organizations. 

Also, participants in the North Platte Valley Museum's Puzzles of the Past project will continue reminiscing about businesses on Gering's main street at a November 9th meeting.

Haig 4-H Club to hold 5th annual Dodgeball Tournament

Isabelle Wolf, Amanda Kaufman and Jayc Shaul from the Haig 4-H club were guests on KNEB's News Extra program Tuesday morning to promote the 5th annual Haig 4-H Club Dodgeball Tournament. 

It will be held on November 18th at the Mitchell Event Center. Tournament begins at 1 p.m. Entry forms are due by November 14th, and admission will be free. 

Concessions will be available, and 4-H members will have a jar at the concession stand area for the public to donate to the Red Cross to aid victims of hurricane Sandy on the east coast. 

Entry forms available at First State Bank - Scottsbluff and Gering, 21st Century Water Technology - Gering, and Platte Valley Bank - Scottsbluff.

For information, talk to any Haig 4-H member, or contact Tory Schwartz at 641-1492 or tandjschwartz@charter.net.

Lake Minatare to hold Soup Supper

Lake Minatare students Parker Yost and Tristen Brannan were guests on News Extra Thursday morning to promote the school's upcoming Soup Supper. 

It will be held at the Lake Minatare School Gym on Saturday, November 3rd from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be a choice of chili or chicken noodle soup, cinnamon bread, relishes, dessert & drink. There will also be a silent auction. 

The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children 4 to 11 and free for kids 3 and under. Tickets will be sold at the door. 

To get to the school, go east on Highland Road, turn left on County Road 28. Then turn right on County Road K and follow to the school.

"Poof" presented by L.U.N.A. Theatre Company and DOVES

Jon-Lee Campbell was Wednesday morning's guest on News Extra, here to promote "Poof!"

L.U.N.A. Theatre Company and the DOVES Program are pleased to present the play “POOF!” this October in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “POOF!” is the remarkable story of two women’s friendship and the strength it took for one of them to break free of an abusive relationship.

“I chose DOVES as the benefactor of L.U.N.A.'s first production because domestic violence is an issue very close to my heart.  I fell in love with "POOF!" when I read it in college, and I think it will work as an awesome ice-breaker for a very sensitive subject,” said Jon-Lee Campbell, Founder and Director of L.U.N.A. (Love, Understanding, Nurturing and Awareness).   L.U.N.A. is  a non-profit organization dedicated to raising donations and awareness for needy causes, and pushing the envelope.

“The DOVES Program is excited to partner with L.U.N.A in their upcoming production. Domestic violence has long been a topic that isn’t discussed in polite society. DOVES seeks to encourage our community to step up and speak out against domestic violence,” said Lisa Peden, Prevention and Awareness Coordinator for the DOVES Program.

L.U.N.A is offering 6 performances at Peleni’s Jazz & Comedy Club in Scottsbluff:

·         October 19 at 7:00pm

·         October 20 at 7:00pm

·         October 21 at 2:00pm

·         October 26 at 7:00pm

·         October 27 at 7:00pm

·         October 28 at 2:00pm

Doors open 1 hour before show time.  Tickets: $9 or $6 for seniors 60+ and veterans. DOVES will receive 60% of the proceeds to help raise awareness about domestic violence.  **Due to the adult nature of the presentation, suggested audience age is 16 and above. **

Step up and speak out! It’s easier than you think, and your support does make a difference.  Offering support can be as simple as listening to and encouraging someone who is experiencing abuse, talking to a young person about healthy relationships, volunteering your time & skills, posting awareness materials in public places or contributing money, food, or household items to your local domestic violence shelter.

To learn how you can help victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking in your community, please contact the DOVES Program at 866-95-DOVES (36837) or visit our website at www.DOVESProgram.com.

Unique Wine & Culinary Event planned

                
              “A Wine and Bean Pairing? What’s that?” you ask.

        “It’s a wonderful way to demonstrate that western Nebraska’s dry edible beans are a healthy and delicious food choice, with wine or any beverage,” said Marcia Bauer, RD, CDE, LMNT, a dietitian with Regional West Physicians Clinic in Scottsbluff, Neb. “In addition, it’s a fun way to raise money for Life Change Connection, a new diabetes foundation organized by Neal Blomenkamp, owner of the local Runza Restaurants.”

        “Research shows that beans offer great nutritional benefits for diabetes patients. Our goal is to let people taste and see for themselves what a delicious addition bean dishes are to a meal,” said Bauer.

        The unique culinary event will be held Friday, November 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., at The Powerhouse, 1721 Broadway, Scottsbluff, Neb.

        Bauer, a certified diabetes educator, organized the event to promote the health benefits of adding bean dishes to diabetic diets and named it “Diminishing Diabetes Deliciously.”

        The wine and bean pairing will explore the numerous options for cooking and entertaining with beans and legumes. It will feature various bean recipes paired with wines chosen by Sam and Robin Sebastiani.

        The major sponsor of the “Diminishing Diabetes Deliciously” is Kelley Bean Co., the nation’s largest originator of dry edible beans. Additional sponsors are Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic, with support from Tablet Creative Group.

        Tickets for “Diminishing Diabetes Deliciously” are $75 per person. Proceeds from wine and bean pairing will benefit the Diabetes Foundation, Life Change Connection.

        Tickets are on sale now at Kelley Bean Co., 2407 Circle Drive; Runza Restaurants in Scottsbluff and Gering; Racks Wine & Spirit; and Kelley’s Liquor Cabinet, both in Scottsbluff.

        For more information, call Bryce Kelley at 308.635.6438 or email: marcia.bauer@rwmc.net. Please type “Solutions” in the subject line of your email.

Regional West Health Services is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.

Wagon Wheel Sam's "Christmas in October" this weekend

Char Schaneman and Jim Vance were guests on News Extra Wednesday morning.  They were here to remind folks about the Wagon Wheel Sam's "Christmas in October" at Robidoux RV Park. 

This Friday and Saturday evening, the RV rigs will be decorated for Christmas as they collect drive-thru donations of toys and non-perishable food.

Evereyone is invited to come enjoy apple cider, hot chocolate, coffee and tea, cookies, bars and muffins. 

The group, now comprised of 23 members and rigs, help several charities, including Special Olympics, Dogs for Deaf, Ronald McDonald House, and Buckboard Therapy.

Breast Cancer Center announces "Sisters" campaign

Lana Zulkoski from the Breast Cancer Center and Dr. Steven Johnson join Kevin Mooney on KNEB's News Extra program Monday morning to talk about the "Sister" campaign in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

They will be offering a "Walk-in Wednesday" event on October 2th from 4 to 7 p.m. Allowing patients to make spur of the moment convenience to have their mammogram without the complication of an appointment.

For information, call the Breast Cancer Center at 630-2700.

NSP 75th Anniversary Open House to be held Saturday

Trooper Chuck Elly and Lt. Jamie Balthazor from the Nebraska State Patrol join Kevin Mooney on KNEB's News Extra program Thursday morning. 

They were on the show to promote and talk about the Patrol's 75th Anniversary celebration, and the Open House. 

The event for Troop E Headquarters in Scottsbluff will this Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.  

The public is invited to attend the open house, which will feature vehicle and safety displays as well as an opportunity to tour the Troop "E" Area Headquarters and visit with NSP personnel.




http://youtu.be/G2U7t4j_uz0

Early Childhood Conference takes place this weekend

UNL Extention Educator Jackie Guzman and Dr. Tonia Durden, Assistant Professor and Early Childhood Specialist within the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln were guest on Friday morning's News Extra program Friday morning.

They were on to talk about the 24th annual Western Nebraska Early Childhood Conference, which starts with a free presentation for families this evening (Friday) from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lied Scottsbluff Public Library.  And then tomorrow (Saturday), the conference continues from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Gering Civic Center.

Golden Halo Foundation's "Casino Night" coming Saturday

Deb Post and Tammy Hoffman join Kevin Mooney on KNEB's News Extra program Wednesday morning to promote the Golden Halo Foundation's annual "Casino Night" fundraiser.

It will be held this Saturday, October 6th at the Scottsbluff Elks Lodge from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.   An evening of fun Vegas style gaming. 

There will be prize drawings at the end of the evening for Vegas and Deadwood packages.  For information, contact Tammy Hoffman at 641-7201.  

Tickets are $50 each or two for $80 and can be purchased at all Valley Bank locations.

NESTFest 2012 this Saturday at Frank Park.

1st National Bank's Laurie Morgheim and Jeri Goodman join Kevin Mooney on KNEB's News Extra program Tuesday morning to promote "NESTFest", in conjunction with Nebraska's 529 College Savings Plans. 

It will be held this Saturday, October 6th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frank Park in Scottsbluff. 

There will be carnival games, free food & drinks, an obstacle course, free children's t-shirts, a petting zoo, children's songs and stories with Beth Epley, clowns, balloon animals, a magician and much more!  Miss Nebraska, Mariah Cook will also be there for pictures and autographs.

And, you can talk with professionals from Nebraska's 529 College Savings Plans about simple ways to save for your child's future.

While you're there, be sure to ask about their NESTFest New Account Bonus!



Bring the entire family for this FREE event!

Regional West Foundation Gala promoted on News Extra

Andrea Margheim and Julie Schaff were guests on KNEB's News Extra program Thursday morning. 

They were in to talk about the Regional West Foundation's Second Annual Gala, which will be held on Friday, October 12th at 6 p.m. for cocktails and a 7:30 p.m. dinner. 

The Gala will be held at the Gering Civic Center, and tickets are $75 per person, or $1,250 VIP table. For tickets, call (308)-630-1485.

Fire prevention subject on News Extra program

Fire Prevention Officer Becky Zitterkopf and Assistant Fire Chief Paul Reisig from the Scottsbluff Rural Fire Department join Kevin Mooney on KNEB's News Extra program Wednesday morning. 

As we move into the fall season, they were in to remind folks of some basic fire prevention tips, for both on and around the farm and in and around the house.

Gering Merchants Tailgate Party to be held this Saturday

RaNae Garton was Thursday morning's guest on KNEB's News Extra program.  She was here to promote the 2nd Annual Gering Merchants "Tailgate Event" at the Gering Civic Center parking lot this Saturday, September 22nd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Gering Merchants invite area residents and visitors to attend!  They will be tailgating the Nebraska vs. Idaho State Game.  Tailgate events will be held in the east parking lot at the Civic Center and will feature music, burgers and brats on the big grill, games, contests, hay rack rides and a Big Ten Raffle!  

Best decorated tailgate contest with prizes, best dressed Husker fan contest with prizes, Burgers and Brats by the Meat Shoppe served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a bean bag toss tournament, ladder toss with prizes, and much more.  The Husker game will be broadcast from KNEB on the radio.

This event is a fundraiser for Gering's Christmas Light Display.  It is a non-alcoholic family event featuring five hours of food, fun, games and football tailgate activities!

For more information, contact Gering Merchants Chair Tom Cozad at 308.436.7312.