Devastating House Fire

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — Shortly after 6 am Sunday morning, Panhandle Scanner was notified of a structure fire on County Road H north of Scottsbluff.

The Rest of the Story

From Scottsbluff Rural Fire Protection District

At 4:19 am on April 7, 2024, Scottsbluff Rural Fire Department was dispatched to a fully involved structure fire.

Upon arrival of command, the occupant advised one occupant may still be inside the structure.

Entry was made and it was determined that all occupants did in fact exit the home.

The structure was at approximately 60% involvement upon arrival. Firefighters battled cold temperatures, freezing rain and extreme wind gusts, downed paging systems.

The State Fire Marshall investigated the scene with the cause to be determined. The structure was a total loss with building and contents valued at $300,000. The Firefighter Ministry was called to assist the family.

Mutual aid was requested from Gering Fire Department, Mitchell Fire Department, Scottsbluff City Fire Department and Morrill Fire Department. All units cleared the scene at approximately 11:00am.

Scottsbluff Police Department and Scottsbluff County Sheriff’s Department and Regional West EMS also assisted with this scene.


A gofundme account has been set up for the victims of this morning’s fire. Please read the following statement from the account detailing what occurred.


PLEASE HELP

We know that no amount of money could help the trauma that impacted this family by waking up to a fire. But we would like to help relieve some stress and ask for urgent help.

We are reaching out to you with an urgent plea for help on behalf of a family who has just experienced a heart-wrenching tragedy. This morning, the Timmons of 6, 2 adults 3 teens and a 10 year old boy woke up to a devastating fire, THANK GOD they made it out ALIVE! Unfortunately there’re beloved cat didn’t. The fire engulfed their home quickly, leaving them with nothing but the pajamas they had on.

The Timmons family has lost everything in this tragic event they are in dire need of immediate assistance. They are currently without shelter, clothing, food, and other essential items that we often take for granted. The impact of this fire is immense, and the family is in urgent need of support as they navigate through this incredibly challenging time.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference in the lives of this family.

Your donations will be used to help them secure temporary housing, clothing, food, and other necessities to help them begin the process of rebuilding their lives after this devastating fire.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity and support.

With deepest gratitude, thank you.

GoFundMe

Hiring; DOVES Program

From Scottsbluff Police Department

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — The DOVES Program and the Scottsbluff Police Department are Collaboratating to Establish a Shared Victim Advocate Position.

The DOVES Program, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual, domestic, and dating violence, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Scottsbluff Police Department to create a shared Victim Advocate position. This collaboration aims to enhance victims’ support services and streamline access to critical community resources.

The newly established Victim Advocate position will be embedded within the Scottsbluff Police Department, allowing for seamless coordination between law enforcement and victim advocacy services. This model will foster closer collaboration, improve response times, and ultimately provide comprehensive assistance to individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

This joint initiative combines the expertise and resources of the DOVES Program and the Scottsbluff Police Department to address the immediate needs and long-term well-being of survivors in our community. The Victim Advocate will play a crucial role in empowering victims, ensuring their rights are protected, and offering support throughout their journey to healing and recovery.

“We are excited to join forces with the Scottsbluff Police Department to establish this shared Victims Advocate position,” said Hilary Wasserburger, Executive Director of the DOVES Program. “By working even more closely with law enforcement, we can provide a more holistic and seamless approach to supporting survivors and ensuring their safety.”

Scottsbluff Chief of Police Kevin Spencer expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “The addition of the shared Victim Advocate will significantly enhance our ability to provide comprehensive support to survivors. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with DOVES to ensure victims receive the care, advocacy, and resources they need.”

By pooling their expertise and resources, DOVES and the Scottsbluff Police Department are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of survivors and their families.

About the DOVES Program: The DOVES Program is a leading non-profit organization that provides comprehensive support services to survivors of sexual, domestic, and dating violence in Scotts Bluff County, as well as eight other counties in the Panhandle. DOVES offers crisis intervention, criminal justice advocacy, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and community education to empower survivors and prevent violence.

About the Scottsbluff Police Department: The Scottsbluff Police Department is a respected law enforcement agency committed to ensuring public safety and serving the community of Scottsbluff. The department strives to maintain strong relationships with community partners and implement innovative strategies to address crime and support victims of violence.

Scottsbluff Hail Report

📸 Christine Hall

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — Panhandle Scanner and Panhandle Weather Alerts and Road Conditions teamed up back in 2022 to commit to bringing you the best weather coverage possible.

We noticed James Holmes’ post on the hail received at Western Nebraska Regional Airport in Scottsbluff on Monday, so we dug into the comments.

It was a Gulley washing everywhere in Scottsbluff and we had hail so slushy thick on windshield that it had to be scraped off because wipers couldn’t clean window due to the weight of it. Lots of hail and rain, it was great for the rain in Scottsbluff.

Becky Newell

Sharon Betzold reported an inch and a half at her place on Avenue J in Scottsbluff. Beverly Rodriguez said it hailed in Gering, too.

Puddles 5 North of Morrill Nebraska America, think we had over an inch if lightning tho it was magical, I love storms

Mike Doty

📸 Christine Hall

MISSING – Alexavier Torres-Islas

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) – Alexavier has been reported missing as of March 31, 2024. Please keep a lookout for this young man and contact the police department if you have any information.

The Crispy Biscuit Pet Deli, a Taste of Pawfection

Handcrafted Food…For Your Other Kids

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — Owners, Molly Bonuchi and Jen Pedersen began baking for Molly’s pups Chip & Bo when she found that one of them was allergic to beef. Thus began the quest to make fresh food for the duo. Eventually, they opened The Crispy Biscuit Pet Deli. May 6, 2024 will mark their 2nd year anniversary.

The Crispy Biscuit defines their place as a fun, quirky, pet-friendly deli that takes pride in providing a space where pets take center stage.  Pets are always welcome to shop in-house and choose their favorite pre-packaged or fresh treats to go.  They stock popular bulk treats and offer pet-tested weekly specials.

It’s also the ideal place to celebrate your fur baby’s special days. Birthdays, adoption days, and holidays are all reasons to give your pet just a little more love than normal. Pet birthday boxes are available in the store, and Pet birthday cakes can be pre-ordered.  Looking to have a dog or cat themed party for others in your home.  We can help with that pre-ordered cake as well.

The Crispy Biscuit Voted Small Business Saturday First Quarter Winner

It was a battle to the finish with Country Charm Gifts taking an early lead and Tacos Mexico taking over, but The Crispy Biscuit ran away with the cookie. CONGRATULATIONS to our first quarter winner!

The Crispy Biscuit Pet Deli was selected from nearly 200 nominees since the first of the year. The Crispy Biscuit is our second non-restaurant winner in the past five quarters. By the way, we did confirm that each vote was from a human, not the pets 😉

We feel so honored by this recognition! We appreciate all of our customers and the support we have from the Scottsbluff and the surrounding communities.

Molly & Jen

All their homemade products are crafted to enhance your pet’s lifestyle, meet special dietary needs, and put owners’ minds at ease. Stop in and see them today with your fur family.

Follow them on Facebook or Instagram, check out their website or better yet, visit them in person.

1719 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361

(308) 633-8758

Hiring; Twin City Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc.

(GERING, Neb.) — Twin city roofing and sheet metal is looking for project managers for residential and commercial roofing.

🏠 Looking for a career with a solid foundation? Look no further!

Twin City Roofing and Sheet Metal is hiring skilled professionals to join our team. If you’re passionate about craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and working with a dynamic team, we want to hear from you!

Apply now and help us keep roofs over heads and communities safe. 🛠️👷‍♂️👷‍♀️

Please apply at our office on Country Club Road in Gering.

Highland Road Accident

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — Live video coverage from the scene of the two-car accident Wednesday morning that temporarily closed Highland Road due to downed power lines.

📹 Timothy Mendez

7:54 am UPDATE from the scene

Efforts are in place from NPPD to get power back to local rural individuals of Highland Road.

8:15 am UPDATE from facebook

Daughter of mother driving the van reposted on facebook to update that her mother is doing ok and is getting checked out at RWMC / Possible broken arm.

Drone Restrictions

(GERING, Neb.) — The Scotts Bluff National Monument recently issued a statement echoing that which was published by the National Park Service on drone restrictions.

These drone restrictions are nothing new.

Policy Memorandum 14-05, released by the National Park Service (NPS) director in June 2014, directed each superintendent to use the authority under 36 CFR 1.5 to prohibit the launching, landing, or operation of unmanned aircraft, subject to the certain conditions and exceptions set forth in the memo. This is still in force with a very few exceptions.

This action applies to the launching, landing, and operation of unmanned aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS. Jurisdiction by the NPS ends at the park boundary. The policy memorandum does not modify any requirement imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the use or operation of unmanned aircraft in the National Airspace System.


From Scotts Bluff National Monument

It is illegal to fly a drone in Scotts Bluff National Monument and other National Park Service areas. Drones, or unmanned aircraft, can disturb wildlife and park visitors, and negatively impact natural soundscapes.

However, if you are looking to get a bird’s eye view of Scotts Bluff, South Bluff and the surrounding landscape, commercial flights out of the Western Nebraska Regional Airport often fly right over the bluff.

For more information about drones in national parks, check out: https://www.nps.gov/articles/unmanned-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm

The Scotts Bluff National Monument visitor center and South Bluff as seen from a commercial airline flight over the monument. 📸 NPS/Eric Grunwald


Hiring; Hampton Inn

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — The Hampton Inn and Suites in Scottsbluff is hiring. Stop in and apply TODAY!

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