RaShelle “Ro” Myra, originally from Kimball, Nebraska, has embraced a career in music after years of pursuing more traditional educational and career paths. She studied piano performance at the University of Nebraska and participated in Teach for America. Myra is preparing to release her self-produced album 'Nowhere, Nebraska,' which reflects on her small-town upbringing. The album features contributions from Joshua Grange and Darren Garvey. Myra has also composed for TV and film and won a songwriting contest that led her to Nashville. She aims to create music that heals and helps others, as evidenced by the emotional reactions from her audience.

The concert by 'Billy and The Downliners' scheduled for Sept. 10 at the Midwest Skyview Drive-in has been postponed due to chilly temperatures. Theater director Billy Estes expressed regret over the postponement but emphasized the safety and comfort of fans. A new date is expected to be announced soon for the show to take place inside the historic Midwest Theater. Ticket holders will be notified of the new date and their tickets will remain valid.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Out of the Darkness community walks are scheduled in Alliance and Scottsbluff on September 12, and in Sidney on September 20. The events aim to raise awareness about suicide effects and provide resources for families. Carisa Crawford, the organizer, emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health, especially given the isolation experienced during 2020. Last year's Scottsbluff event was the largest on record, and this year's goal is to double participation. Pre-registration is available at afsp.donordrive.com, and a 50/50 raffle will be held to raise funds. Safety measures like hand sanitizer, PPE, and water will be provided, and live music is planned. For those seeking help, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline and a crisis text line are available.

The Goshen County Library in Torrington has launched a StoryWalk project, offering a unique reading experience where stories are displayed along a walking path. The initiative, which features bilingual books and changes every three weeks, aims to engage the community and provide access to Spanish literature. The project is a collaboration between the library, its foundation, and the City of Torrington. Library Director Cristine Braddy and children's librarian Anita Sanchez lead the reading sessions, and the library plans to resume regular storytime events in September with registration required. The library also offers virtual programming and is preparing to open a renovated children's room and start new clubs for young adults and elementary students.

The Panhandle Public Health Department has updated its COVID-19 dashboard to include additional data such as hospitalizations by exposure type, gender, age group, and breakdowns by race and ethnicity. Deputy director Tabi Prochazka expressed enthusiasm for the update. New cases and recoveries were announced, with a focus on community spread. Assistant director Jessica Davies clarified the CDC's updated quarantine recommendations, stating that those recovered from COVID-19 are immune for about three months. The Panhandle Area Development District is offering business recovery opportunities, and healthcare providers were reminded of the Federal CARES program application deadline.

The Midwest Skyview Drive-in will feature 'Sonic the Hedgehog' on Friday, 'The Breakfast Club' on Saturday, and 'Black Panther' on Sunday. The films are part of a weekend lineup, with gates opening at 7:30 p.m. and films starting around 8:40 p.m. Admission fees vary for Midwest Theater members and non-members, with concessions available for purchase. Kamie Stephen, a reporter with the Star-Herald, provides the details.

Participants of the 4H Horse Program competed in the Scotts Bluff County Fair Horse Show, emphasizing the importance of building bonds with their horses. Emmie Dedic won multiple events, crediting her success to the strong relationship with her horse. Sisters Jessica and Justine Wilkinson also shared their experiences, with Jessica favoring Western Pleasure and Justine preferring Ranch Pleasure. Both sisters and Dedic expressed the value of their time in 4-H and the positive impact it has had on their lives.

The Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering is hosting an exhibit to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote. The display was researched by Linda Redfern and Barb Netherland, among others, and features a timeline of the suffrage movement. It highlights the efforts of suffragettes and the support from some men, while also acknowledging the additional struggles women of color faced due to Jim Crow laws. The exhibit is open with social distancing protocols and aims to remind visitors of the importance of voting.

The Midwest Skyview Drive-in Theater is presenting a lineup of family-friendly movies including 'Minions' and 'Despicable Me' as part of the Summer Movie Magic series by Viaero. The movies are rated PG and will be screened on consecutive nights, with 'Minions' showing first. The weekend lineup includes 'Inside Out', 'Forrest Gump', and 'I Still Believe', with varying ratings. Admission is free for the series, with weekend movies at a discounted rate for Midwest Theater members. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., and concessions are available for carside delivery. The reporter, Kamie Stephen, can be contacted for more information.

On July 6, the community remembered Chance Englebert, a 25-year-old man from Moorcroft, Wyoming, who went missing in 2019. Monica Ream led a walk and prayer vigil along Englebert's last known path in Gering, Nebraska. The event aimed to show support for Englebert's family and keep his memory alive in the community. Despite limited attendance, the participants expressed deep care for Englebert, with some feeling a personal connection. The Gering Police Department has not reported any new leads in the case.

The Panhandle Public Health District reported 19 new COVID-19 cases and 15 recoveries over the weekend. Health Director Paulette Schnell detailed the distribution of cases across counties, with investigations ongoing for several individuals. Concerns were raised about the rise in community spread cases. The Camp Clarke Stampede Rodeo is proceeding with safety measures. The Community Cares Program was highlighted, offering three types of grants to organizations affected by the pandemic. Precautions and quarantine guidelines were reiterated, with a reminder to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Paul Daily, founder of Wild Horse Ministries, uses horsemanship as a metaphor for faith during his presentations, demonstrating the process of gaining a horse's trust as akin to letting God take control in one's life. During an event at Legacy of the Plains in Gering, Daily worked with a resistant mare, eventually riding her as a visual representation of his message. Pastor Doug Keener of Gering Zion Church praised the non-traditional approach to sharing the Christian message, noting its cultural resonance in western Nebraska and the positive response from the audience, with several individuals moved to accept the gift of salvation.

Scottsbluff High School's production of 'West Side Story' was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the sets unused and the cast and crew, including 37 seniors, unable to perform. Despite rehearsals that began in January and a nearly complete set, the decision to cancel was made as the pandemic continued. Students like Katherine Reisig and Anna Harveson shared their disappointment and memories of the preparation process. Vocal instructor Brad Ronne expressed his heartbreak over the cancellation, noting the musical's significance to the students. Refunds for tickets are being processed, and any unrefunded money will support the musical program's expenses.