https://www.matthewwalshphoto.com/multimedia daily 1.0 2022-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1589754765518-JGDI6POBTY39CVXZXGIZ/image-asset.png Multimedia Porfolio - Feedlot Feels Impact of COVID-19 WISNER, NE - Nearly all aspects of the Nebraska economy have been impacted by the novel coronavirus and the agriculture sector is no different. Herb Albers Feedlots, north of Wisner, is dealing with COVID-19 like many other farmers and ranchers in the region. Todd Schroeder works at the feedlots and says day-to-day operations are mostly normal, but says the problems begin on the other side of the production chain. Small changes have been made to daily operations like providing on-site lunches and a greater emphasis on disinfecting equipment. He says even if people start to get sick with COVID-19 at the feedlots, work needs to continue. “We have to get the cattle fed every day. So if you have less people, maybe there are some details that may or may not get done. Maybe you don’t get to clean pens as often or something like that. But the core business of it, the animal care the animal husbandry, and the feeding of the animals...that’s going to happen no matter what.” Schroeder says. Herb Albers Feedlot sits on around 200 acres and feeds on average around 19,000 head of cattle. But Schroeder says recently, there have been little to no feeder cattle coming in. Schroeder also says with the packing house industry slowing down, they have had a hard time getting cattle sold. “Normally this time of year, we would be coming out of the yearling market and getting ready to sell our calf feds and this year, we are still selling cattle that were supposed to be gone in March.” If COVID-19 disrupts the market into the summer, Schroeder says it will impact the price of calves this fall and further hamper local economies. “If the rancher doesn’t make any money he’s not going to go spend as much money in town. If we don’t make as much money, we aren’t able to maybe give the bonuses or do the things we would like to do in the operation. You just naturally slow down." Schroeder has confidence in the midwest food supply chain but thinks it’s under stress. He says all sides of food production need to work together to get through these tough times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1589754765518-JGDI6POBTY39CVXZXGIZ/image-asset.png Multimedia Porfolio - Feedlot Feels Impact of COVID-19 WISNER, NE - Nearly all aspects of the Nebraska economy have been impacted by the novel coronavirus and the agriculture sector is no different. Herb Albers Feedlots, north of Wisner, is dealing with COVID-19 like many other farmers and ranchers in the region. Todd Schroeder works at the feedlots and says day-to-day operations are mostly normal, but says the problems begin on the other side of the production chain. Small changes have been made to daily operations like providing on-site lunches and a greater emphasis on disinfecting equipment. He says even if people start to get sick with COVID-19 at the feedlots, work needs to continue. “We have to get the cattle fed every day. So if you have less people, maybe there are some details that may or may not get done. Maybe you don’t get to clean pens as often or something like that. But the core business of it, the animal care the animal husbandry, and the feeding of the animals...that’s going to happen no matter what.” Schroeder says. Herb Albers Feedlot sits on around 200 acres and feeds on average around 19,000 head of cattle. But Schroeder says recently, there have been little to no feeder cattle coming in. Schroeder also says with the packing house industry slowing down, they have had a hard time getting cattle sold. “Normally this time of year, we would be coming out of the yearling market and getting ready to sell our calf feds and this year, we are still selling cattle that were supposed to be gone in March.” If COVID-19 disrupts the market into the summer, Schroeder says it will impact the price of calves this fall and further hamper local economies. “If the rancher doesn’t make any money he’s not going to go spend as much money in town. If we don’t make as much money, we aren’t able to maybe give the bonuses or do the things we would like to do in the operation. You just naturally slow down." Schroeder has confidence in the midwest food supply chain but thinks it’s under stress. He says all sides of food production need to work together to get through these tough times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1589754919044-TMFZYR53B4T2I6TOP53R/image-asset.png Multimedia Porfolio - Michael Foods Hands Out Food to Families in Need CROFTON, NE - A nationwide egg producer is giving back to those hit hardest by the novel coronavirus. Michael Foods was in Crofton on Thursday to hand out free boxes of food to individuals and families who are in need of a meal. Dozens of cars lined up at the Crofton High School from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to get a box. Angie Kilcoin says they’ve run out of boxes in almost every community they have been to. “It’s a good thing because that means we’re getting to a lot of people, but unfortunately it’s sad because I know that there are more people that need food, that unfortunately we just don’t have the supplies to be able to give to them at the moment,” Kilcoin says. The 40-pound boxes contain liquid eggs, hard-cooked eggs, diced potatoes, shredded potatoes, mashed potatoes, and even recipes for cooking ideas. In around an hour, representatives from Michael Foods handed out the allotted 200 boxes to area residents. She says the community of Crofton has been supportive of the event. “It’s been great to be able to talk to the people and set stuff up in the town. Everyone’s great, everyone’s been willing to volunteer. You know all of our employees, we all volunteered to do this.” Kilcoin says. Thursday is the last day Michael Foods is handing out food boxes in 11 towns across northeast Nebraska. The last stop was in Wausa at the city auditorium starting at 4 p.m. Kilcoin says the company and the volunteers were happy to give back to the community. “It’s our way of giving back. We’re just local people just like these people that are coming to get the food. We work here, we live here, we’re all in the area. It’s our way of saying, hey, we’re normal people like you. We want to give back, do something good and help people out in this pandemic. We know everybody is effected with this whole thing.” Kilcoin says. Kilcoin says if they get the approval, Michael Foods will continue these events as long as people need them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1579639302947-30NJGSR0IVFNQ9097KIW/image-asset.png Multimedia Porfolio - Black Hawk Demonstration Held in Norfolk NORFOLK, NE - Northeast Nebraska first responders got a chance to learn more about something they don’t normally see. With help from the Nebraska Army National Guard, A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was sent to the Norfolk Regional Airport on Thursday to help local fire and rescue crews, as well as emergency managers, learn about the capabilities and the process of using air support. Area fire and rescue crews spent several hours learning from the helicopter crew. One crew member is also a former reserve Norfolk Firefighter. Norfolk Fire Chief Scott Cordes says having the helicopter and crew stop in Norfolk was helpful to learn from. “The Black Hawk, this particular helicopter, was instrumental in saving lives during the flooding last year and we want to be able to understand what it’s going to take to call them, what the time-frame will be for them to respond and what their capabilities are once they get here.“ Cordes says. Chief Warrant Officer Nathan Dooley, a former reserve Norfolk Firefighter and a member of the flight crew, says air support is useful in many situations, including natural disasters like the 2019 March flooding that hit a majority of the state. “It gives them the ability to know what our abilities are. So if another flood happens and they can’t get to somebody. They know we are an asset that they can call“ Dooley says. In addition to learning from the helicopter crew, communication protocols were also discussed in case of a real emergency. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1581970648482-W1UAN54DWC5YMU3WF68F/image-asset.png Multimedia Porfolio - Public Gathers For Keystone XL Pipeline Update O’NEILL, NE - Plans to construct the Keystone XL pipeline continues even as executives say they aren’t ready to commit. A road haul agreement between Holt County and TC Energy, formerly known as TransCanada was discussed on Friday at a Holt County Board of Supervisors meeting. Area residents and landowners attended including, Diana Steskal who owns land near Stuart and says her main concerns about the pipeline are the use of eminent domain and environmental issues. First proposed in 2008, the eight-billion dollar pipeline is designed to carry crude oil through Nebraska, South Dakota, and Montana on its way to oil refineries on the gulf coast. Steskal and others regularly attend these meetings to keep informed on the project. “Someone in our group, either a landowner or a concerned citizen, will come and just attend all the meetings just to protect our rights,” Steskal says. This comes as Reuters reports that TC Energy Executives say they aren’t ready to fully commit to the project. TC Chief Financial Officer Don Marchand is quoted as saying, “If we can get the comfort that the risk-reward proposition is attractive to us, we will proceed. If we can’t line all that up, the project will stay where it is.” In a statement to News Channel Nebraska, TC Energy spokeswoman Robynn Tysver says they haven’t changed in their commitment. “We remain committed to the project. That has not changed. What we outlined yesterday [Feb. 13] in our Q4 earnings call is that we are still working to resolve the litigation in Montana while also acquiring a permit from the Army Corp of Engineers. This is and remains an important project that would bring benefits to all of North America.” During the meeting in O'Neill on Friday, TC Energy spokesman Robert Latimer says that the company will pay for road improvements, repairs and even partially fund the repair of the Stuart-Naper Bridge that connects Boyd and Holt Counties, which would be a main construction route for the pipeline project. “If it works for us, we want it to work for you guys too, especially when it comes to that bridge,” Latimer says. The upcoming public hearing on the Keystone XL Pipeline is slated for February 28th at the Holt County Courthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1561235157332-LZ7RMCKV23G2TSNQMKOH/Screen+Shot+2019-06-22+at+3.25.31+PM.png Multimedia Porfolio - The Search Continues For Flood Victim Kenny Angel SPENCER, NE - The search for a missing Boyd County man continues weeks and even months after record March flooding devastated the much of the state. 71-year-old Kenny Angel is believed to have been swept away by floodwaters after the nearby Spencer Dam broke, releasing water into his bar, campground, and home. Neither Angel or his vehicle have been found nearly four months after the floods. Boyd County Sheriff Chuck Wrede along with the community of Spencer say they won’t give up until he is found. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1567279221914-ZUJA0D455D6JBJWNVF1U/Screen+Shot+2019-08-31+at+2.19.44+PM.png Multimedia Porfolio - Preparing For The Worst WAKEFIELD, NE - Students and staff at Wakefield Public Schools are preparing for the worst with an annual school-wide active shooter drill. Law enforcement from across Northeast Nebraska gathered in the town before the drill to organize and run down the days event. Dakota, Dixon, Wayne County Sheriff’s Departments, The Nebraska State Patrol, and the Emerson Police Department all contributed to the planning and execution of the drill. Nic Kemnitz from Wayne County Emergency Management says they have been holding realistic drills like these at Wakefield Public Schools for years. “We’ve been helping coordinate with the school for the last few years and we’ve been leading up to this event. The coordination involved a lot of local agencies as well as some state resources.” Kemnitz says. Kemnitz says every year, Wakefield Public Schools hold a drill to simulate what it might be like if an active shooter situation does take place. “The life-like helps the students to understand if an event that would occur and it also helps the officers prepare for the stressful situations that could arise from it. Superintendent Mark Bejot says the idea of firing blanks during the drills came up at staff meetings as a way to simulate the sound of realistic gunfire. “It’s important that you practice and people know what a gunshot sounds like. That was kind of those ‘aha’ moments in our early drills. I think at first it was very scary, but as we’ve done it, it adds a component of realism to the process.” Bejot says. Law enforcement cleared around 45 rooms of the school and all K-12 students were evacuated from the building, just like as planned from years before. After arriving to several designated pick-up zones, students were occupied with cards, board games and the company of fellow classmates while teachers counted to make sure they didn’t leave anyone behind. “Right now they seems to be having a lot of fun, at least the elementary. They were busy playing games and having lunch when left over there. It’s kind of a different experience, but you know what, It what we want them to understand.” After arriving to the designated pick-up zones, the group of close to 500 students had the rest of the day off from school. Several hours after the drill ended, school officials and law enforcement debriefed and talked about what went right and what could use improving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1553976188440-IF3BABRHAJZE4OL5O77N/Screen+Shot+2019-03-30+at+3.02.37+PM.png Multimedia Porfolio - Pierce Fire Cadets PIERCE, NE - Volunteer fire departments are an important part of any rural community. A group of young men and women in Pierce, Nebraska are proving they have what it takes to protect their community, by learning the tools and techniques needed to respond to any type of emergency. Like many smaller communities in the area, Pierce created a high school cadet training program which allows students between the ages of 16 and 18 to train and become a member of the department. In the next few months, these cadets will be trained on how to operate all equipment, trucks, and rescue techniques that full-time firefighters at the station are trained to do. Chief of the Pierce Fire Department Steve Dolesh says the program is about more than teaching the kids rescue skills. It’s about growing as a person. “One thing we tell the kids right away is that when you become a member of the fire department you’re basically held to a higher standard and I think that gives the kids an incentive to ‘hey I’m going to do good in school, I’m going to make sure that when I’m out in the public that I’m doing what I should be doing and not what I shouldn’t be doing.” Whatever the program is teaching the kids, Dolesh says, the family of each cadet member is fully involved in the process. He says things like school and family come first, before the fire department. Cadets need to keep strict grade guidelines in order to be in the program. “We get the parents involved, let them know what we’re doing every step of the way, so they’re very up to date on our process and what’s happening. We met with the parents prior to the kids becoming a member of the cadet program, so they’re very aware of the process.” There are rules about what the cadets can and can’t do if they are called to an actual emergency. For one, they can’t leave school to go on a call, and two, they can’t enter a building on fire, only help from the outside. Dolesh says the department will keep the cadets and train them until they turn 18 when they will have the chance to become a full-time member. Additional video provided by Aaron Beckman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1553976780314-KOHLQU6HWJ1P65K7Y80H/Screen+Shot+2019-03-30+at+3.10.26+PM.png Multimedia Porfolio - Norfolk Opens Shelters For Flood Victims NORFOLK, NE - After the flooding that plagued most of Northeastern Nebraska moved into Norfolk, City officials declared an evacuation zone for around half of the city, causing hundreds to seek shelter from the rising water. Three of them were Norfolk Catholic School, Lutheran High Northeast, Bel Air Elementary each taking in people from inside the town and the surrounding counties. Dr. Don Ridder, Principal of Norfolk Catholic School went into action as soon as he heard the news. "I got a call this morning about a quarter to seven and said hey can we use your place and I said you bet. Fifteen minutes later we had our doors open, I made a bunch of calls, got notes out to people, and pretty soon people were just flocking in, helping out." Ridder says. Ridder says he is happy to help those in need in this difficult time. "There's like four different shelters in town and we're one of the four. I think it's a great opportunity for us to open our doors and allow people who lose everything; the water in the basement into their house and they have to quickly evacuate." Volunteer Coordinator Craig Risor spent the day organizing and transporting supplies to these shelters and says that he has seen neighbors helping neighbors. "I just want to thank the community for everything that we've done. We've had more volunteers than what we need and I mean people are willing to do anything to help out." Although it's unclear exactly when people affected by the flooding will get to return to their homes; one thing is certain, they will have the whole community for support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1561233779144-DHMP0ZBJ96ETLLPR2F4V/Screen+Shot+2019-06-22+at+3.01.00+PM.png Multimedia Porfolio - Police Release Names Of Shooting Victims NORFOLK, NE - Police have identified the victims in what authorities are calling a murder-suicide at an apartment complex on Country Club Road in north Norfolk. The call was made around 10:10 a.m. for reports that 23-year-old Oriana Arcos was being held against her will by her boyfriend, 23-year-old Marquise Edwards. Both are residents of Norfolk. Police arrived at the apartment to check on the safety of Arcos when authorities heard two gunshots coming from a locked bedroom door. Norfolk Police also learned that Arcos was pregnant at the time of her death. Norfolk Police Captain Don Miller said the situation is tragic for everyone involved. “Its a very unfortunate, tragic situation, and of course both families are suffering the loss of their family member,” Miller said. Arcos was pronounced dead at the scene and Edwards was transported to Faith Regional in Norfolk where he later died of his injuries. Authorities said that there is no ongoing threat to the public. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1549749880468-0U5A7NJQD83TTILC3OWT/Screen+Shot+2019-02-08+at+10.11.10+PM.png Multimedia Porfolio - A Night To Shine COLUMBUS, NE - A national event for special needs individuals made its debut in Columbus. Night To Shine, a prom night experience for those with specials needs, was held at the 1C Church Sanctuary Friday night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1606857905439-280F6UDGRZQSRWKLXU41/image-asset.png Multimedia Porfolio - Training With An Olympian NORFOLK - It’s not every day that you meet an Olympian, not to mention train with one. But that’s exactly what dozens of boys and girls from Northeast Nebraska had the chance to do Wednesday night. U.S. Olympian Wrestler Ken Chertow came to the Norfolk YMCA as part of his nationwide clinic, which teaches kids of all ages wrestling skills. The kids were from ten different communities including Norfolk, Battle Creek, and Columbus. Even coaches from area high schools came to check out the event. Chertow says his classes teach something they normally wouldn’t experience. “I expect to get these kids to kick off the wrestling season. Wrestling season starts in a couple of weeks, get the rust off, teach them advanced techniques they wouldn’t see locally, and get them inspired in getting ready for the season.” Chertow says. His career began while studying and training at Penn State. He was a three-time NCAA All-American, Pan-American Champion, and participated in the 1988 Summer Olympics in South Korea. “I made the Olympics while I was in college. I got to represent our country. It was a very exciting opportunity and something I can cherish forever.” Chertow started coaching youth wrestling camps when he graduated from Penn State. He returned in 1992 and joined the Nittany Lion coaching staff. Two years later, Chertow left college coaching to develop his Gold Medal Camp system. He says wrestling is more than just a solitary sport. “You learn so much about discipline and work ethic and being better and improving in this individual Olympic sport. It’s just a great opportunity for kids to improve themselves mentally and physically.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1567275514256-AOOIRGTS0USQ7TH6BIJG/Screen+Shot+2019-08-31+at+1.17.40+PM.png Multimedia Porfolio - Northeast Community Colleges Launches Funding Campaign For New Ag Facility NORFOLK, NE - Northeast Community College has announced a major initiative that will impact the campus and community for years to come. College representatives gathered at the Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex on Thursday for the announcement of the Nexus capital campaign to raise funds to construct new agriculture facilities on the Northeast Campus in Norfolk. Northeast Community College’s Dr. Tracy Kruse says the goal of the $23 million project is to give the students an opportunity to learn in state-of-the-art facilities and replace the current buildings at the complex; something that was a long time coming to the institution. “It started as an idea back in the late 1990s to move the college farm to the site as well as have this facility here, but we were never able to accomplish that. In the meantime, the enrollment just kept continuing to grow and the need kept getting greater and greater and greater.” Kruse says. “We are so exited for this because it’s so important and critical really to not only Northeast Nebraska, where one out of every two jobs relies on agriculture, but its important for the entire state.” The Acklie Charitable Foundation also announced a $5 million lead gift for the project. The new facility will be named the Agriculture and Water Center of Excellence. Halley Acklie Kruse represents the foundation and says the decision to fund part of the project was personal. “It’s just a really personal decision, but it also has these state-wide and these nation-wide impacts in terms of what this project could mean and how it could advance Northeast Agriculture.” Kruse says. According to the Nexus website, the plan to expand the complex will connect directly to classrooms, a lecture hall, and a large animal handling facility. Former student of Northeast Community College Kreg Schlautman says the new workspaces and classrooms could have a large impact on the future of agriculture in the state. “It is going to take the knowledge and technology to produce enough food, and it all starts here at Northeast.” Schlautman says. The complex will be located near the Pohlman Ag Complex near the intersection of East Benjamin Avenue and Highway 35 outside of Norfolk. Northeast Community College hopes to start construction by Spring of 2020. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1606858366999-W28K2N5PWFE9G0VMQBYE/image-asset.png Multimedia Porfolio - Live Military Ordnance Found at Norfolk Museum NORFOLK - “Definitely once in a lifetime, I hope.” A tense situation led to new exhibit pieces and some new stories to tell at a Norfolk museum. On Wednesday, employees at the Elkhorn Valley Museum called the Norfolk Police Division because they found potentially dangerous military ordnance in storage. Ashely Brown, Executive Director of the Museum says she erred on the side of caution. Due to the nature of the items, the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Air National Guard Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team was contacted. “It didn’t take them very long, but they ended up asking if we had more ammunition or ordinance on the premises. So we ended up bringing all four of our totes full of just miscellaneous shells.” Brown says. Brown says that her time in the National Guard gave her the sense that something wasn’t right. After an investigation, authorities told her that more than five of the items were live and not safe to keep. “I was able to recognize that the grenade was possible live due to my military background. I don’t think that a majority of prior employees have had military experience so they wouldn’t know what to look for if someone were to bring in an artifact like this.” Brown says. She says several of the items were deemed safe and returned back to the museum for display. Some of the items included a British WWII “Mills Bomb” grenade, a Navy WWI 37mm steel artillery shell, and a post-WWII 20mm shell for an Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun. She says that if you plan on donating items like these to a museum, please check with local authorities. “If we’re looking at grandfather’s World War II bullets or something of the like that he has kept in his collection. I encourage them to call the police line first.” Brown says. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/59d2e8e5e45a7cc596716aa6/59d2e9306fd27cc240a4b169/1506994453086/ Multimedia Porfolio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1668121056991-9COQ5MD1ZZRI0C4534CH/image-asset.jpeg Multimedia Porfolio - Orphan Grain Train Looks to Help Ukraine NORFOLK, NE - Helping Ukrainians from across the world…that’s what Reverend Ray Wilke and the Orphan Grain Train in Norfolk want to do. Orphan Grain Train has a history of providing aid to those in need in America and across the world. It has sent thousands of semi-trailer truckloads of food, clothing, and medical supplies to dozens of countries and disaster areas since 1992. And now, OGT President Rev. Wilke is setting his sights on Eastern Europe. “I think our country is doing a great job at providing munitions, but at the moment we’re not doing a great job at providing humanitarian aid…bandages, baby food, diapers, and hygiene products.” Wilke says. Since the invasion of Ukraine in late February, the United Nations estimates more than 1.7 million people have fled, seeking refuge in neighboring countries including Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Wilke says this is one of the worst humanitarian crises since World War II. “I’ve been at this for 30 years and I don’t know of a time with a greater need or more urgency than this.” Rev. Wilke says the fastest way to get aid into Europe right now is to buy the supplies wholesale, package them and send them to a larger city to fly out of the country. He says one flight in New Orleans is ready to fly to Warsaw, Poland with one OGT shipment. “As of today, we have one big cargo plane that's ready, willing, and able to go. That will be invested by us just in terms of the product. From there, Rev. Wilke says it will be distributed to the refugees and even into Ukraine. But he says one flight, and one shipment isn’t enough. One hope, Rev. Wilke says, is to get the National Guard to provide flights, but there needs to be a Congressional release to allow the C-130s to fly. “I’m just saying my prayers that this National Guard human care unit can be freed up to go because then we can ship right into within 30 miles of the need.” And ground shipments will take months to get to their destination…even without the supply chain issues. “All the infrastructure is in place, but we need air shipment. Otherwise, it's going to take too long.” He urges people to call their local Congressman or Senator and urge them to take action. A push is being spearheaded by Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur of Ohio. According to a statement, it calls for the “[activation of] the joint U.S. Department of Defense-National Guard State Partnership Program to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine.” In a perfect world, Rev. Wilke says he can get the supplies in the hands of those who need them in five days. But he knows it’s not a perfect world. “You know, Grain Train doesn't exist to do everything. It exists to do something. And maybe to raise up a few pillars of hope that others can see that this can be done.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1525660039709-UGDU3WX3S6EYJ4X0IG3V/image-asset.jpeg Multimedia Porfolio - The Monte Hatillo Boxing Club Monte Hatillo Boxing Club in San Juan, Puerto Rico gives a place for youth in the community to escape crime and poverty in one of highest crime rate areas in the city. The coach and owner of the gym, Orlando “Canito” Marerro grew up boxing and lives in the neighboring apartment complex of Berwind Estates, which is considered rival gang territory putting the two communities at war. The two areas became a flashpoint for violence, drug trafficking and crime in the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, Monte Hatillo has become tight-knit community with a thriving boxing scene that has produced several World and Olympic Champions including Kiria Tapia and Alberto Machado. The community of Monte Hatillo supports the young men and women who dream of becoming boxing legends like their childhood heroes. They help the children rise up past the cycle of poverty and violence to build a brighter future for themselves and their families. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1668121227258-BQ1D5RJKRE14FVNWMTIA/image-asset.jpeg Multimedia Porfolio - Deshawn Gleaton Jr. Found Guilty of Murder NORFOLK - The man accused of killing a 29-year-old Norfolk woman in 2020 has been found guilty. DeShawn Gleaton Jr. was convicted of all five counts he was facing in Madison County District Court Tuesday. A jury deliberated for several hours before finding Gleaton guilty of 1st-Degree Murder, 1st-Degree Assault, Possession of a Weapon by a Prohibited Person, Use of a Weapon to Commit a Felony, and Witness Tampering for the fatal shooting of Hailey Christiansen. He was out on bond at the time of the July 2020 shooting on Suspicion of Misdemeanor 3rd-Degree Domestic Assault and Trespassing. He was later arrested in Sioux City, Iowa. During closing statements Tuesday, Madison County Attorney Joseph Smith said the evidence presented throughout the trial shows Gleaton's actions were intentional and premeditated. The prosecution's theory was Gleaton didn’t want Christiansen to testify against him in the domestic assault trial because he didn’t want to go back to jail. Gleaton’s defense, led by Attorney Todd Lancaster, said during closing statements that some things presented during the trial were taken out of context; including apparent contradictory statements from neighbors who saw the incident and police reports. Lancaster said the theory that Gleaton would kill Christiansen to prevent her from being a witness was unlikely because he would be risking higher penalties with a 1st-degree murder charge than a maximum of one year with a misdemeanor. Attorney Joe Smith told News Channel Nebraska that it was a good outcome. “This case deserved to be prosecuted the way it was, it deserved to be tried the way it was and it deserved what happened today and the family deserved that too, and they got it,” Smith said. After the verdict, Hailey's family talked about how they will remember her. They say it wasn't just about Hailey, it was about her son as well. "I think her little boy will feel much safer knowing that he don't have to worry, he don't have to be scared. He knows that he's not going to get out of jail and that was a big worry for him and now he's not going to have to worry about that," said Hailey's mother, Janet Christiansen. Gleaton’s sentencing will be set for a later date. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1553976294730-HBWAFW78TVOHEQQOALC5/Screen+Shot+2019-03-30+at+3.03.57+PM.png Multimedia Porfolio - The Monte Hatillo Boxing Club http://projects.newsnetnebraska.org/globaleyewitness/ Monte Hatillo Boxing Club in San Juan, Puerto Rico gives a place for youth in the community to escape crime and poverty in one of highest crime rate areas in the city. The coach and owner of the gym, Orlando “Canito” Marerro grew up boxing and lives in the neighboring apartment complex of Berwind Estates, which is considered rival gang territory putting the two communities at war. The two areas became a flash-point for violence, drug trafficking and crime in the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, Monte Hatillo has become tight-knit community with a thriving boxing scene that has produced several World and Olympic Champions including Kiria Tapia and Alberto Machado. The community of Monte Hatillo supports the young men and women who dream of becoming boxing legends like their childhood heroes. They help the children rise up past the cycle of poverty and violence to build a brighter future for themselves and their families. https://www.matthewwalshphoto.com/portfolio daily 0.75 2020-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1515451531264-0RAJANF3VS9AJDOAGQUC/GGGG.jpg Photography Portfolio Ezequiel Diaz, 17, practices his boxing technique at the Boxing Gym of Monte Hatillo in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Dec. 28, 2017. The gym gives children in the neighborhood a place to escape the violence and drug use in Monte Hatillo. The gym and coach, Canito Marrero, has produced several world boxing champions including Kiria Tapia and Alberto Machado. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1515451531264-0RAJANF3VS9AJDOAGQUC/GGGG.jpg Photography Portfolio Ezequiel Diaz, 17, practices his boxing technique at the Boxing Gym of Monte Hatillo in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Dec. 28, 2017. The gym gives children in the neighborhood a place to escape the violence and drug use in Monte Hatillo. The gym and coach, Canito Marrero, has produced several world boxing champions including Kiria Tapia and Alberto Machado. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1515390786409-9E8DQ4HOPEY3SHC36604/KKKK.jpg Photography Portfolio Gael Diaz, 12, jumps from the stairway railings at the Berwind apartment complex in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Jan. 2, 2018. The complex is made of two-15 story high rises. Elevators in both buildings have not worked since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico on Sept. 22, 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1492660502573-WX95W9L4QBCNHLTAKZYO/Rodeo01.jpg Photography Portfolio A cowgirl and her horse fall in a sharp turn during the barrel racing event at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Rodeo at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska on April 14, 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1490903081333-V3UMHV7I4CU9JM0BEYH6/Antifa2.jpg Photography Portfolio A member of an anti-fascist group demonstrates in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Union protesting the alleged vulgar behavior directed toward the demonstrators of the Women's March by the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity on Jan. 28, 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1492660216599-IQMLWCB3TYLNT0ODU3KB/Football2.jpg Photography Portfolio Players from the red and white teams scramble over the ball during the Husker Spring Game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. on April 15, 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1492661041044-J26GOUUP7BBTLWD8D266/Football+Portrait.jpg Photography Portfolio Cornerback Lamar Jackson takes a water break with his team between quarters during the Husker Spring Game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. on April 15, 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1490846746114-SZJ1POW6THWQOKV7KA30/Huskers+Vs.+Spartans.jpg Photography Portfolio Mardrekia Cook, (2), from the Michigan State Women's Basketball Team jumps back from a rebound shot during a tournament basketball game against the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb. on Feb. 26, 2017. The Spartans lost 76-74 in overtime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1490847066792-3TT5YOAJ4T9N955U7UKS/JV+Basketball1.jpg Photography Portfolio Jared Lopez, (40), of Lincoln Northstar, jumps for a shot against Lincoln Southwest players during a junior varsity basketball district tournament at Northeast High School in Lincoln, Neb. on Feb. 21, 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1491511197620-MBSQI6VZ5643EOTL4FG0/news4_1.jpg Photography Portfolio A firefighter rests after taking control of a house fire in Omaha, Neb. that left one woman critically injured on March 3, 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1506560966866-1NKNZJ7UT1SUTF7GKPQS/Day+at+the+Rally.jpg Photography Portfolio University of Nebraska-Lincoln Professor Octavio Kano-Galvan and his son march in the Women's March in Lincoln, Neb. on January 21, 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1515451553344-5INEHLEI7O506836RM6H/IIIII.jpg Photography Portfolio Vietnam Veteran Julio Martinez struggles with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria since the storm made landfall on Sept. 22, 2017. More than three months after the storm, Martinez has built a self-sustainable hot water system for his home and five acres of land which he refers to as “The Bunker”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1517266192645-R6RWLMZJONRNDPMB8KZC/VVVV.jpg Photography Portfolio A group of 8th grade dance students from Theater Arts School Jose Julian Acosta in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, practice their routine the night before a test on Dec. 21, 2017. School for most students on the island was extended for one week due to the days classes were cancelled due to Hurricane Maria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1490903739454-W9FBCFSZA3CGQNUQN5XZ/Cemetary.jpg Photography Portfolio Chris Caldwell mourns at the grave of his grandmother at Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Omaha, Neb. on March 26, 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1510634715242-47PVQ90R0XJ6KTJTA9S9/Football2.jpg Photography Portfolio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1510634792825-70YLKM4Y20TU72HW5AKW/Rodeo+20.jpg Photography Portfolio https://www.matthewwalshphoto.com/projects daily 0.75 2020-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1506192814761-CKUNIBZUO6ZSWLZE2HEO/13.jpg Projects A series documenting the landscape and architecture of historic landmarks in Arizona including the San Xavier Mission and Tumacacori National Park taken on July 9, 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1555882388524-F2A26W60MSZRXA8FP214/420Rally9.jpg Projects First race of the season for Norfolk, Nebraska’s Off Road Speedway on April 20, 2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1562445561920-ZYR1GOQPWPQR2N1HP53N/Ponca+Rodeo+13.jpg Projects Days of ‘56 Rodeo in Ponca, Neb. on June 29th, 2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1563665363055-8WDVO367Q6KYAAXX3ATS/Walthill+Rodeo+5++BW.jpg Projects The village of Walthill, Neb. hosted its last Memorial Rodeo from June 13-15th 2019; marking its 45th year as an annual event in the community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1515451501161-F1460TQ1QB8YLSEEY5T3/1_123.jpg Projects Canito Marerro, coach and owner of the Boxing Club of Monte Hatillo, rides a lost bicycle around the parking lot of the gym on Dec. 22, 2017. Marerro is from the Berwind apartment complex and is well-respected in both areas. The gym represents a neutral zone between Monte Hatillo and Berwind neighborhoods where children can train without the threat of violence or crime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1529379872770-K9PEV9ZNUB72QV5J5G8I/NPRODEO2.jpg Projects Scenes from the NebraskaLand Days Rodeo in North Platte, Nebraska on June 16, 2018. https://www.matthewwalshphoto.com/about daily 0.75 2022-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc65fb414fb5e91acc48c4/1493504196670-GO1ZGPUD4OVUP7M07CPQ/SelfPortrait.jpg About