Summary
Sept. 19: Coaching changes, Husker victories and losses, and one furry addition to the UNL police department.
Sept. 19: Coaching changes, Husker victories and losses, and one furry addition to the UNL police department
Mickey Joseph loses first game as interim coach
The Huskers experienced a 49-14 defeat Sept. 17 against Oklahoma. Despite the morning rain, hundreds of fans gathered just north of the Nebraska Union for FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff,” a weekly program previewing the day’s top games in college football and analyzing the Saturday matchup. The high energy contrasted the previous week’s mood as the Huskers faced off against Georgia Southern — the game that led to Scott Frost’s dismissal from the program Sept. 11. However, the pre-game excitement was quickly cut off as Oklahoma overtook Nebraska’s opening points, and many fans left the stadium early as the deficit grew.
Nebraska Volleyball maintains No. 2 position following defeat of Kentucky
Despite the team’s first season loss earlier in the week against Stanford, Nebraska Volleyball bounced back and won 3-0 against Kentucky Sept. 18. After a close first set of 27-25 where Kentucky built up a 21-17 lead, Nebraska bounced back and regained control for most of the remaining match. With Nicklin Hames out with an apparent muscle injury, Nebraska stayed in a two-setter rotation with Kennedit Orr and Anni Evans, focusing on a defense-heavy strategy against the previously second best defense in the nation.
Sandhills reservoir declared an ‘international dark sky park’
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in the middle of the Sandhills, 26 miles southwest of Valentine, is so devoid of light pollution that the Milky Way casts a shadow, drawing dozens of professional and amateur astronomers. Sept. 17, the reservoir was declared an ‘international dark sky park’ after 29 years of hosting its Nebraska star parties during July’s moonless nights. It is the first Nebraska location to receive this certification from the International Dark-Sky Association. An IDA-recognized International Dark Sky Park is a land possessing an exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment. The IDA certifies locations following a application process that requires applicants to demonstrate robust community support for dark sky protection. More information can be found online at https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/become-a-dark-sky-place/
UNL police welcomes furry cadet into its ranks
The UNLPD recently added a new friendly face to its roster: an 18-month-old goldendoodle therapy dog named Cash. Adopted in July, Cash’s job is to provide comfort to people in a variety of situations. Whether it’s for an officer struggling after a call or a crime victim working with the department, the presence of a therapy dog can be a welcome distraction. Read more on nebraskanewsservice.net.
National Blue Ribbon awarded to five Nebraska schools
Five Nebraska schools were recognized Sept. 16 for academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps. Johnson-Brock Public Schools, Adams Elementary School, Humann Elementary School, Westside Elementary School and Skutt Catholic High School were honored in Nebraska. All schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates. According to the Nebraska Department of Education, Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years.
Contributors: Lauren Penington and Hanna Christensen
