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Huskers honor MLK legacy through 'compassionate actions'

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Huskers honor MLK legacy through 'compassionate actions'


“Simon says ‘eat your breakfast.’”

While munching on waffles and orange slices Jan. 23, preschoolers at the Malone Center’s Early Achievers Academy excitedly chatted and played the classic directions game with their classroom visitors — four University of Nebraska–Lincoln students.

The students volunteered to spend the morning with children at the Malone Center to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. during the campus community’s annual week of service, Jan. 22-26. In total, about 120 members of the campus community will volunteer approximately 2,600 total hours this week, benefitting nine nonprofits in Lincoln.

Following this year’s theme, “Compassionate Actions,” volunteers will also sort food at Food Bank of Lincoln, sort donations at both the Center for People and Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, prepare materials for programs at Mourning Hope Grief Center and the Asian Community and Cultural Center, and assist with youth programs at Educare of Lincoln, among other roles.

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Elsewhere at Malone, five undergraduate and graduate students also volunteered to help center staff continue packing boxes for the upcoming move to a temporary space while a new building is constructed over the next two years.

Tyrina Webster, director of operations for the Malone Center, was thankful to have nine volunteers on a cold, dreary morning. They made quick work of their packing assignments, and giggles filled the gymnasium as preschoolers played basketball, tag, or tried hula-hooping with the visitors.

“It’s amazing to have college students here,” said Tenisha Williams, an assistant teacher. “The kids love to talk to them, and we see a little more creativity and excitement when they’re here.”

Abigail Gillham, head teacher of the academy, said preschoolers benefit developmentally, too.

“The college students are modeling positive behaviors, and I think it helps the kids learn to be accepting and welcoming of new people in class and learn to communicate with new people in a safe environment,” Gillham said.

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The volunteers were reminded of the importance of service, and staying connected to the communities where they live.

“I learned about NvolveU this year, and have been volunteering regularly,” said Ben Bentzinger, a senior criminal justice major. “I am happy the university offers opportunities like this. In the past, I’ve usually sorted food or donations. This is fun to hand out and interact with these kids.”

Francisca Lawson Tettevie, a doctoral student in human sciences, said she was enjoying the morning just as much as the preschoolers.

“I didn’t know when I signed up that we’d be getting to work with kids today,” she said. “We’re all having fun, and I think by us being here, they feel like people see them, they belong to a community and are valued.”

There is a small number of volunteer spots still open Jan. 24-26, and campus community members can sign up here. Additionally, local nonprofits will have informational booths in Nebraska Union each day, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where those interested in volunteering in the future can connect with and learn about the organizations.

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Nebraska State Patrol troopers find 242 pounds of cocaine during commercial truck inspection

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Nebraska State Patrol troopers find 242 pounds of cocaine during commercial truck inspection


LEXINGTON, Neb. (KOLN) – Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds of cocaine during a commercial vehicle inspection.

On Tuesday afternoon, an NSP Carrier Enforcement trooper conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on a semi tractor/trailer driven by Arwinderjit Singh, 30, of California, near mile marker 254 on Interstate 80.

Arwinderjit Singh mugshot(Dawson County Jail)

During the inspection, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. An NSP K-9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the cab of the semi, troopers said.

After searching the cab, troopers located 242 pounds of cocaine concealed underneath the sleeper bed, NSP said.

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Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds...
Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds of cocaine during a commercial vehicle inspection.(Nebraska State Patrol)

Singh was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of an open alcohol container, no drug tax stamp and displaying a fictitious license plate.

Singh was lodged in Dawson County Jail, and his bond was set at 10% of $2 million. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 12.

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Athlete of the Week: Creighton Prep boys wrestling’s Zaiyahn Ornelas

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Athlete of the Week: Creighton Prep boys wrestling’s Zaiyahn Ornelas


OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Creighton Prep senior Zaiyahn Ornelas won his fourth consecutive Nebraska state wrestling title on Saturday.

According to NSAA records, he joins 39 other wrestlers in state history to accomplish the feat.

“It’s a great feeling,” Ornelas said. “It’s a feeling everybody wants.”

The senior ended his career as the 39th four-time state champion in Nebraska history, winning three at Wilber-Clatonia before joining the Jr. Jays.

Ornelas won three Class C state titles at Wilber-Clatonia at 106, 113 and 120 pounds before transferring to Creighton Prep for his senior season, where he competed in Class A at 126 pounds.

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“Three state titles there and then just thought I could bump up my competition,” Ornelas said.

“Zaiyahn is one of the cleanest technicians I’ve ever seen. That’s a huge testament to his coaching staff at Wilber,” Fisher added.

Ornelas was one of four Creighton Prep wrestlers to win state titles this season, helping lead the Jr. Jays to the Class A team title. Teammates said his presence in the practice room raised their level of competition.

“I could never slack off just because my competition in the state was easy. I always had to come in this room and get better or else I was going to get beat,” said sophomore Cruzer Dominguez, a two-time Class A state champion at 106 and 120 pounds.

Sophomore Kameron Green, the Class A 144-pound state champion this year, also credited Ornelas for aiding in his development.

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“Zaiyahn being a training partner has helped me in tremendous ways,” he said. “When he wrestles, he’s not the nicest or shyest kid, but he’s tenacious and tough.”

The sophomore won his first state title after finishing as a runner-up at 126 pounds as a freshman.

Junior JT Smith, a two-time state champion at 175 and 190 pounds, said the achievement carries weight for the entire team.

“It’s something really special to have a teammate that’s a four-time state champion,” he said. “That’s something everyone wants to be.”

The junior finished the season as a back-to-back state champion after winning a gold medal at 175 pounds as a sophomore.

Fisher said Ornelas’s attitude set the tone from the start.

“He has so many skills and then coming into our room, he’s extremely coachable. Every time he came in here he was humble, ready to work, wanting to get better and that’s why he is as good as he is,” Fisher said.

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Ornelas signed to wrestle at the University of Nebraska in November. He said the move to Creighton Prep delivered what he was looking for.

“This is the reason why I came here. I went out to explore, to find the best, and this is the territory that I found. If it wasn’t for these guys — the push — I would have not been there,” Ornelas said.

“It’s hard to believe. That’s kind of what I wanted since the beginning, freshman year,” he said.

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Nebraska Chamber taps former state senator to lead during leadership transition

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Nebraska Chamber taps former state senator to lead during leadership transition


LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has selected a former state senator and longtime board member to lead the chamber while it searches for a new president and CEO.

Board of Directors Chair Pat Keenan said Thursday that Matt Williams of Gothenburg agreed to serve as interim president.

ALSO READ: Nebraska Chamber president and CEO resigns after less than a year

“The Board is grateful to Matt for stepping into this role during a very active and productive time for the Nebraska Chamber,” Keenan said. “He has steady leadership, strong relationships and trust from his many years of advocacy for economic development, and decades of experience working with the legislature and state government on tax policy and economic development incentives.”

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Matt Williams(NE Chamber)

Williams represented District 36 in the Nebraska Legislature from 2015 to 2023.

The chamber said Williams has had a lifelong career in banking and serves as chairman of Flatwater Bank. He previously served as chair of the Nebraska Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association.

His long involvement with the chamber includes membership on the Board of Directors; he currently serves as director for District 6. In 2025, he was named to the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.

“The Nebraska Chamber is on rock-solid footing, with the clear vision of the Board, and talented and hard-working staff hitting its stride in legislative policy and advocacy, technology, manufacturing, leadership-development, fund-raising and membership. The success of cutting-edge initiatives like 6 Regions, One Nebraska, the launch of the Go Big Future series, and the strong member engagement across the state demonstrate the success and strength of this organization. I’m excited to lend my support in whatever way I can for the Chamber. I know how strong businesses and communities make for a stronger Nebraska, and I’m glad to be part of that.”

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