News from Neighbors

NJC alumni have made outstanding contributions
    STERLING JOURNAL-ADVOCATE, Feb. 5 — Two outstanding Northeasern Junior College alumni were recognized last weekend by the NJC Alumni Association at its annual Hoops Homecoming Awards.
    The Pathfinder Award, which honors outstanding alumni or former students who have made outstanding contributions in their field of endeavor wherein training or education began at NJC, was given to Steve Antonopulos and Elaine Daly.
    Antonopulos, who was raised in Hugo, graduated from NJC in 1968. In 1973, he was the first person at the University of Northern Colorado to receive a master’s degree in athletic training. This opened the door to a prestigious lifetime career.
    In 1976, Antonopulos went to work for the Denver Broncos, where he has been highly recognized and respected during his 44-year career.
    Daly was born and raised in Holyoke by her parents, Richard and Joyce McCallum. The 1993 Holyoke High School graduate attended NJC from 1994-1996, majoring in agricultural business.
    She transferred to Colorado State University and achieved a bachelor’s degree in soil and crop sciences in 1998.
    While at Red Hen Farming Systems and Wagner Equipment, she developed an RTK base station network for farmers that is still functional today.
    While at Trimble, she has taken on the role as a field application engineer, focusing on how large farms and companies can adopt and utilize technology.
    Daly has led many training events to educate on precision agriculture technology throughout North America.
    She and husband Gene call Glendo, Wyoming, home.
    
Seven Panhandle businesses fail alcohol compliance checks
    CHAPPELL REGISTER, Feb. 7 — The Nebraska State Patrol conducted alcohol compliance checks as part of the Panhandle Prevention Coalition’s comprehensive plan to prevent underage drinking.
    Officers, with the assistance of youth age 17-20, completed 43 checks, including convenience stores, restaurants, grocery stores and liquor stores throughout Deuel, Box Butte, Morrill and Cheyenne counties in Nebraska.
    Thirty-six of the 43 businesses checked did not sell alcohol to minors. The efforts of these 36 responsible businesses are commended.
    Regrettably, seven of the businesses failed to comply with the law and sold to the underage buyers. These businesses have been notified, and appropriate action has been taken.