SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - The Western Community College Area Board of Governors is pleased to announce that the District 2 and District 4 vacancies have been filled.

Joshua Hanson, of Sidney, accepted the vacancy in District 2, replacing Lynne Klemke, who retired in January. Tony Kaufman, of Gering, accepted the open District 4 position, replacing Karen Anderson, who also retired in January.

Hanson is the current Talent Development Manager at Adams Industries in Sidney, and has many years of experience in public service, including nearly eight years as the Regional Workforce Development Manager for the Nebraska Department of Labor and two years as an Immigration Service Officer for the Department of Homeland Security. Hanson also serves on the Greater Nebraska Workforce Development Board and is an active member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Kaufman is the current Community President at Platte Valley Bank. He also served as the Mayor of Gering from 2014 to 2022. He serves on several boards and associations, including the Legacy Cooperative Association Board of Directors, City of Gering Planning Commission, Nebraska Bankers Association Bank PAC Committee and several others.

"It is my privilege to welcome Tony Kaufman and Josh Hansen to our board," said WCCA Board Chair John Stinner. "Their exceptional experience, diverse skill sets, and impressive backgrounds will be invaluable assets to our team."

District 2 encompasses all precincts of Cheyenne, Deuel, Garden, and Kimball Counties and the Broadwater precinct of Morrill County. District 3 includes all precincts of Banner Counter, and Scotts Bluff County excluding Highland, Dewey-Tabor, East Winter Creek, West Winter Creek, Funston, Minatare I & II, and Scottsbluff I through VIII precincts.

Lauren Trenkle named new CollegeNOW! Director at WNCC

SCOTTSBLUFF - Western Nebraska Community College is excited to announce Lauren Trenkle as the new CollegeNOW! Director. Trenkle brings a strong background in education, child and family services, and community engagement to the role.

Born and raised in Gering, Nebraska, Trenkle graduated from Gering High School before earning her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Her professional journey includes working with Gering Public Schools as a GAP Coordinator and cheer coach, followed by more than seven years at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she worked in child and family services. During her time at DHHS, she was an active member of the local human trafficking task force.

Trenkle's passion for education and youth development played a key role in her decision to apply for the CollegeNOW! Director position.

"I previously enjoyed working in a school setting and have a passion for supporting my community,” Trenkle said. “As the CollegeNOW! Director, I’m able to continue positively impacting local youth by helping them gain a head start on their college education or credentials. WNCC serves all Panhandle high schools, and it’s rewarding being able to provide students with access to college courses and valuable learning experiences.”

WNCC President Greg Dart welcomed Trenkle and emphasized the significance of the CollegeNOW! program for students across the region.

"We are thrilled to welcome Lauren to the Cougar family,” said Dart. “CollegeNOW! plays a crucial role in offering dual credit opportunities to students in the Panhandle. Not only does this program benefit students by preparing them for future academic success, but it also provides significant financial advantages for parents and guardians. Lauren's leadership will be instrumental in continuing to expand these opportunities and support students in achieving their academic goals.”