NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Two North Platte men were arrested after law enforcement discovered narcotics and a handgun during a traffic stop.

According to North Platte police,&nbsp;On September 15, 2020, at 4:16 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 4th and Jeffers Streets. 

Police say officers made contact with the driver, 27-year-old Jacob Orr, and the passenger, 29-year-old Timothy Johnson.

 A State Patrol K9 assisted with the stop and alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.  Officers subsequently conducted a search of the vehicle. 

Police say, during the search, officers located a concealed .9mm handgun and several prescription pills. 

Furthermore, police say it was discovered that Johnson is also a convicted felon. 

 Johnson was placed under arrest on suspicion of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.  Orr was placed under arrest on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon- 2nd offense and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.  Orr was also cited for Failure to Use Turn Signal. 

 Both subjects were incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600251753332.jpeg" alt="Timothy Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Two North Platte men were arrested after law enforcement discovered narcotics and a handgun during a traffic stop.According to North Platte police,&nbsp;On September 15, 2020, at 4:16 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 4th and Jeffers Streets. Police say officers made contact with the driver, 27-year-old Jacob Orr, and the passenger, 29-year-old Timothy Johnson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600251829845.jpeg" alt="Jacob Orr" />
 <figcaption>Jacob Orr</figcaption>
 </figure> A State Patrol K9 assisted with the stop and alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Officers subsequently conducted a search of the vehicle. Police say, during the search, officers located a concealed .9mm handgun and several prescription pills. Furthermore, police say it was discovered that Johnson is also a convicted felon. Johnson was placed under arrest on suspicion of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. Orr was placed under arrest on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon- 2nd offense and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. Orr was also cited for Failure to Use Turn Signal. Both subjects were incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center

Pair of North Platte men arrested after drugs, gun found during traffic stop

Scotty C talks with Amanda from the American Red Cross, Trooper Nate Veal with the Nebraska State Patrol and Deputy City Fire Marshal Mike McConnell about the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive happening this Friday, September 11 at the Ramada Inn in North Platte. Visit www.redcrossblood.org for more details.

Scotty C talks with Amanda from the American Red Cross, Trooper Nate Veal with the Nebraska State Patrol and Deputy City Fire Marshal Mike McConnell about the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive happening this Friday, September 11 at the Ramada Inn in North Platte. Visit www.redcrossblood.org for more details.<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Battle of the Badges Blood Drive" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/qsskf-eb18d5?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>

🎧 Post Podcast: Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

Scotty C and Dalene Skates chat about Lunch with the Wild Bunch coming up Friday at the Wild West Arena Pavilion. www.nebraskalanddays.com

Scotty C and Dalene Skates chat about Lunch with the Wild Bunch coming up Friday at the Wild West Arena Pavilion. www.nebraskalanddays.com<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Nebraskaland Days Lunch with the Wild Bunch" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/x6ged-e5e414?from=pb6admin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;auto=0&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;skin=1&amp;pfauth=&amp;btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>

🎧 Post Podcast: Nebraskaland Days Lunch with the Wild Bunch

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/869925007&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/7302020-linco-raceway-raw" title="7.30.2020 Linco Raceway end of season" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">7.30.2020 Linco Raceway end of season</a></div></div>

Post Podcast: Talking with Linco Raceway backpack giveaway and more! 

Scotty C and Nebraskaland Days Executive Director David Fudge talk about the revised Summer Jam Concert Series featuring .38 Special and Granger Smith. Visit <a href="http://www.nebraskalanddays.com">www.nebraskalanddays.com</a> for tickets and information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scotty C and Nebraskaland Days Executive Director David Fudge talk about the revised Summer Jam Concert Series featuring .38 Special and Granger Smith. Visit <a href="http://www.nebraskalanddays.com">www.nebraskalanddays.com</a> for tickets and information.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Nebraskaland Days Update-Concerts" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/4trvi-e5290b?from=pb6admin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;auto=0&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;skin=1&amp;pfauth=&amp;btn-skin=103"></iframe></div><figure>
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Post Podcast: Nebraskaland Days Update-Concerts

Scotty C and Nebraskaland Days Executive Director talk about seating at the Buffalo Bill PRCA Rodeo and a lot more! Tickets and information at <a>www.nebraskalanddays.com!</a>

Scotty C and Nebraskaland Days Executive Director talk about seating at the Buffalo Bill PRCA Rodeo and a lot more! Tickets and information at <a>www.nebraskalanddays.com!</a><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Nebraskaland Days Update-Let's rodeo! With a little social distancing." height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/crrmr-e45f5d?from=pb6admin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;auto=0&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;skin=1&amp;pfauth="></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561318380564.png" alt="" />
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🎙 Post Podcast: Nebraskaland Days Update-Let's Rodeo! With a little social distancing...

Midwest Championship Fighting is back with the St. Paddy's Beatdown Bash slated to go down at the Wild West Arena on August 20, 2020. Scotty C. chats with MCF owner/promoter Russ Jones about the event. Follow MCF on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MCFMMA/">facebook.com/MCFMMA</a>.

Midwest Championship Fighting is back with the St. Paddy's Beatdown Bash slated to go down at the Wild West Arena on August 20, 2020. Scotty C. chats with MCF owner/promoter Russ Jones about the event. Follow MCF on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MCFMMA/">facebook.com/MCFMMA</a>.<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: MCF St. Paddy's Beatdown Remixed at the Wild West Arena" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/u242u-e4378b?from=pb6admin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;auto=0&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;skin=1&amp;pfauth="></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595515072410.jpeg" alt="" />
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🎙 Post Podcast: MCF St. Paddy's Beatdown Bash Remixed at the Wild West Arena

Scotty C and Executive Director David Fudge sit down to talk Nebraskaland Days. We know the rodeo is coming up, but did you know many of the other classic Nebraskaland Days events are happening too? Have a listen!

Scotty C and Executive Director David Fudge sit down to talk Nebraskaland Days. We know the rodeo is coming up, but did you know many of the other classic Nebraskaland Days events are happening too? Have a listen!<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Nebraskaland Days classic events still happening in 2020" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/eksbp-e397d3?from=usersite&vjs=1&skin=1&fonts=Helvetica&auto=0&download=1" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player"></iframe></div>

Post Podcast: Nebraskaland Days classic events still happening in 2020

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/859025011&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/rrpodcast716" title="7.16.2020 Rodeo Report" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">7.16.2020 Rodeo Report</a></div></div>

7.16 Rodeo Report with Tony Lama

Scotty C sits down with Pat and David from L2 for Kids, an organization that purchases new school clothes for children in need. They're hosting a fundraiser July 25 and 26 at Gary's Superfoods (East 4th) and Harvest Christian Church. Visit their website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.l2forkids.org/">www.l2forkids.org&nbsp;</a>for more details or call Henry at 308-530-0441 or Pat at 308-520-1104.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scotty C sits down with Pat and David from L2 for Kids, an organization that purchases new school clothes for children in need. They're hosting a fundraiser July 25 and 26 at Gary's Superfoods (East 4th) and Harvest Christian Church. Visit their website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.l2forkids.org/">www.l2forkids.org&nbsp;</a>for more details or call Henry at 308-530-0441 or Pat at 308-520-1104.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: L2 for Kids fundraiser assists children in need with new clothes for school" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/pcqwj-e37289?from=usersite&vjs=1&skin=1&fonts=Helvetica&auto=0&download=1" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player"></iframe></div>

🎧 Post Podcast: L2 for Kids fundraiser assists children in need with new clothes for school

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/854355565&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/post-podcast-interview-for-bridge-of-hope-survivor-support-day" title="Post Podcast: Interview For Bridge Of Hope Survivor Support day" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Post Podcast: Interview For Bridge Of Hope Survivor Support day</a></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594380880505.jpeg" alt="Bridge 2020 support day.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Bridge 2020 support day.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

Post Podcast: Bridge of Hope Fundraiser this weekend

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department lowered the COVID-19 Community Risk Dial slightly on Thursday, however, it still remains in the Orange or "Elevated" level.


The risk dial moved from a 2.19 down to a 2.12 this week, which
remains within the elevated risk level. 

There were changes in the
following variables that contributed to the movement in the dial:

WCDHD reports decreases in the following
(please reference the WCDHD risk dial website page for additional
information):

The risk dial will be updated every
Thursday after the information is reviewed by the Public Health
Command Center. Dial updates are posted <a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">HERE.</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department lowered the COVID-19 Community Risk Dial slightly on Thursday, however, it still remains in the Orange or "Elevated" level.
The risk dial moved from a 2.19 down to a 2.12 this week, which
remains within the elevated risk level. There were changes in the
following variables that contributed to the movement in the dial:WCDHD reports decreases in the following
(please reference the WCDHD risk dial website page for additional
information):<ol>
 <li>Measure ID R1: Weekly positivity
	rate 
	
	</li><li>Measure ID R3: Case rate per
	million 
	
	</li><li>Measure ID R12: Medical &amp;
	Surgical Beds 
	
</li>
 </ol>We had an increase in the following:<ol>
 <li>Measure ID R2: Trajectory of cases
		
	</li><li>Measure ID R4: Average Daily
	Hospitalization 
	
</li>
 </ol>The risk dial will be updated every
Thursday after the information is reviewed by the Public Health
Command Center. Dial updates are posted <a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">HERE.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600386552864.png" alt="As of September 17, 2020" />
 <figcaption>As of September 17, 2020</figcaption>
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WCDHD lowers COVID Community Risk Dial slightly, risk remains in Orange level

Numerous large wildfires in the Western United States may affect the air quality in Nebraska. Nebraska continues to monitor smoke levels and wind directions and provides updates accordingly to the media and public. Smoke advisories are issued for impacted areas by notifying the media and local health departments, and posting information on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy's (NDEE) webpages and social media sites. Advisories help citizens protect their health by alerting them to days where outdoor activities should be reduced or avoided to minimize exposure to smoke.

Advisories are based on data provided by NDEE and the National Weather Service (NWS), and from air quality monitors located in Lincoln, Omaha, Bellevue, Grand Island, and Scottsbluff.

An advisory of possible&nbsp;Moderate (yellow category) to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups&nbsp;(orange category) impacts may occur on Wednesday, September 16. Impacts may continue through Friday, September 18.&nbsp; Conditions are expected to move back to the green category, (no impacts), by Saturday, September 19.&nbsp;

An advisory of&nbsp;Moderate&nbsp;(yellow category) impacts may occur on Wednesday, September 16.&nbsp; Conditions are expected to move back to the green category, (no impacts), by Thursday, September 17.&nbsp;

During yellow category/moderate conditions, unusually sensitive groups should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.&nbsp;When conditions rise to the orange category, sensitive groups are advised to reduce prolonged outdoor exertion.

The following Air Quality Index (AQI) is used. This AQI is used nationally.&nbsp;For an hourly update on air quality across Nebraska visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airnow.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.airnow.gov&nbsp;</a>.

Numerous large wildfires in the Western United States may affect the air quality in Nebraska. Nebraska continues to monitor smoke levels and wind directions and provides updates accordingly to the media and public. Smoke advisories are issued for impacted areas by notifying the media and local health departments, and posting information on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy's (NDEE) webpages and social media sites. Advisories help citizens protect their health by alerting them to days where outdoor activities should be reduced or avoided to minimize exposure to smoke.Advisories are based on data provided by NDEE and the National Weather Service (NWS), and from air quality monitors located in Lincoln, Omaha, Bellevue, Grand Island, and Scottsbluff.Western Nebraska:An advisory of possible&nbsp;Moderate (yellow category) to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups&nbsp;(orange category) impacts may occur on Wednesday, September 16. Impacts may continue through Friday, September 18.&nbsp; Conditions are expected to move back to the green category, (no impacts), by Saturday, September 19.&nbsp;Central and eastern Nebraska:An advisory of&nbsp;Moderate&nbsp;(yellow category) impacts may occur on Wednesday, September 16.&nbsp; Conditions are expected to move back to the green category, (no impacts), by Thursday, September 17.&nbsp;During yellow category/moderate conditions, unusually sensitive groups should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.&nbsp;When conditions rise to the orange category, sensitive groups are advised to reduce prolonged outdoor exertion.The following Air Quality Index (AQI) is used. This AQI is used nationally.&nbsp;For an hourly update on air quality across Nebraska visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airnow.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.airnow.gov&nbsp;</a>.<figure>
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Smoke advisories issued for Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The economy in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states is seeing some improvements but remains weak, according to a new monthly survey of bankers in the region.

The Rural Mainstreet Survey's overall index remained negative at 46.9 in September, even though it improved from August's 44.7 and marked several straight months of continued improvement since March, when the index bottomed out for the year at 35.5 as the coronavirus pandemic emerged. Any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy, while a score above 50 suggests a growing economy.

More bankers showed optimism about the economy's outlook over the next six months, with the survey's confidence index rising to 50.0 from August's 44.6.

"Recent improvements in agriculture commodity prices, federal stimuli and Federal Reserve record low interest rates have underpinned the Rural Mainstreet Economy," said Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey. "Bank CEOs estimated that farm income, including government support, was down only 1.5% from this time last year."

But fewer than 1 in 4 bankers reported that their local economies were back to levels before the outbreak.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

Farmland prices declined to 45.0 in September from August's 50.0, while the farm equipment sales index slipped to 32.1 from 32.8 in August.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The economy in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states is seeing some improvements but remains weak, according to a new monthly survey of bankers in the region.The Rural Mainstreet Survey's overall index remained negative at 46.9 in September, even though it improved from August's 44.7 and marked several straight months of continued improvement since March, when the index bottomed out for the year at 35.5 as the coronavirus pandemic emerged. Any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy, while a score above 50 suggests a growing economy.More bankers showed optimism about the economy's outlook over the next six months, with the survey's confidence index rising to 50.0 from August's 44.6."Recent improvements in agriculture commodity prices, federal stimuli and Federal Reserve record low interest rates have underpinned the Rural Mainstreet Economy," said Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey. "Bank CEOs estimated that farm income, including government support, was down only 1.5% from this time last year."But fewer than 1 in 4 bankers reported that their local economies were back to levels before the outbreak.Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.Farmland prices declined to 45.0 in September from August's 50.0, while the farm equipment sales index slipped to 32.1 from 32.8 in August.

Survey: Economy sees improvement in rural parts of 10 states

LINCOLN, Neb. – Unravel the mystery and excitement of hunting by joining Nebraska Game and Parks educators for online Hunting Happy Hour workshops.

Starting Sept. 22, these interactive Zoom-based sessions cover everything from basic hunting to waterfowl hunting, upland bird hunting and big game hunting with bow, firearm and muzzleloader. Workshops give newcomers the confidence and knowledge to seek out their own adventures this fall and beyond.

Hunting Happy Hour workshops are ideal for adults with little to no hunting experience who are interested in learning. Sign up and enjoy one or several 60-minute sessions from the comfort of your home or office.

Registration is required, and sessions are limited to 25 participants each. To learn more and register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjczMjgyMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi93b3Jrc2hvcHMvIn0.6G3NULP5qbr-MeEK41yxRc0yFB-It9fTsNC1MCfb3bU/s/497221905/br/85459814753-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/workshops</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Unravel the mystery and excitement of hunting by joining Nebraska Game and Parks educators for online Hunting Happy Hour workshops.Starting Sept. 22, these interactive Zoom-based sessions cover everything from basic hunting to waterfowl hunting, upland bird hunting and big game hunting with bow, firearm and muzzleloader. Workshops give newcomers the confidence and knowledge to seek out their own adventures this fall and beyond.Hunting Happy Hour workshops are ideal for adults with little to no hunting experience who are interested in learning. Sign up and enjoy one or several 60-minute sessions from the comfort of your home or office.Registration is required, and sessions are limited to 25 participants each. To learn more and register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjczMjgyMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi93b3Jrc2hvcHMvIn0.6G3NULP5qbr-MeEK41yxRc0yFB-It9fTsNC1MCfb3bU/s/497221905/br/85459814753-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/workshops</a>.

Nebraska Game and Parks to offer interactive online hunting workshops

OMAHA, Neb.-Union Pacific Railroad's Community Ties Giving Program awarded $10.2 million in local grants to more than 930 nonprofit organizations across its 23-state system. Grants are traditionally awarded in the company's three philanthropic priority areas: safety, workforce development and community spaces; however, nearly $7 million in 2020 grants went to address needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the unprecedented circumstances and anticipated community need, an additional $5 million in funding was added to the local grants program in 2020, bringing the total to $10.2 million. In an effort to expedite funding and address immediate needs, COVID-19 Relief Grants were awarded in waves with approximately 620 organizations receiving support. COVID-19 Relief Grants were used to address critical community needs associated with the pandemic, including general operating support.

"Every community was impacted by the pandemic in its own way, and the COVID-19 Relief Grants allowed nonprofit organizations to provide customized, essential services and, in some cases, keep the lights on," said Scott Moore, senior vice president and chief administrative officer, and Union Pacific Foundation President. "At the same time, it's important for us to continue supporting organizations that ensure the communities where our employees live and work remain safe and vibrant, while providing opportunities for family-supporting jobs."

Local grants provide funding ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to local organizations across Union Pacific's system. Recipients are selected through an open, competitive applications process. To learn more about Union Pacific's Community Ties Giving Program or apply for local grants, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://up.com/communityties" target="_blank">up.com/communityties</a>.

Grant recipients are listed by state in the links below. Recipients marked by an asterisk received COVID-19 Relief Grants.

News Releases Union PacificOMAHA, Neb.-Union Pacific Railroad's Community Ties Giving Program awarded $10.2 million in local grants to more than 930 nonprofit organizations across its 23-state system. Grants are traditionally awarded in the company's three philanthropic priority areas: safety, workforce development and community spaces; however, nearly $7 million in 2020 grants went to address needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.Due to the unprecedented circumstances and anticipated community need, an additional $5 million in funding was added to the local grants program in 2020, bringing the total to $10.2 million. In an effort to expedite funding and address immediate needs, COVID-19 Relief Grants were awarded in waves with approximately 620 organizations receiving support. COVID-19 Relief Grants were used to address critical community needs associated with the pandemic, including general operating support."Every community was impacted by the pandemic in its own way, and the COVID-19 Relief Grants allowed nonprofit organizations to provide customized, essential services and, in some cases, keep the lights on," said Scott Moore, senior vice president and chief administrative officer, and Union Pacific Foundation President. "At the same time, it's important for us to continue supporting organizations that ensure the communities where our employees live and work remain safe and vibrant, while providing opportunities for family-supporting jobs."Local grants provide funding ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to local organizations across Union Pacific's system. Recipients are selected through an open, competitive applications process. To learn more about Union Pacific's Community Ties Giving Program or apply for local grants, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://up.com/communityties" target="_blank">up.com/communityties</a>.Grant recipients are listed by state in the links below. Recipients marked by an asterisk received COVID-19 Relief Grants.<ol>
 <li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_arizona.pdf" target="_blank">Arizona</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_arkansas.pdf" target="_blank">Arkansas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_california.pdf" target="_blank">California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_colorado.pdf" target="_blank">Colorado</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_idaho.pdf" target="_blank">Idaho</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_illinois.pdf" target="_blank">Illinois</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_indiana.pdf" target="_blank">Indiana</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_iowa.pdf" target="_blank">Iowa</a></li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_kansas.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_louisiana.pdf" target="_blank">Louisiana</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_minnesota.pdf" target="_blank">Minnesota</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_missouri.pdf" target="_blank">Missouri</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_montana.pdf" target="_blank">Montana</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_nebraska.pdf" target="_blank">Nebraska</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_nevada.pdf" target="_blank">Nevada</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_new_mexico.pdf" target="_blank">New Mexico</a></li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_oklahoma.pdf" target="_blank">Oklahoma</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/pdf_up_found_2020_oregon.pdf" target="_blank">Oregon</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_tennessee.pdf" target="_blank">Tennessee</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_texas.pdf" target="_blank">Texas</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_utah.pdf" target="_blank">Utah</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_washington.pdf" target="_blank">Washington</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_wisconsin.pdf" target="_blank">Wisconsin</a></li><li><a href="http://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@newsinfo/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/img_up_found_2020_wyoming.pdf" target="_blank">Wyoming</a></li>
 </ol>

Union Pacific awards $10.2 million in local grants, mostly for COVID-19 relief

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600338270463.jpeg" alt="Brittany Lynne Price: Safekeeper-Duel County" />
 <figcaption>Brittany Lynne Price: Safekeeper-Duel County</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600338300161.jpeg" alt="Daryll Brett Foster: Theft by Unlawful Taking, Trespassing" />
 <figcaption>Daryll Brett Foster: Theft by Unlawful Taking, Trespassing</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600338330586.jpeg" alt="Mark Ollie O'Dean: Probation Violation" />
 <figcaption>Mark Ollie O'Dean: Probation Violation</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600338355547.jpeg" alt="Caleb Tipton Orander: Fugitive from Justice" />
 <figcaption>Caleb Tipton Orander: Fugitive from Justice</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600338384432.jpeg" alt="Tara Katherine Baker: Terroristic Threats" />
 <figcaption>Tara Katherine Baker: Terroristic Threats</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600338411221.jpeg" alt="Brandi Nicole Knutson: Custodial Sanction" />
 <figcaption>Brandi Nicole Knutson: Custodial Sanction</figcaption>
 </figure><div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests/" target="_blank">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a></h2>
This information is not a criminal history. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced. All individuals included in this post are presumed innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The North Platte Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint to
admin@northplattepost.com.



</div>

The Hot Sheets (9.17.20): I Got a New Complaint

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-For
the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army is starting its
annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country in order
to rescue Christmas. The funds raised through the organization’s
iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while
requests for services are at an all-time high.

Based
on the increase in services already provided in response to the
pandemic, the organization could serve up to 155 percent more people
in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the
table, paying bills, providing shelter, and helping place gifts under
the tree – assuming the resources are available. In Lincoln County,
we served135 families last year. If we see the same level of
increased requests for service, that would mean 209 families would
need our help this holiday season.

At
the same time, due to the closing of retail stores, consumers
carrying less cash and coins, and the decline in foot traffic, The
Salvation Army could see up to a 50 percent decrease in funds raised
nationally through the red kettles, which would limit their
capability to provide services for the most vulnerable. To put this
in perspective, last year $126 million was raised nationally through
about 30,000 red kettles.  In North Platte, we raised $54,532 through
11 red kettle locations.

"We
have been serving through the crisis, providing assistance to many
families in Lincoln County.  We appreciate the support of our
community thus far, but we know that the need continues to grow. 
More people will be looking to The Salvation Army to help them
through these challenging times," said Major Harold Poff, Corps
Officer.

Since
March, The Salvation Army North Platte has provided food to 520
families, assisted 18 families with rent and utilities, and
distributed produce to approximately 11,400 families in our
community. Now more than ever, they’re making it safer and simpler
to donate in order to support the most vulnerable in our community.

The
traditional red kettles will be deployed locally beginning November 9
and will continue through December 24.

Every
donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay
within the community in which they are given. Visit
RescueChristmas.org to donate or learn more about how you can help
The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year. If you need services
or know of someone in need, please visit
centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northplatte/ to find a location near
you.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-For
the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army is starting its
annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country in order
to rescue Christmas. The funds raised through the organization’s
iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while
requests for services are at an all-time high.Based
on the increase in services already provided in response to the
pandemic, the organization could serve up to 155 percent more people
in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the
table, paying bills, providing shelter, and helping place gifts under
the tree – assuming the resources are available. In Lincoln County,
we served135 families last year. If we see the same level of
increased requests for service, that would mean 209 families would
need our help this holiday season.At
the same time, due to the closing of retail stores, consumers
carrying less cash and coins, and the decline in foot traffic, The
Salvation Army could see up to a 50 percent decrease in funds raised
nationally through the red kettles, which would limit their
capability to provide services for the most vulnerable. To put this
in perspective, last year $126 million was raised nationally through
about 30,000 red kettles. In North Platte, we raised $54,532 through
11 red kettle locations."We
have been serving through the crisis, providing assistance to many
families in Lincoln County. We appreciate the support of our
community thus far, but we know that the need continues to grow. 
More people will be looking to The Salvation Army to help them
through these challenging times," said Major Harold Poff, Corps
Officer.Since
March, The Salvation Army North Platte has provided food to 520
families, assisted 18 families with rent and utilities, and
distributed produce to approximately 11,400 families in our
community. Now more than ever, they’re making it safer and simpler
to donate in order to support the most vulnerable in our community.<ol>
 <li>The
	best way to ensure that these vital services continue is to enlist
	in Love’s Army with a sustaining monthly gift of $25 per month.
	</li><li><a></a>
	The
	Red Kettles will be in place beginning November 9 and will be in position through December 24. To help ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors, and partners, The Salvation Army has adopted nationally mandated safety protocols.
	</li><li>Donate
	digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay at any red kettle in North
	Platte.
	</li><li>Ask
	Amazon Alexa to donate by saying, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation
	Army,” then specifying the amount.
	</li><li>Give
	any amount by texting “KETTLES” to 91999.
	</li><li>Donate
	physical gifts in bulk.
	</li><li>Adopt
	additional Angels to give hope and joy to kids and families in need
	through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
</li>
 </ol>The
traditional red kettles will be deployed locally beginning November 9
and will continue through December 24.Every
donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay
within the community in which they are given. Visit
RescueChristmas.org to donate or learn more about how you can help
The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year. If you need services
or know of someone in need, please visit
centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northplatte/ to find a location near
you.

Salvation Army North Platte sets out to 'Rescue Christmas' amid COVID pandemic

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department reported six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County on Wednesday.

Officials say all cases are currently classified as under investigation.

Two cases are from September 15, 2020, and four cases are from today, September 16.

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR0bbmEr1JD-7z5fRmbZjts3Wn_vagG7kiNJhHyTYfj4mLBREJIOvW1IGok#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department reported six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County on Wednesday.Officials say all cases are currently classified as under investigation.Two cases are from September 15, 2020, and four cases are from today, September 16.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR0bbmEr1JD-7z5fRmbZjts3Wn_vagG7kiNJhHyTYfj4mLBREJIOvW1IGok#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600306690565.png" alt="covid update september 16 2020.png" />
 <figcaption>covid update september 16 2020.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

WCDHD reports 6 new COVID cases in Lincoln County on Wednesday

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The North Platte Police Department received a surprise at the weekly City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Prior to the regular agenda items at the meeting, Rev. Michael Broome of the African Coalition of America surprised North Platte Chief of Police Daniel Hudson by presenting the department with a plaque thanking them for their service to the African American citizens of North Platte.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600305969081.png" alt="North Platte Chief of Police Daniel Hudson and Micheal Broome" />
 <figcaption>North Platte Chief of Police Daniel Hudson and Micheal Broome</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The North Platte Police Department received a surprise at the weekly City Council meeting on Tuesday.Prior to the regular agenda items at the meeting, Rev. Michael Broome of the African Coalition of America surprised North Platte Chief of Police Daniel Hudson by presenting the department with a plaque thanking them for their service to the African American citizens of North Platte.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600306205157.png" alt="hudson-plaque.png" />
 <figcaption>hudson-plaque.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

North Platte Police Department honored for service to African American citizens

NDOT: 24 people killed on Nebraska roadways in August

By Jake Hasenauer - NPHS Cross Country Coach

I was very proud of how each of our kids competed on a tough course today!&nbsp;Fifteen teams had runners in attendance today, and both North Platte teams brought home the championship.&nbsp; McCook is one of the hardest courses we run on.&nbsp; Our word of the week was "determination".&nbsp; I told the kids all week to tell themselves, "I love this hill", each time they went up one.&nbsp; Running is very hard physically, but also super tough mentally as well.&nbsp; I was proud of how our athletes rose to the challenge&nbsp;of a mentally tough course and were each able to defend their team titles from a year ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Evan Caudy led the boys to a victory with a 17:00 5K.&nbsp; Second place was nearly one minute behind him.&nbsp; Evan's goal was to break the 17 minute mark today on our most challenging course, very few people have ever broken 17 on this course, so getting right to that mark was impressive.&nbsp; All of the varsity&nbsp;boys medaled today to help lead the team to victory with Evan's first place finish, followed by: Jonah San Miguel (5th), Rian Teets (7th), Tom Moss (8th), Aaron Franz (10th), and Quade Lowe (12th).&nbsp;&nbsp;

The girls had a great battle with McCook beating them out by 9 points for the victory!&nbsp; There was lots to be proud of on the girls side.&nbsp; The girls battled tough and were very determined to race well for their team.&nbsp; Zarah Blaesi led the way for the girls with a 2nd place finish, followed by: Evelyn Blaesi (7th), Nelia Rivas (8th), and Lexi Hoatson (14th).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both JV teams won also, with Marissa Holm leading the way for the girls with a 1st place finish, followed by Boston Pettera (2nd), Shelby Steele (5th), Ashlynn Ditch (6th), and Audrey Eisenrich (8th).&nbsp; The boys were led by Gabe Jenny (1st) followed by Ben Steele (2nd), Trenton Golter (3rd), Ainsley Schroeder (4th), Rayce Moerke (5th), Oban Sandoval (8th), and Hunter Hothan (10th).&nbsp; This was the 3rd meet this season the JV Boys have earned the front five medals and they have won each JV meet this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Results:<a href="https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/174252/results" target="_blank">https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/174252/results</a>

By Jake Hasenauer - NPHS Cross Country CoachI was very proud of how each of our kids competed on a tough course today!&nbsp;Fifteen teams had runners in attendance today, and both North Platte teams brought home the championship.&nbsp; McCook is one of the hardest courses we run on.&nbsp; Our word of the week was "determination".&nbsp; I told the kids all week to tell themselves, "I love this hill", each time they went up one.&nbsp; Running is very hard physically, but also super tough mentally as well.&nbsp; I was proud of how our athletes rose to the challenge&nbsp;of a mentally tough course and were each able to defend their team titles from a year ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;Evan Caudy led the boys to a victory with a 17:00 5K.&nbsp; Second place was nearly one minute behind him.&nbsp; Evan's goal was to break the 17 minute mark today on our most challenging course, very few people have ever broken 17 on this course, so getting right to that mark was impressive.&nbsp; All of the varsity&nbsp;boys medaled today to help lead the team to victory with Evan's first place finish, followed by: Jonah San Miguel (5th), Rian Teets (7th), Tom Moss (8th), Aaron Franz (10th), and Quade Lowe (12th).&nbsp;&nbsp;The girls had a great battle with McCook beating them out by 9 points for the victory!&nbsp; There was lots to be proud of on the girls side.&nbsp; The girls battled tough and were very determined to race well for their team.&nbsp; Zarah Blaesi led the way for the girls with a 2nd place finish, followed by: Evelyn Blaesi (7th), Nelia Rivas (8th), and Lexi Hoatson (14th).&nbsp;&nbsp;Both JV teams won also, with Marissa Holm leading the way for the girls with a 1st place finish, followed by Boston Pettera (2nd), Shelby Steele (5th), Ashlynn Ditch (6th), and Audrey Eisenrich (8th).&nbsp; The boys were led by Gabe Jenny (1st) followed by Ben Steele (2nd), Trenton Golter (3rd), Ainsley Schroeder (4th), Rayce Moerke (5th), Oban Sandoval (8th), and Hunter Hothan (10th).&nbsp; This was the 3rd meet this season the JV Boys have earned the front five medals and they have won each JV meet this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Results:<a href="https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/174252/results" target="_blank">https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/174252/results</a>

NPHS Cross Country: McCook Invite Recap and Results

On Thursday afternoon the NSAA finished up its board of directors meeting with news that will impact all Class A football teams this year.&nbsp; Everyone is going to the playoffs.&nbsp; Because of the Nine Omaha Public Schools teams that are voluntarily sitting out of football this fall, along with games that have been cancelled already due to coronavirus reasons, the NSAA felt it was necessary to put everyone into the playoffs to ensure all 24 remaining teams have a full nine-game season.&nbsp;

The playoffs will start in week 9 (effectively cancelling the final game of the season against Columbus for NPHS) and will be seeded by a committee that will be formed soon.&nbsp;

The committee will consider all games, including those the NSAA counts as replacement games (which don't count toward wild card points) in their discussions of seeding.&nbsp;

More information will come out as we get closer to week 9 and the NSAA finalizes the rest of the details.&nbsp;

On Thursday afternoon the NSAA finished up its board of directors meeting with news that will impact all Class A football teams this year.&nbsp; Everyone is going to the playoffs.&nbsp; Because of the Nine Omaha Public Schools teams that are voluntarily sitting out of football this fall, along with games that have been cancelled already due to coronavirus reasons, the NSAA felt it was necessary to put everyone into the playoffs to ensure all 24 remaining teams have a full nine-game season.&nbsp;The playoffs will start in week 9 (effectively cancelling the final game of the season against Columbus for NPHS) and will be seeded by a committee that will be formed soon.&nbsp;The committee will consider all games, including those the NSAA counts as replacement games (which don't count toward wild card points) in their discussions of seeding.&nbsp;More information will come out as we get closer to week 9 and the NSAA finalizes the rest of the details.&nbsp;

NSAA: Everyone going to the playoffs

The NCAA men’s and women’s basketball season will begin Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving.

The Division I Council voted Wednesday to push the start date back from the originally scheduled Nov. 10 as one of several precautions against the spread of coronavirus.

The later start date coincides with the decision most schools made to send students home from Thanksgiving until January out of concern about a potential late-fall and early-winter flareup of COVID-19. Closed campuses could serve as a quasi bubble for players and provide a window for nonconference games.

“The fact our campuses will be clearing out, it will be possible to just further control the exposures, and the 25th gives us that opportunity,” said Division I Council chair Grace Calhoun, the athletic director at Penn.

The men’s and women’s basketball oversight committees had jointly recommended a start date of Nov. 21, a Saturday. Calhoun said the council wanted to avoid a weekend start date because of potential overlaps of basketball and football games on campuses.

The maximum number of regular-season games has been reduced from 31 to 27.

“The rationale was that during the season teams tend to play an average of two games a week, so the fact we’re shortening the season by two weeks necessitated the reduction in games so we’re not being counterproductive and trying to jam more in a shortened season,” Calhoun said.

The minimum number of games for consideration for the NCAA Tournament was cut from 25 to 13. Calhoun said the low minimum is an acknowledgement that schools probably will experience different levels of COVID-19 cases and have to alter schedules.

“We fully anticipate there are going to be some issues as we go through the season, much like we’ve seen in football, so we want there to be flexibility for institutions to put together seasons,” she said.

Teams can start preseason practices Oct. 14. Beginning Monday, teams will be allowed to participate in strength and conditioning and sport-related meetings and skill instruction for up to 12 hours a week, with an eight-hour limit on skill instruction.

No scrimmages against other teams or exhibitions are allowed. It also was recommended each team play a minimum of four nonconference games.

The council is scheduled to meet again Oct. 13-14 and could delay the start date and change other pieces of the basketball framework if circumstances surrounding the virus warrant.

The council also voted to extend the recruiting dead period for all sports until Jan. 1. In-person recruiting is prohibited during a dead period, though phone calls and other correspondence are allowed.

Also approved was civic engagement legislation. Practicing, competing and other countable athletically related activities will be prohibited on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November each year, including this year’s Election Day on Nov. 3.

The Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee proposed the legislation to provide a day each year dedicated to increasing opportunities for athletes to participate in activities such as voting or community service.

By ERIC OLSON - Associated PressThe NCAA men’s and women’s basketball season will begin Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving.The Division I Council voted Wednesday to push the start date back from the originally scheduled Nov. 10 as one of several precautions against the spread of coronavirus.The later start date coincides with the decision most schools made to send students home from Thanksgiving until January out of concern about a potential late-fall and early-winter flareup of COVID-19. Closed campuses could serve as a quasi bubble for players and provide a window for nonconference games.“The fact our campuses will be clearing out, it will be possible to just further control the exposures, and the 25th gives us that opportunity,” said Division I Council chair Grace Calhoun, the athletic director at Penn.The men’s and women’s basketball oversight committees had jointly recommended a start date of Nov. 21, a Saturday. Calhoun said the council wanted to avoid a weekend start date because of potential overlaps of basketball and football games on campuses.The maximum number of regular-season games has been reduced from 31 to 27.“The rationale was that during the season teams tend to play an average of two games a week, so the fact we’re shortening the season by two weeks necessitated the reduction in games so we’re not being counterproductive and trying to jam more in a shortened season,” Calhoun said.The minimum number of games for consideration for the NCAA Tournament was cut from 25 to 13. Calhoun said the low minimum is an acknowledgement that schools probably will experience different levels of COVID-19 cases and have to alter schedules.“We fully anticipate there are going to be some issues as we go through the season, much like we’ve seen in football, so we want there to be flexibility for institutions to put together seasons,” she said.Teams can start preseason practices Oct. 14. Beginning Monday, teams will be allowed to participate in strength and conditioning and sport-related meetings and skill instruction for up to 12 hours a week, with an eight-hour limit on skill instruction.No scrimmages against other teams or exhibitions are allowed. It also was recommended each team play a minimum of four nonconference games.The council is scheduled to meet again Oct. 13-14 and could delay the start date and change other pieces of the basketball framework if circumstances surrounding the virus warrant.The council also voted to extend the recruiting dead period for all sports until Jan. 1. In-person recruiting is prohibited during a dead period, though phone calls and other correspondence are allowed.Also approved was civic engagement legislation. Practicing, competing and other countable athletically related activities will be prohibited on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November each year, including this year’s Election Day on Nov. 3.The Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee proposed the legislation to provide a day each year dedicated to increasing opportunities for athletes to participate in activities such as voting or community service.

NCAA basketball season set to open day before Thanksgiving

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Now that the Big Ten has a rescheduled kickoff weekend, coaches and players can start the sprint to opening day.

After canceling spring football, limiting and sometimes pausing offseason workouts, shutting down full-contact practices and eventually postponing the season, the league’s 14 university presidents and chancellors have given teams five weeks to accomplish what typically takes months — getting into football shape by late October for the start of a most unusual season.

“We’re going to be ready to play on (October) the 24th,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said, referring to the new opening weekend. “You know, the ramp up to that, and the 20 hours (of weekly practice), and putting on pads has been well thought out. So we’ll be ready. We’ll play with depth.”

Vocal critics of the school leaders who voted 11-3 to postpone all fall sports amid an August uptick in COVID-19 cases have been largely silenced by the unanimous vote that put Big Ten football back on the calendar alongside the ACC, Big 12 and SEC.

Those who play the sport, teach the sport and watch the sport almost universally expressed joy and relief Wednesday, knowing football will return. Like those other conferences, though, Big Ten football will look different in many ways.

Stadiums will be mostly empty and tickets will not be sold to the public. The season has been reduced from 12 games to eight with the opportunity for a ninth around the Dec. 19 conference championship game.

Players will undergo daily antigen testing before practice and if two tests confirm a positive result, the player must sit out 21 days before being cleared for game action. Those who contract COVID-19 must be cleared by a school-designated cardiologist before returning. Teams will have backup plans if the head coach or an assistant falls ill.

Not everyone is following the same script, either. Indiana University plans to conduct daily testing starting Thursday. The league won’t require it until Sept. 30.

And though everyone understands the guidelines and polices, coaches may spend more time over the next few weeks contemplating how to properly sanitize practice facilities, meeting rooms and locker rooms than crafting game plans because the healthiest team could emerge as the league champ.

“My initial concerns were how do you meet, how do you practice, how do you keep social distancing during your practice but (also) in meetings and all the situations when you have close quarters.“ said Wisconsin athletic director and former football coach Barry Alvarez, who noted he’s been assured it’s achievable. “To me, that was the hardest (part), this adjusting your players and coaches to a change in how you go about your day-to-day routine.”

On the field, there are other risks like injuries.

While the Big Ten permitted teams to run and lift weights as well as doing light work in helmets for 12 hours per week over the past month, the intensity of full-contact practices will pick up quickly.

Purdue coach Jeff Brohm and Indiana coach Tom Allen don’t plan to change much this week or next.

“I think the following week, on a Tuesday — as of now I don’t think that’s set in stone — maybe the first day in shells,” Brohm said, referring to Sept. 29. “That Wednesday, the following day, may be our first day in pads, though I don’t know that’s fully set in stone.”

What else will be on the coaches’ plates? Discussions about travel and depth charts and playbooks. And some non-traditional recruiting.

Day believes he can persuade offensive lineman Wyatt Davis and cornerback Shaun Wade to play after each previously said they would opt out to focus on their NFL hopes. Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth confirmed he plans to play while Brohm plans to see if Rondale Moore, one of the league’s most electric players, might return to the Boilermakers.

“We’re going to support any decision he wants to make and the direction he wants to go,” Brohm said. “But yes, we’re definitely going to look into it and see where that goes.”

By playing nine consecutive weekends, the Big Ten can finish in time to be in the playoff mix and the bowls hunt. Friday night telecasts are likely to return while traditional Thanksgiving weekend rivalries, such as Michigan-Ohio State and Indiana-Purdue, could find new dates. And then there’s the cross-division finish against a Week 9 opponent yet to be determined.

“I have to give (Michigan coach) Jim Harbaugh a lot of credit as he was the one that came up with that idea,” Allen said. “We talked for a long time about how we decide who that ninth game is against, whether it was a blind draw against somebody from the other division. But he came up with the way to have parity in that last game. That is where we came up with the No. 7 plays No. 7 and so on.”

But despite all the unknowns, all the fears and no time to waste, there is one unifying hope it all goes off without a hitch.

“Our players want to play, our coaches want to coach and our fans want to watch,” Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos said. “We’re going to be able to do all these things now, so that’s why it’s a celebration. I believe, and very strongly, that the state of Nebraska needs football. In the world I live in, football needs Nebraska. We’re going to be able to deliver that and I’m very very excited.”

By MICHAEL MAROT - Associated PressINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Now that the Big Ten has a rescheduled kickoff weekend, coaches and players can start the sprint to opening day.Expect a wild ride.After canceling spring football, limiting and sometimes pausing offseason workouts, shutting down full-contact practices and eventually postponing the season, the league’s 14 university presidents and chancellors have given teams five weeks to accomplish what typically takes months — getting into football shape by late October for the start of a most unusual season.“We’re going to be ready to play on (October) the 24th,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said, referring to the new opening weekend. “You know, the ramp up to that, and the 20 hours (of weekly practice), and putting on pads has been well thought out. So we’ll be ready. We’ll play with depth.”Vocal critics of the school leaders who voted 11-3 to postpone all fall sports amid an August uptick in COVID-19 cases have been largely silenced by the unanimous vote that put Big Ten football back on the calendar alongside the ACC, Big 12 and SEC.Those who play the sport, teach the sport and watch the sport almost universally expressed joy and relief Wednesday, knowing football will return. Like those other conferences, though, Big Ten football will look different in many ways.Stadiums will be mostly empty and tickets will not be sold to the public. The season has been reduced from 12 games to eight with the opportunity for a ninth around the Dec. 19 conference championship game.Players will undergo daily antigen testing before practice and if two tests confirm a positive result, the player must sit out 21 days before being cleared for game action. Those who contract COVID-19 must be cleared by a school-designated cardiologist before returning. Teams will have backup plans if the head coach or an assistant falls ill.Not everyone is following the same script, either. Indiana University plans to conduct daily testing starting Thursday. The league won’t require it until Sept. 30.And though everyone understands the guidelines and polices, coaches may spend more time over the next few weeks contemplating how to properly sanitize practice facilities, meeting rooms and locker rooms than crafting game plans because the healthiest team could emerge as the league champ.“My initial concerns were how do you meet, how do you practice, how do you keep social distancing during your practice but (also) in meetings and all the situations when you have close quarters.“ said Wisconsin athletic director and former football coach Barry Alvarez, who noted he’s been assured it’s achievable. “To me, that was the hardest (part), this adjusting your players and coaches to a change in how you go about your day-to-day routine.”On the field, there are other risks like injuries.While the Big Ten permitted teams to run and lift weights as well as doing light work in helmets for 12 hours per week over the past month, the intensity of full-contact practices will pick up quickly.Purdue coach Jeff Brohm and Indiana coach Tom Allen don’t plan to change much this week or next.“I think the following week, on a Tuesday — as of now I don’t think that’s set in stone — maybe the first day in shells,” Brohm said, referring to Sept. 29. “That Wednesday, the following day, may be our first day in pads, though I don’t know that’s fully set in stone.”What else will be on the coaches’ plates? Discussions about travel and depth charts and playbooks. And some non-traditional recruiting.Day believes he can persuade offensive lineman Wyatt Davis and cornerback Shaun Wade to play after each previously said they would opt out to focus on their NFL hopes. Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth confirmed he plans to play while Brohm plans to see if Rondale Moore, one of the league’s most electric players, might return to the Boilermakers.“We’re going to support any decision he wants to make and the direction he wants to go,” Brohm said. “But yes, we’re definitely going to look into it and see where that goes.”Schedules will look different, too.By playing nine consecutive weekends, the Big Ten can finish in time to be in the playoff mix and the bowls hunt. Friday night telecasts are likely to return while traditional Thanksgiving weekend rivalries, such as Michigan-Ohio State and Indiana-Purdue, could find new dates. And then there’s the cross-division finish against a Week 9 opponent yet to be determined.“I have to give (Michigan coach) Jim Harbaugh a lot of credit as he was the one that came up with that idea,” Allen said. “We talked for a long time about how we decide who that ninth game is against, whether it was a blind draw against somebody from the other division. But he came up with the way to have parity in that last game. That is where we came up with the No. 7 plays No. 7 and so on.”But despite all the unknowns, all the fears and no time to waste, there is one unifying hope it all goes off without a hitch.“Our players want to play, our coaches want to coach and our fans want to watch,” Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos said. “We’re going to be able to do all these things now, so that’s why it’s a celebration. I believe, and very strongly, that the state of Nebraska needs football. In the world I live in, football needs Nebraska. We’re going to be able to deliver that and I’m very very excited.”

Big Ten teams start sprint toward unusual football season

If you were one of the many that held out hope that we would have Big 10 football this fall, today is a good day for you.&nbsp;

While no official announcement has come out of the Big 10 as of yet, multiple sources are now reporting that the announcement is imminent.&nbsp; From the bits and pieces, we have gathered it will be an eight-game season over an eight-week span. Games would start on Oct. 23rd.&nbsp;

The big change is the medical community has come up with reliable ways to rapidly test players and staff reducing the need for extensive contact tracing.&nbsp;

Here is the release from the Big 10:&nbsp;

The Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C) adopted significant medical protocols including daily antigen testing, enhanced cardiac screening and an enhanced data-driven approach when making decisions about practice/competition. The COP/C voted unanimously to resume the football season starting the weekend of October 23-24, 2020. The decision was based on information presented by the Big Ten Return to Competition Task Force, a working group that was established by the COP/C and Commissioner Kevin Warren to ensure a collaborative and transparent process.

The Big Ten will require student-athletes, coaches, trainers and other individuals that are on the field for all practices and games to undergo daily antigen testing. Test results must be completed and recorded prior to each practice or game. Student-athletes who test positive for the coronavirus through point of contact (POC) daily testing would require a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to confirm the result of the POC test.

“Everyone associated with the Big Ten should be very proud of the groundbreaking steps that are now being taken to better protect the health and safety of the student-athletes and surrounding communities,” said Dr. Jim Borchers, Head Team Physician, The Ohio State University and co-chair of the Return to Competition Task Force medical subcommittee.

“The data we are going to collect from testing and the cardiac registry will provide major contributions for all 14 Big Ten institutions as they study COVID-19 and attempt to mitigate the spread of the disease among wider communities.”

Each institution will designate a Chief Infection Officer (CInO) who will oversee the collection and reporting of data for the Big Ten Conference. Team test positivity rate and population positivity rate thresholds will be used to determine recommendations for continuing practice and competition.

All COVID-19 positive student-athletes will have to undergo comprehensive cardiac testing to include labs and biomarkers, ECG, Echocardiogram and a Cardiac MRI. Following cardiac evaluation, student-athletes must receive clearance from a cardiologist designated by the university for the primary purpose of cardiac clearance for COVID-19 positive student-athletes. The earliest a student-athlete can return to game competition is 21 days following a COVID-19 positive diagnosis.

In addition to the medical protocols approved, the 14 Big Ten institutions will establish a cardiac registry in an effort to examine the effects on COVID-19 positive student-athletes. The registry and associated data will attempt to answer many of the unknowns regarding the cardiac manifestations in COVID-19 positive elite athletes.

“From the onset of the pandemic, our highest priority has been the health and the safety of our students. The new medical protocols and standards put into place by the Big Ten Return To Competition Task Force were pivotal in the decision to move forward with sports in the conference,” said Morton Schapiro, Chair of the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors and Northwestern University President, and Chair of the Return to Competition Task Force Steering Committee. “We appreciate the conference’s dedication to developing the necessary safety procedures for our students and the communities that embrace them.”

“Our focus with the Task Force over the last six weeks was to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes. Our goal has always been to return to competition so all student-athletes can realize their dream of competing in the sports they love,” said Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren. “We are incredibly grateful for the collaborative work that our Return to Competition Task Force have accomplished to ensure the health, safety and wellness of student-athletes, coaches and administrators.”

The Big Ten Conference will use data provided by each Chief Infection Officer (CInO) to make decisions about the continuation of practice and competition, as determined by team positivity rate and population positivity rate, based on a seven-day rolling average:

Team positivity rate (number of positive tests divided by total number of tests administered):

Population positivity rate (number of positive individuals divided by total population at risk):

Decisions to alter or halt practice and competition will be based on the following scenarios:

Green/Green and Green/Orange: Team continues with normal practice and competition.

Orange/Orange and Orange/Red: Team must proceed with caution and enhance COVID-19 prevention (alter practice and meeting schedule, consider viability of continuing with scheduled competition).

Red/Red: Team must stop regular practice and competition for a minimum of seven days and reassess metrics until improved.

The daily testing will begin by September 30, 2020.

Eventually all Big Ten sports will require testing protocols before they can resume competition. Updates regarding fall sports other than football, as well as winter sports that begin in the fall including men’s and women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and wrestling, will be announced shortly.

The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 14 Big Ten institutions will provide over $200 million in direct financial support to more than 9,800 students for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, including the addition of men’s ice hockey and men’s and women’s lacrosse since 2013. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

If you were one of the many that held out hope that we would have Big 10 football this fall, today is a good day for you.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">The Big Ten is expected to announce a return to football in October, sources confirmed to ESPN, first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The conference postponed all the fall sports seasons on August 11 because of concerns about the pandemic. <a href="https://t.co/kOIlIQITNi">https://t.co/kOIlIQITNi</a>&mdash; ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1306219109143764992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
</div>While no official announcement has come out of the Big 10 as of yet, multiple sources are now reporting that the announcement is imminent.&nbsp; From the bits and pieces, we have gathered it will be an eight-game season over an eight-week span. Games would start on Oct. 23rd.&nbsp;The big change is the medical community has come up with reliable ways to rapidly test players and staff reducing the need for extensive contact tracing.&nbsp;Here is the release from the Big 10:&nbsp;The Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C) adopted significant medical protocols including daily antigen testing, enhanced cardiac screening and an enhanced data-driven approach when making decisions about practice/competition. The COP/C voted unanimously to resume the football season starting the weekend of October 23-24, 2020. The decision was based on information presented by the Big Ten Return to Competition Task Force, a working group that was established by the COP/C and Commissioner Kevin Warren to ensure a collaborative and transparent process.The Big Ten will require student-athletes, coaches, trainers and other individuals that are on the field for all practices and games to undergo daily antigen testing. Test results must be completed and recorded prior to each practice or game. Student-athletes who test positive for the coronavirus through point of contact (POC) daily testing would require a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to confirm the result of the POC test.“Everyone associated with the Big Ten should be very proud of the groundbreaking steps that are now being taken to better protect the health and safety of the student-athletes and surrounding communities,” said Dr. Jim Borchers, Head Team Physician, The Ohio State University and co-chair of the Return to Competition Task Force medical subcommittee. “The data we are going to collect from testing and the cardiac registry will provide major contributions for all 14 Big Ten institutions as they study COVID-19 and attempt to mitigate the spread of the disease among wider communities.”Each institution will designate a Chief Infection Officer (CInO) who will oversee the collection and reporting of data for the Big Ten Conference. Team test positivity rate and population positivity rate thresholds will be used to determine recommendations for continuing practice and competition.All COVID-19 positive student-athletes will have to undergo comprehensive cardiac testing to include labs and biomarkers, ECG, Echocardiogram and a Cardiac MRI. Following cardiac evaluation, student-athletes must receive clearance from a cardiologist designated by the university for the primary purpose of cardiac clearance for COVID-19 positive student-athletes. The earliest a student-athlete can return to game competition is 21 days following a COVID-19 positive diagnosis.In addition to the medical protocols approved, the 14 Big Ten institutions will establish a cardiac registry in an effort to examine the effects on COVID-19 positive student-athletes. The registry and associated data will attempt to answer many of the unknowns regarding the cardiac manifestations in COVID-19 positive elite athletes.“From the onset of the pandemic, our highest priority has been the health and the safety of our students. The new medical protocols and standards put into place by the Big Ten Return To Competition Task Force were pivotal in the decision to move forward with sports in the conference,” said Morton Schapiro, Chair of the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors and Northwestern University President, and Chair of the Return to Competition Task Force Steering Committee. “We appreciate the conference’s dedication to developing the necessary safety procedures for our students and the communities that embrace them.”“Our focus with the Task Force over the last six weeks was to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes. Our goal has always been to return to competition so all student-athletes can realize their dream of competing in the sports they love,” said Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren. “We are incredibly grateful for the collaborative work that our Return to Competition Task Force have accomplished to ensure the health, safety and wellness of student-athletes, coaches and administrators.”The Big Ten Conference will use data provided by each Chief Infection Officer (CInO) to make decisions about the continuation of practice and competition, as determined by team positivity rate and population positivity rate, based on a seven-day rolling average:Team positivity rate (number of positive tests divided by total number of tests administered):Green 0-2%Orange 2-5%Red &gt;5%Population positivity rate (number of positive individuals divided by total population at risk):Green 0-3.5%Orange 3.5-7.5%Red &gt;7.5%Decisions to alter or halt practice and competition will be based on the following scenarios:Green/Green and Green/Orange: Team continues with normal practice and competition.Orange/Orange and Orange/Red: Team must proceed with caution and enhance COVID-19 prevention (alter practice and meeting schedule, consider viability of continuing with scheduled competition).Red/Red: Team must stop regular practice and competition for a minimum of seven days and reassess metrics until improved.The daily testing will begin by September 30, 2020. Eventually all Big Ten sports will require testing protocols before they can resume competition. Updates regarding fall sports other than football, as well as winter sports that begin in the fall including men’s and women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and wrestling, will be announced shortly.The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 14 Big Ten institutions will provide over $200 million in direct financial support to more than 9,800 students for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, including the addition of men’s ice hockey and men’s and women’s lacrosse since 2013. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

UPDATED: BIG 10 back to action

9.15.2020 NPHS Volleyball @ Ogallala

By&nbsp;RALPH D. RUSSO - Associated Press

The University of Wisconsin chancellor said Tuesday that Big Ten football will remain on hold until there are answers to questions about COVID-19 testing and tracing, along with possible long-term heart issues related to the coronavirus.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank said once the Big Ten university leaders have their concerns addressed "we will try to plan a delayed season."

A month after postponing games, conference leaders are considering playing a fall season after all. There were weekend meetings on a plan to begin play as soon as mid-October.

Blank, appearing at a congressional hearing on compensation for college athletes, was asked by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) about the Big Ten's decision last month and whether the conference might reverse course.

"There were several main reasons for that," Blank said. "One was that we were uncertain we could do the level of testing and contact tracing that we needed to keep athletes safe. Secondly, there was this growing evidence about heart-related myocarditis and that evidence was uncertain and it wasn't clear what it means and we wanted to know more. There were a few other minor reasons."

She would not predict which way a vote to return to play would go.

"Decisions within the Big Ten are largely majority based decisions, but I'll be honest, we almost always decide everything by consensus. We very rarely take votes," Blank said.

A court filing earlier this month disclosed that Big Ten presidents and chancellors voted 11-3 in favor of postponing all fall sports. Iowa, Nebraska and Ohio State voted against the move.

When the next decision comes from the Big Ten was unclear, though KETV in Omaha posted video Tuesday of University of Nebraska President Ted Carter saying, "We're getting ready to announce the Huskers and Big Ten football tonight," before he spoke at an unrelated news conference.

Carter later told KLKN in Lincoln that statement was taken out of context.

"When there is any news to share or confirm regarding any Big Ten board decision, it will be announced by the Big Ten," University of Nebraska spokeswoman Deb Fiddelke said.

By&nbsp;RALPH D. RUSSO - Associated PressThe University of Wisconsin chancellor said Tuesday that Big Ten football will remain on hold until there are answers to questions about COVID-19 testing and tracing, along with possible long-term heart issues related to the coronavirus.Chancellor Rebecca Blank said once the Big Ten university leaders have their concerns addressed "we will try to plan a delayed season."A month after postponing games, conference leaders are considering playing a fall season after all. There were weekend meetings on a plan to begin play as soon as mid-October.Blank, appearing at a congressional hearing on compensation for college athletes, was asked by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) about the Big Ten's decision last month and whether the conference might reverse course."There were several main reasons for that," Blank said. "One was that we were uncertain we could do the level of testing and contact tracing that we needed to keep athletes safe. Secondly, there was this growing evidence about heart-related myocarditis and that evidence was uncertain and it wasn't clear what it means and we wanted to know more. There were a few other minor reasons."She would not predict which way a vote to return to play would go."Decisions within the Big Ten are largely majority based decisions, but I'll be honest, we almost always decide everything by consensus. We very rarely take votes," Blank said.A court filing earlier this month disclosed that Big Ten presidents and chancellors voted 11-3 in favor of postponing all fall sports. Iowa, Nebraska and Ohio State voted against the move.When the next decision comes from the Big Ten was unclear, though KETV in Omaha posted video Tuesday of University of Nebraska President Ted Carter saying, "We're getting ready to announce the Huskers and Big Ten football tonight," before he spoke at an unrelated news conference.Carter later told KLKN in Lincoln that statement was taken out of context."When there is any news to share or confirm regarding any Big Ten board decision, it will be announced by the Big Ten," University of Nebraska spokeswoman Deb Fiddelke said.

School leader: B1G football on hold until questions answered

On behalf of NSAA, the Visitors Bureaus in Gering and Scotts Bluff County, Gering and Scottsbluff High Schools and the NSAA State Girls Golf Championship Planning Committee; please see the following announcement in regards to the 2020 NSAA Class B State Girls State Golf Championship.

After evaluating both courses last week during a site visit with NSAA officials, it has been determined that NSAA Class B Girls State Golf Championship will be played at Monument Shadows Golf Course in Gering on&nbsp;October 12 &amp; 13, 2020. The 2021 NSAA Class B Girls Golf Championship is scheduled to be played at Scotts Bluff Country Club.&nbsp;

“We as the local host committee have worked collaboratively with both communities to deliver a tournament that provides the best experience for the competitors that qualify for the state championship,” stated Dave Hoxworth, representing the planning committee. “We personally want to thank both courses for their flexibility to make this the best experience for the players and their parents.” &nbsp;

On behalf of NSAA, the Visitors Bureaus in Gering and Scotts Bluff County, Gering and Scottsbluff High Schools and the NSAA State Girls Golf Championship Planning Committee; please see the following announcement in regards to the 2020 NSAA Class B State Girls State Golf Championship.After evaluating both courses last week during a site visit with NSAA officials, it has been determined that NSAA Class B Girls State Golf Championship will be played at Monument Shadows Golf Course in Gering on&nbsp;October 12 &amp; 13, 2020. The 2021 NSAA Class B Girls Golf Championship is scheduled to be played at Scotts Bluff Country Club.&nbsp;“We as the local host committee have worked collaboratively with both communities to deliver a tournament that provides the best experience for the competitors that qualify for the state championship,” stated Dave Hoxworth, representing the planning committee. “We personally want to thank both courses for their flexibility to make this the best experience for the players and their parents.” &nbsp;

NSAA moves Class B Girls Golf state championships

The Big Ten presidents were presented a comprehensive plan Sunday to conduct a fall football season, but a final decision is still to come.

A person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that the full Council of Presidents and Chancellors heard from all the subcommittees of the conference’s Return to Competition Task Force over 2 1/2 hours. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Big Ten was not making its return to competition plans public.

The person said the meeting broke up without the presidents and chancellors voting and with no set plans for them to reconvene.

Still, if they act quickly Big Ten football could kickoff as soon as the weekend of Oct. 17.

By RALPH D. RUSSO - Associated PressThe Big Ten presidents were presented a comprehensive plan Sunday to conduct a fall football season, but a final decision is still to come.A person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that the full Council of Presidents and Chancellors heard from all the subcommittees of the conference’s Return to Competition Task Force over 2 1/2 hours. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Big Ten was not making its return to competition plans public.The person said the meeting broke up without the presidents and chancellors voting and with no set plans for them to reconvene.Still, if they act quickly Big Ten football could kickoff as soon as the weekend of Oct. 17.The medical part of the presentation focused on what has changed since the conference postponed its entire fall sports season on Aug. 11 because of COVID-19 concerns and how football could be played safely. The emergence of daily rapid-response COVID-19 testing, not available when university leaders decided to pull the plug on the season looms large.If the Big Ten can start by late October, an eight-game season and conference championship game in mid-December is still possible. That schedule could set up Big Ten teams to be part of the College Football Playoff.

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