Nebraskaland Days is back, and back the way we know it and love it. Scotty C. sat down with David Fudge for our first weekly update.

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 </figure>By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostNebraskaland Days is back, and back the way we know it and love it. Scotty C. sat down with David Fudge for our first weekly update.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorthplattepost%2Fvideos%2F483000562851771%2F&show_text=true&width=560" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

🎧 Nebraskaland Days Calendar of Events 

LINCOLN, Neb.-One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Thursday, May 6 drawing is holding a ticket worth $90,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Thursday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $90,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Yesway #1170, 610 E 3rd St, in Alliance. The winning numbers from Thursday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 10, 11, 23, 37, 38. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 501,942. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 8.

During the month of May, the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot will increase by $10,000 each time it is not won because of the Nebraska Pick 5 Jackpot Promotion. See nelottery.com for details.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $818 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

<figure>
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 </figure>News Release Nebraska LotteryLINCOLN, Neb.-One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Thursday, May 6 drawing is holding a ticket worth $90,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Thursday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $90,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Yesway #1170, 610 E 3rd St, in Alliance. The winning numbers from Thursday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 10, 11, 23, 37, 38. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 501,942. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 8.During the month of May, the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot will increase by $10,000 each time it is not won because of the Nebraska Pick 5 Jackpot Promotion. See nelottery.com for details.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $818 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Winning $90K Pick 5 ticket sold in Alliance

News Release Nebraska Game and Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. — A new online guide will help Nebraska anglers correctly identify the fish on the other end of their line.

Fish Key: A Guide to the Most Commonly Caught Fish in Nebraska is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MDYuNDAwNjE3MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaWRlbnRpZmljYXRpb24vIn0.VcTTNXYnPykEqX6kxu5FS3o_Y1_zClV3TAzPcgKixlw/s/1372948182/br/106021746690-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/fishidentification</a>. It’s viewable on mobile devices or can be downloaded and printed to carry along.

The guide is an important tool in ensuring anglers know what they’ve caught; it is intended to be used in tandem with the Fishing Guide, which lists regulations, such as bag and length limits, for fish species at water bodies across Nebraska. These regulations help maintain healthy fish populations and ecosystems.

The Fish Key allows anglers to determine what they’ve caught by selecting among key characteristics, such as whether a fish has scales, whiskers or teeth. By selecting yes or no, anglers are led to a final answer: a family of fish shown in high-color illustration, accompanied by additional information about each fish, its common characteristics, habitat and range.

To find more fishing resources, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MDYuNDAwNjE3MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9Ib3dUb0Zpc2gvIn0.zJayrPdrJPWkcrJKWsYEc1QHCRVpNiZ-ZD4EdSeg-l8/s/1372948182/br/106021746690-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/HowToFish</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616855923688.jpg" alt="" />
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 </figure>News Release Nebraska Game and ParksLINCOLN, Neb. — A new online guide will help Nebraska anglers correctly identify the fish on the other end of their line.Fish Key: A Guide to the Most Commonly Caught Fish in Nebraska is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MDYuNDAwNjE3MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaWRlbnRpZmljYXRpb24vIn0.VcTTNXYnPykEqX6kxu5FS3o_Y1_zClV3TAzPcgKixlw/s/1372948182/br/106021746690-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/fishidentification</a>. It’s viewable on mobile devices or can be downloaded and printed to carry along.The guide is an important tool in ensuring anglers know what they’ve caught; it is intended to be used in tandem with the Fishing Guide, which lists regulations, such as bag and length limits, for fish species at water bodies across Nebraska. These regulations help maintain healthy fish populations and ecosystems.The Fish Key allows anglers to determine what they’ve caught by selecting among key characteristics, such as whether a fish has scales, whiskers or teeth. By selecting yes or no, anglers are led to a final answer: a family of fish shown in high-color illustration, accompanied by additional information about each fish, its common characteristics, habitat and range.To find more fishing resources, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MDYuNDAwNjE3MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9Ib3dUb0Zpc2gvIn0.zJayrPdrJPWkcrJKWsYEc1QHCRVpNiZ-ZD4EdSeg-l8/s/1372948182/br/106021746690-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/HowToFish</a>.

New online resource helps Nebraska anglers ID fish

Alliance – Big Blue Bay will be opening at the end of May when weather and water conditions permit.

Season passes for 2021 swimming season will be available at the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center ONLY from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning May 10.

 Please bring an individual 1”x1” photo of each individual person who will need a pass. If you do not have the necessary photos, staff can take the photo for a $2.00 per photo fee. Prices for season passes are as follows:

Alliance – Big Blue Bay will be opening at the end of May when weather and water conditions permit.Season passes for 2021 swimming season will be available at the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center ONLY from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning May 10. Please bring an individual 1”x1” photo of each individual person who will need a pass. If you do not have the necessary photos, staff can take the photo for a $2.00 per photo fee. Prices for season passes are as follows:Household pass - $150.0017 and under - $65.0018 and older - $80.00Lap Swim Only - $50.00

Big Blue Bay in Alliance to open 

On May 5 Chadron Police Officer Derek Bauer and Sgt.&nbsp;Chelsey Stolley investigated a report of child abuse involving the use of illegal drugs at a residence on Main Street in Chadron. 

"Chadron Police officers with the assistance of the Dawes County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska State Patrol served a search warrant on the residence...and located an adult female and a juvenile inside the residence," Chadron Police Chief Richard Hickstein said. "A search of the residence was conducted and several items were seized as evidence to include suspected methamphetamine, prescription drugs and drug paraphernalia."

Hickstein said officers also found digital scales and glass pipes.

26 year-old Mikela Miller was placed under arrest and lodged in the Dawes County Jail. 

Miller was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine (Class IV felony), Possession of Prescription Medication with out a Prescription (Class IV Felony), Possession of Marijuana less than one ounce (infraction), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (infraction) and Child Abuse (Class IIIA felony). 

Miller's bond was set at 10% of $10,000.00

The Chadron Police Department was assisted by Dawes County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol and Department of Health and Human Services.

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostOn May 5 Chadron Police Officer Derek Bauer and Sgt.&nbsp;Chelsey Stolley investigated a report of child abuse involving the use of illegal drugs at a residence on Main Street in Chadron. "Chadron Police officers with the assistance of the Dawes County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska State Patrol served a search warrant on the residence...and located an adult female and a juvenile inside the residence," Chadron Police Chief Richard Hickstein said. "A search of the residence was conducted and several items were seized as evidence to include suspected methamphetamine, prescription drugs and drug paraphernalia."Hickstein said officers also found digital scales and glass pipes.26 year-old Mikela Miller was placed under arrest and lodged in the Dawes County Jail. Miller was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine (Class IV felony), Possession of Prescription Medication with out a Prescription (Class IV Felony), Possession of Marijuana less than one ounce (infraction), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (infraction) and Child Abuse (Class IIIA felony). Miller's bond was set at 10% of $10,000.00The Chadron Police Department was assisted by Dawes County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol and Department of Health and Human Services.

Chadron woman arrested for meth, prescription drugs, child abuse

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following the release of a new report by the Biden-Harris Administration on their 30 x 30 plan. &nbsp;

“Nebraskans have rightly been concerned about President Biden’s radical climate agenda and his 30 x 30 plan,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp; “To date, his plans have been long on lofty goals and short on details, which has fueled speculation and concern.&nbsp; Today’s report provides few new details and more vague platitudes and goals—and it’s not good.”

“Nebraskans should not be deceived by the report’s ‘America the Beautiful’ branding.&nbsp; This rollout includes the endorsements of a wide array of environmental lobbying groups while mainstream agriculture stakeholders continue to be cut out of the process.”

“While the report states that 30 x 30 will include voluntary private measures, at least in part, this reassurance is not enough. &nbsp;If the Biden Administration really believed that voluntary measures worked, they would leave conservation efforts to the states and private landowners instead of pursuing a national strategy that imposes goals written by federal bureaucrats.”

“As President Biden’s 30 x 30 plan begins to evolve and take shape, my administration will work to stop any interference with our rights that arises.&nbsp; I encourage Nebraskans to be on the lookout in their community for potential federal interventions or other attempts to make land less available.&nbsp; Together, we can push back on federal overreach and protect our way of life.”

A copy of the report can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.doi.gov%2Fsites%2Fdoi.gov%2Ffiles%2Freport-conserving-and-restoring-america-the-beautiful-2021.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C26cf9722abd848d487eb08d910de700a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637559369907972198%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=kxrxt2POZbigiHVnUixbT5fEssPYSCDmu%2FR7SUlEG48%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
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 </figure>News Release Governor RickettsLINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following the release of a new report by the Biden-Harris Administration on their 30 x 30 plan. &nbsp;“Nebraskans have rightly been concerned about President Biden’s radical climate agenda and his 30 x 30 plan,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp; “To date, his plans have been long on lofty goals and short on details, which has fueled speculation and concern.&nbsp; Today’s report provides few new details and more vague platitudes and goals—and it’s not good.”“Nebraskans should not be deceived by the report’s ‘America the Beautiful’ branding.&nbsp; This rollout includes the endorsements of a wide array of environmental lobbying groups while mainstream agriculture stakeholders continue to be cut out of the process.”“While the report states that 30 x 30 will include voluntary private measures, at least in part, this reassurance is not enough. &nbsp;If the Biden Administration really believed that voluntary measures worked, they would leave conservation efforts to the states and private landowners instead of pursuing a national strategy that imposes goals written by federal bureaucrats.”“As President Biden’s 30 x 30 plan begins to evolve and take shape, my administration will work to stop any interference with our rights that arises.&nbsp; I encourage Nebraskans to be on the lookout in their community for potential federal interventions or other attempts to make land less available.&nbsp; Together, we can push back on federal overreach and protect our way of life.”A copy of the report can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.doi.gov%2Fsites%2Fdoi.gov%2Ffiles%2Freport-conserving-and-restoring-america-the-beautiful-2021.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C26cf9722abd848d487eb08d910de700a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637559369907972198%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=kxrxt2POZbigiHVnUixbT5fEssPYSCDmu%2FR7SUlEG48%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts slams President Biden's 'vague' 30x30 report 

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-If you have been wondering how you'll survive the weekend without ice cream from Cody Park Rides and Concessions, wonder no more.

Concessions at Cody Park will reopen tonight after temporarily closing due to staffing issues.

Officials say concessions will be open for full regular hours.

The popular rides at the park will open later this month.

<figure>
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 </figure>Scott Carlson-North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-If you have been wondering how you'll survive the weekend without ice cream from Cody Park Rides and Concessions, wonder no more.Concessions at Cody Park will reopen tonight after temporarily closing due to staffing issues.Officials say concessions will be open for full regular hours.Hours:Friday-5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.Saturday-11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.Sunday-11:a.m.-9:00 p.m.The popular rides at the park will open later this month.

Cody Park Rides and Concessions back in business

MINDEN, Neb.-School board meetings in Minden were heated for several months after a board member refused to wear a mask.

That board member, Katie Sinsel, 42, was removed from an April 12 meeting by police and, on April 26, the board voted to remove her.

According to Kearney County court records, Sinsel has been charged with disturbing the peace and 2nd-degree trespassing, both misdemeanors.

Records say Sinsel will appear in court for a status hearing on July 8.

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 </figure>By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostMINDEN, Neb.-School board meetings in Minden were heated for several months after a board member refused to wear a mask.That board member, Katie Sinsel, 42, was removed from an April 12 meeting by police and, on April 26, the board voted to remove her.Now, she's facing criminal charges.According to Kearney County court records, Sinsel has been charged with disturbing the peace and 2nd-degree trespassing, both misdemeanors.Records say Sinsel will appear in court for a status hearing on July 8.

Ex-Minden school board member removed for not masking, criminally charged

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are moving ahead with a plan to create a special commission that would look at the way the state’s public K-12 schools are funded. 

The measure advanced, 37-5, despite opposition from some lawmakers who see it as a way for school lobbyists to secure more money for their districts. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts has expressed concerns as well, saying he doesn’t want a “rubber stamp” commission that would help build momentum for more spending. 

Lawmakers have sparred over the issue because many want to lower local property taxes, and Nebraska’s K-12 public schools are the biggest consumer of that revenue.

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 </figure>From the Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are moving ahead with a plan to create a special commission that would look at the way the state’s public K-12 schools are funded. The measure advanced, 37-5, despite opposition from some lawmakers who see it as a way for school lobbyists to secure more money for their districts. Gov. Pete Ricketts has expressed concerns as well, saying he doesn’t want a “rubber stamp” commission that would help build momentum for more spending. Lawmakers have sparred over the issue because many want to lower local property taxes, and Nebraska’s K-12 public schools are the biggest consumer of that revenue.

Nebraska moves toward creating school finance commission

By Scott Carlson-North Platte Post

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Kickoff for the North Platte High School girls soccer District final was delayed last night after their opponent's bus was involved in an accident on Interstate 80.

According to the Seward County Sheriff's Office, at around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, deputies responded to an accident on I-80 near mile marker 338.

An investigation revealed that the 62-year-old driver and lone occupant of a minivan crashed into a bus carrying the Lincoln Pius X girls soccer team.

Deputies said there were no serious injuries, but both drivers were transported to Bryan LGH in Lincoln as a precaution.

As deputies investigated further, the driver of the minivan was found to be in possession of approximately $570,000 in suspected drug currency.

The Lady Dawgs won the District final 3-0 to advance to the state tournament at Creighton University in Omaha next week.

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 </figure>By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Kickoff for the North Platte High School girls soccer District final was delayed last night after their opponent's bus was involved in an accident on Interstate 80.According to the Seward County Sheriff's Office, at around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, deputies responded to an accident on I-80 near mile marker 338.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620334036282.png" alt="Photo: Seward County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Seward County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>An investigation revealed that the 62-year-old driver and lone occupant of a minivan crashed into a bus carrying the Lincoln Pius X girls soccer team.Deputies said there were no serious injuries, but both drivers were transported to Bryan LGH in Lincoln as a precaution.As deputies investigated further, the driver of the minivan was found to be in possession of approximately $570,000 in suspected drug currency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620334013874.png" alt="Photo: Seward County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Seward County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation is ongoing.The Lady Dawgs won the District final 3-0 to advance to the state tournament at Creighton University in Omaha next week.

NPHS District soccer final delayed after Pius X's bus in accident

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have given initial approval to watered-down coronavirus protections for meatpacking workers, but the measure faces opposition even though many plants are already following the proposed requirements. 

Senators on Thursday advanced the bill through the first of three required votes, but not with enough votes to override a veto if Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts objects. A similar measure stalled in the Legislature last year. 

The new bill eliminates a 6-foot separation requirement for line workers as well as tougher ventilation standards, but it would still mandate masks, paid leave for workers who test positive, and the opportunity to get tested on company time.

<figure>
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 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have given initial approval to watered-down coronavirus protections for meatpacking workers, but the measure faces opposition even though many plants are already following the proposed requirements. Senators on Thursday advanced the bill through the first of three required votes, but not with enough votes to override a veto if Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts objects. A similar measure stalled in the Legislature last year. The new bill eliminates a 6-foot separation requirement for line workers as well as tougher ventilation standards, but it would still mandate masks, paid leave for workers who test positive, and the opportunity to get tested on company time.

Nebraska advances virus protections for meatpacking workers

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed Doris Feilmeier of Hartington as the 2021 Nebraska Mother of the Year during a ceremony in the Nebraska State Capitol Rotunda.&nbsp; The award recognizes Doris’s devotion to her family and contributions to her community.&nbsp; Among other involvements, Doris has served her community as a service station manager, caregiver, and volunteer at her church and local 4-H club.

Doris and her husband Duane are proud parents of eight children and 25 grandchildren.

To learn more about Doris and other amazing moms in Nebraska, as well as to find information on making a future nomination, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.americanmothers.org%2F%3Fs%3Dnebraska&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd40252af8b9846e834f008d910c6c214%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637559268109518166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=BZRCzGn1dFkS%2BDI8m3tnkiBClfJZaW15%2FxGZey7qgmk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.americanmothers.org/?s=nebraska</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620333026964.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>News Release Gov. Ricketts&nbsp;LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed Doris Feilmeier of Hartington as the 2021 Nebraska Mother of the Year during a ceremony in the Nebraska State Capitol Rotunda.&nbsp; The award recognizes Doris’s devotion to her family and contributions to her community.&nbsp; Among other involvements, Doris has served her community as a service station manager, caregiver, and volunteer at her church and local 4-H club.Doris and her husband Duane are proud parents of eight children and 25 grandchildren.To learn more about Doris and other amazing moms in Nebraska, as well as to find information on making a future nomination, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.americanmothers.org%2F%3Fs%3Dnebraska&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd40252af8b9846e834f008d910c6c214%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637559268109518166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=BZRCzGn1dFkS%2BDI8m3tnkiBClfJZaW15%2FxGZey7qgmk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.americanmothers.org/?s=nebraska</a>.

Gov. Ricketts honors Nebraska's Mother of the Year

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-If you haven't gotten your soon-to-be kindergartner registered for next school year, North Platte Public Schools will hold a special registration event.

The event will be held at the Welcome Center, 301 W. F St., on May 11 and 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Officials said families with students who will enter kindergarten in the Fall of 2021 and have not yet registered, are asked to attend.&nbsp;

Questions can be forwarded to welcomecenter@nppsd.org.

By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-If you haven't gotten your soon-to-be kindergartner registered for next school year, North Platte Public Schools will hold a special registration event.The event will be held at the Welcome Center, 301 W. F St., on May 11 and 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Officials said families with students who will enter kindergarten in the Fall of 2021 and have not yet registered, are asked to attend.&nbsp;The event will be held in-person.Questions can be forwarded to welcomecenter@nppsd.org.<figure>
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North Platte Public Schools to host special kindergarten registration

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State health officials say a small number of Nebraskans who have been vaccinated for the coronavirus later developed COVID-19. 

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said that 343 people have tested positive for COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. But that represents just 0.05% of the 689,561 people who have been fully vaccinated in the state. 

So far, 46.5% of Nebraska’s population over 16 has been vaccinated. The state also said school-aged children who come in contact with someone who is infected with the coronavirus no longer have to quarantine themselves at home. 

Instead, those children can just monitor themselves for symptoms while continuing to attend school.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618856537909.jpg" alt="" />
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 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State health officials say a small number of Nebraskans who have been vaccinated for the coronavirus later developed COVID-19. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said that 343 people have tested positive for COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. But that represents just 0.05% of the 689,561 people who have been fully vaccinated in the state. So far, 46.5% of Nebraska’s population over 16 has been vaccinated. The state also said school-aged children who come in contact with someone who is infected with the coronavirus no longer have to quarantine themselves at home. Instead, those children can just monitor themselves for symptoms while continuing to attend school.

Nebraska says small number of vaccinated people got COVID-19

Some warrants may no longer be active. Never try to apprehend a wanted subject, contact law enforcement.

Some warrants may no longer be active. Never try to apprehend a wanted subject, contact law enforcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620316484307.jpeg" alt="Published May 6, 2021" />
 <figcaption>Published May 6, 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>

Dawson County's Most Wanted

Scotty C. talks with Tad Haneborg from the D&amp;N Event Center about some big plans for the venue. Find out how the D&amp;N wants to get bigger and better.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dandneventcenter/">D&amp;N Event Center on Facebook</a>

Visit their website <a href="https://www.dandnnp.com/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582239655657.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Scotty C. talks with Tad Haneborg from the D&amp;N Event Center about some big plans for the venue. Find out how the D&amp;N wants to get bigger and better.<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: The D&N Event Center wants to get bigger and better" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cvnsg-102c15b-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=6&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620314925086.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620314939041.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dandneventcenter/">D&amp;N Event Center on Facebook</a>Visit their website <a href="https://www.dandnnp.com/">HERE</a>.

🎧 Post Podcast: The D&N Event Center wants to get bigger and better

Nebraska is the least indebted State in the country because our state government, like our people, lives within its means.&nbsp; We take a common sense approach to finances.&nbsp; We pay as we go for new projects instead of taking on debt.&nbsp; This approach has helped us to build high-quality infrastructure and to grow Nebraska without mortgaging our future.

Last week, President Biden unveiled his administration’s new $2.3 trillion spending plan.&nbsp; It’s clear the President doesn’t share Nebraskans’ approach to managing finances.&nbsp; In 2020, the federal government had its largest budget deficit since World War II.&nbsp; In the midst of a historic pandemic, emergency spending made sense, but as we emerge from the pandemic a return to normalcy must include a return to fiscal discipline.&nbsp;

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) monitors the condition of our nation’s finances.&nbsp; In December, the CBO reported that publicly held federal debt is on pace to reach the highest level in U.S. history by 2023.&nbsp; “The growing debt burden...raises borrowing costs, slowing the growth of the economy and national income, and it increases the risk of a fiscal crisis,” the CBO warned.

The President is trying to sell his costly plan as an investment.&nbsp; In Nebraska, we don’t say it’s an “investment” when someone maxes out their credit cards.&nbsp; We call it what it is: irresponsible.&nbsp; In an effort to sell the public on such a big jump in spending, the President is touting his plan as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity.&nbsp; In reality, it’s a recipe for multi-generational indebtedness.&nbsp; And while the President has called this his infrastructure plan, only about five percent of this spending involves roads and bridges. &nbsp;If the President gets his way, our kids and grandkids will be paying the bill for generations to come.

Here in Nebraska, we’ve shown how to build reliable infrastructure without going into debt.&nbsp; We’ve used the Build Nebraska Act (BNA) of 2011 and the Transportation Innovation Act (TIA) of 2016 to make progress in completing expressways and repairing bridges around the state.&nbsp; For example, these funds are helping to build the Fremont Southeast Beltway and the long-planned Lincoln South Beltway.&nbsp; In March, crews began construction on US-385 northeast of Bayard.&nbsp; The project, funded through the BNA, will build 14 miles of divided, four-lane highway as part of the Heartland Expressway.&nbsp; The widening of US-275 between Fremont and Norfolk will also utilize these programs—once the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues an environmental permit for the project to move forward.

In January, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) announced its fifth round of funding through the County Bridge Map Program (CBMP).&nbsp; Created as part of the TIA, the program provides counties with 55% of eligible bridge construction costs, with counties providing a 45% match.&nbsp; Since its inception, the CBMP has helped to repair or replace over 300 bridges in 64 counties.&nbsp;

While the Legislature has authorized funds to invest in our roads and bridges, NDOT has been making the most of taxpayer dollars by making process improvements.&nbsp; For example, in 2018, NDOT entered into a partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to begin the process of assuming responsibility for environmental reviews of federally funded highway projects.&nbsp; This can enable NDOT to deliver projects more quickly while still ensuring proper care of our lands and wildlife.

In addition to state-level projects, we’ve also helped cities and counties invest in their infrastructure.&nbsp; The State of Nebraska’s Federal Funds Purchase Program has helped cut red tape for local governments for several years.&nbsp; The program allows the State to swap the counties’ and first-class cities’ share of federal dollars for state dollars. &nbsp;Those state dollars allow local agencies to tailor projects to better meet their local needs without navigating the bureaucratic federal regulatory framework. &nbsp;Previously, the State swapped each dollar of federal funds for 80 cents of state funds.&nbsp; Under my administration we increased the rate to 90 cents for every federal dollar.&nbsp; Improving the rate of exchange is helping cities and counties invest more money in local infrastructure projects.

National studies confirm that Nebraska has built high-quality infrastructure.&nbsp; In November, the Reason Foundation ranked Nebraska 12th&nbsp;overall in its annual report of state highway performance.&nbsp; Our state ranked 8th&nbsp;in the nation for having the lowest total expenditures per mile.&nbsp; That’s a great sign that we’re working efficiently and putting taxpayer dollars to good use.&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. News and World Report&nbsp;also ranked us #9 for road quality in their Best States report released in March.

The State of Delaware, which President Biden represented as a Senator for 36 years, ranked third-worst overall in Reason’s highway report.&nbsp; This isn’t because Delaware has cut costs on infrastructure.&nbsp; While Nebraska is the&nbsp;least&nbsp;indebted state government in America, Delaware has the sixth&nbsp;greatest&nbsp;debt burden of any state according to Moody’s Investor Services.&nbsp;

Elected officials have a duty to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.&nbsp; In Nebraska, we’ve built excellent infrastructure without going into debt.&nbsp; President Biden wants to do the opposite.&nbsp; His so-called infrastructure plan shows no spending restraint and contains hundreds of billions in spending that does nothing to improve our country’s roads and bridges.&nbsp; If you have questions about our transportation infrastructure in Nebraska, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; We’ll continue to move forward on road projects that keep Nebraska growing, without digging&nbsp;our future generations into a financial hole.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560600869383.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Governor's Weekly ColumnBy Governor Pete RickettsNebraska is the least indebted State in the country because our state government, like our people, lives within its means.&nbsp; We take a common sense approach to finances.&nbsp; We pay as we go for new projects instead of taking on debt.&nbsp; This approach has helped us to build high-quality infrastructure and to grow Nebraska without mortgaging our future.Last week, President Biden unveiled his administration’s new $2.3 trillion spending plan.&nbsp; It’s clear the President doesn’t share Nebraskans’ approach to managing finances.&nbsp; In 2020, the federal government had its largest budget deficit since World War II.&nbsp; In the midst of a historic pandemic, emergency spending made sense, but as we emerge from the pandemic a return to normalcy must include a return to fiscal discipline.&nbsp;The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) monitors the condition of our nation’s finances.&nbsp; In December, the CBO reported that publicly held federal debt is on pace to reach the highest level in U.S. history by 2023.&nbsp; “The growing debt burden...raises borrowing costs, slowing the growth of the economy and national income, and it increases the risk of a fiscal crisis,” the CBO warned.The President is trying to sell his costly plan as an investment.&nbsp; In Nebraska, we don’t say it’s an “investment” when someone maxes out their credit cards.&nbsp; We call it what it is: irresponsible.&nbsp; In an effort to sell the public on such a big jump in spending, the President is touting his plan as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity.&nbsp; In reality, it’s a recipe for multi-generational indebtedness.&nbsp; And while the President has called this his infrastructure plan, only about five percent of this spending involves roads and bridges. &nbsp;If the President gets his way, our kids and grandkids will be paying the bill for generations to come.Here in Nebraska, we’ve shown how to build reliable infrastructure without going into debt.&nbsp; We’ve used the Build Nebraska Act (BNA) of 2011 and the Transportation Innovation Act (TIA) of 2016 to make progress in completing expressways and repairing bridges around the state.&nbsp; For example, these funds are helping to build the Fremont Southeast Beltway and the long-planned Lincoln South Beltway.&nbsp; In March, crews began construction on US-385 northeast of Bayard.&nbsp; The project, funded through the BNA, will build 14 miles of divided, four-lane highway as part of the Heartland Expressway.&nbsp; The widening of US-275 between Fremont and Norfolk will also utilize these programs—once the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues an environmental permit for the project to move forward.In January, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) announced its fifth round of funding through the County Bridge Map Program (CBMP).&nbsp; Created as part of the TIA, the program provides counties with 55% of eligible bridge construction costs, with counties providing a 45% match.&nbsp; Since its inception, the CBMP has helped to repair or replace over 300 bridges in 64 counties.&nbsp;While the Legislature has authorized funds to invest in our roads and bridges, NDOT has been making the most of taxpayer dollars by making process improvements.&nbsp; For example, in 2018, NDOT entered into a partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to begin the process of assuming responsibility for environmental reviews of federally funded highway projects.&nbsp; This can enable NDOT to deliver projects more quickly while still ensuring proper care of our lands and wildlife.In addition to state-level projects, we’ve also helped cities and counties invest in their infrastructure.&nbsp; The State of Nebraska’s Federal Funds Purchase Program has helped cut red tape for local governments for several years.&nbsp; The program allows the State to swap the counties’ and first-class cities’ share of federal dollars for state dollars. &nbsp;Those state dollars allow local agencies to tailor projects to better meet their local needs without navigating the bureaucratic federal regulatory framework. &nbsp;Previously, the State swapped each dollar of federal funds for 80 cents of state funds.&nbsp; Under my administration we increased the rate to 90 cents for every federal dollar.&nbsp; Improving the rate of exchange is helping cities and counties invest more money in local infrastructure projects.National studies confirm that Nebraska has built high-quality infrastructure.&nbsp; In November, the Reason Foundation ranked Nebraska 12th&nbsp;overall in its annual report of state highway performance.&nbsp; Our state ranked 8th&nbsp;in the nation for having the lowest total expenditures per mile.&nbsp; That’s a great sign that we’re working efficiently and putting taxpayer dollars to good use.&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. News and World Report&nbsp;also ranked us #9 for road quality in their Best States report released in March.The State of Delaware, which President Biden represented as a Senator for 36 years, ranked third-worst overall in Reason’s highway report.&nbsp; This isn’t because Delaware has cut costs on infrastructure.&nbsp; While Nebraska is the&nbsp;least&nbsp;indebted state government in America, Delaware has the sixth&nbsp;greatest&nbsp;debt burden of any state according to Moody’s Investor Services.&nbsp;Elected officials have a duty to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.&nbsp; In Nebraska, we’ve built excellent infrastructure without going into debt.&nbsp; President Biden wants to do the opposite.&nbsp; His so-called infrastructure plan shows no spending restraint and contains hundreds of billions in spending that does nothing to improve our country’s roads and bridges.&nbsp; If you have questions about our transportation infrastructure in Nebraska, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; We’ll continue to move forward on road projects that keep Nebraska growing, without digging&nbsp;our future generations into a financial hole.

Ricketts: Building and growing without going in the hole

Eagle's Scotty C called the latest winner of PAY YOUR BILLS, Daren Fourtner. Daren won over $900!

Eagle's Scotty C called the latest winner of PAY YOUR BILLS, Daren Fourtner. Daren won over $900!<div><iframe title="🎧Post Podcast: Pay Your Bills Winner Daren Fourtner" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=a86ke-102b1e3-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620308541757.jpeg" alt="Pay Your Bills Winner - Daren Fourtner" />
 <figcaption>Pay Your Bills Winner - Daren Fourtner</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎧Post Podcast: Pay Your Bills Winner Daren Fourtner

News Release Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

LINCOLN, Neb.-May is National Foster Care Month and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) encourages all Nebraskans to consider becoming foster parents. Foster parents are the backbone of the foster care system and becoming a foster parent is a unique opportunity to positively change the life of a youth forever. Becoming a foster parent involves five steps and those interested in becoming foster parents should examine the five steps to see if they qualify.

1. Background checks -&nbsp;These are required on all members of their household ages 18&nbsp;years old and older, including a national criminal history check through fingerprinting for all household members age 18 years old and older.

2. Home Study -&nbsp;A home study is required and is conducted by either the Department of Health and Human Services or a contracted foster care agency.&nbsp;

3. References -&nbsp;Three positive references are required&nbsp;for each adult household member who will provide care to children.

4. Application -&nbsp;A completed foster care licensing application and a health information report are required&nbsp;for each adult household member providing care, signed by a health practitioner. These forms will be provided to you by DHHS.

5. Training -&nbsp;Adult household members providing care&nbsp;are required to&nbsp;attend foster parent pre-service training. This training will be provided to you by DHHS.

Prospective foster parents seeking more information should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/FosterCare">https://dhhs.ne.gov/FosterCare</a>&nbsp;or contact the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association hotline at 1-800-7PARENT. Additional information and support for individuals considering becoming foster parents can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://nfapa.org/" target="_blank">https://nfapa.org/&nbsp;</a>. Parents who are already fostering a child can visit the Nebraska Friends of Foster Children website at&nbsp;<a href="http://ne-friends.org/" target="_blank">http://ne-friends.org/&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;to apply for grants or access unique resources that assist with providing care for foster children.

At 12:00 PM today, Alger Studstill, Deputy Director of Protection and Safety for the Division of Children and Family Services was joined by Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association Executive Director Felicia Nelson for a Facebook Live to discuss the importance of foster care parents and their experiences working in the foster care system. The stream was broadcasted over DHHS's Facebook page and can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NEDHHS" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/NEDHHS&nbsp;</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620308152314.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska Department of Health and Human ServicesLINCOLN, Neb.-May is National Foster Care Month and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) encourages all Nebraskans to consider becoming foster parents. Foster parents are the backbone of the foster care system and becoming a foster parent is a unique opportunity to positively change the life of a youth forever. Becoming a foster parent involves five steps and those interested in becoming foster parents should examine the five steps to see if they qualify.1. Background checks -&nbsp;These are required on all members of their household ages 18&nbsp;years old and older, including a national criminal history check through fingerprinting for all household members age 18 years old and older.2. Home Study -&nbsp;A home study is required and is conducted by either the Department of Health and Human Services or a contracted foster care agency.&nbsp;3. References -&nbsp;Three positive references are required&nbsp;for each adult household member who will provide care to children.4. Application -&nbsp;A completed foster care licensing application and a health information report are required&nbsp;for each adult household member providing care, signed by a health practitioner. These forms will be provided to you by DHHS.5. Training -&nbsp;Adult household members providing care&nbsp;are required to&nbsp;attend foster parent pre-service training. This training will be provided to you by DHHS.Prospective foster parents seeking more information should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/FosterCare">https://dhhs.ne.gov/FosterCare</a>&nbsp;or contact the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association hotline at 1-800-7PARENT. Additional information and support for individuals considering becoming foster parents can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://nfapa.org/" target="_blank">https://nfapa.org/&nbsp;</a>. Parents who are already fostering a child can visit the Nebraska Friends of Foster Children website at&nbsp;<a href="http://ne-friends.org/" target="_blank">http://ne-friends.org/&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;to apply for grants or access unique resources that assist with providing care for foster children.At 12:00 PM today, Alger Studstill, Deputy Director of Protection and Safety for the Division of Children and Family Services was joined by Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association Executive Director Felicia Nelson for a Facebook Live to discuss the importance of foster care parents and their experiences working in the foster care system. The stream was broadcasted over DHHS's Facebook page and can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NEDHHS" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/NEDHHS&nbsp;</a>.

May is National Foster Care Month

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska lawmakers are scheduled to debate the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=44065" target="_blank">Meatpacking Employees COVID-19 Protection Act</a>&nbsp;today. Sen. Tony Vargas, D-Omaha, sponsored the measure, which would require companies to implement protections including six-feet social distancing, face masks and paid sick leave. Rose Godinez, legal and policy counsel for the ACLU of Nebraska, said workers in meat and poultry plants across the state continue to report dangerous conditions, including lack of masks, pressure to work while sick, and crowded cafeterias and locker rooms. "We're not out of the pandemic yet," Godinez observed. "And we need these protections for meatpacking-plant workers because they are providing essential food production for the country." At least 7,300 COVID-19 cases have been traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/27/4/20-4800_article" target="_blank">meatpacking plants</a>&nbsp;across Nebraska since the onset of the global pandemic. Public health experts said protections continue to be appropriate, even as vaccinations are rolled out. Critics of Legislative Bill 241 argued the law is unnecessary because companies already are taking precautions and have prioritized the safety of their workers throughout the public health emergency. Godinez countered many workers reported not being able to leave work to get vaccinated, or risk losing their job if they do because of punitive sick-leave policies. The bill would require companies to allow workers time off to get vaccinated. Godinez believes the measure is necessary to protect not only meatpacking plant workers, but entire communities still at risk of contracting the airborne virus. "It will be up to all of us to protect our hardworking friends and meatpacking-plant workers," Godinez asserted. Legislative Bill 241 would remain in effect until June 2022, or until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention drops its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/meat-poultry-processing-workers-employers.html" target="_blank">recommended protections</a>. Plants would be subject to inspections, and could face fines of $5,000 per violation, up to $50,000 for repeated violations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620303872595.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From Nebraska News ConnectionBy Eric GalatasLINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska lawmakers are scheduled to debate the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=44065" target="_blank">Meatpacking Employees COVID-19 Protection Act</a>&nbsp;today. Sen. Tony Vargas, D-Omaha, sponsored the measure, which would require companies to implement protections including six-feet social distancing, face masks and paid sick leave. Rose Godinez, legal and policy counsel for the ACLU of Nebraska, said workers in meat and poultry plants across the state continue to report dangerous conditions, including lack of masks, pressure to work while sick, and crowded cafeterias and locker rooms. "We're not out of the pandemic yet," Godinez observed. "And we need these protections for meatpacking-plant workers because they are providing essential food production for the country." At least 7,300 COVID-19 cases have been traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/27/4/20-4800_article" target="_blank">meatpacking plants</a>&nbsp;across Nebraska since the onset of the global pandemic. Public health experts said protections continue to be appropriate, even as vaccinations are rolled out. Critics of Legislative Bill 241 argued the law is unnecessary because companies already are taking precautions and have prioritized the safety of their workers throughout the public health emergency. Godinez countered many workers reported not being able to leave work to get vaccinated, or risk losing their job if they do because of punitive sick-leave policies. The bill would require companies to allow workers time off to get vaccinated. Godinez believes the measure is necessary to protect not only meatpacking plant workers, but entire communities still at risk of contracting the airborne virus. "It will be up to all of us to protect our hardworking friends and meatpacking-plant workers," Godinez asserted. Legislative Bill 241 would remain in effect until June 2022, or until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention drops its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/meat-poultry-processing-workers-employers.html" target="_blank">recommended protections</a>. Plants would be subject to inspections, and could face fines of $5,000 per violation, up to $50,000 for repeated violations.

Nebraska lawmakers to debate meatpacking worker protections

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — A 19-year-old Phillips man is facing two felony charges after he refused to leave an airplane parked at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island. 

Tyler Caudill is charged with attempted theft and possession of a deadly weapon. His bond was set Wednesday at $250,000. 

Police say a man saw Caudill passed out in the cabin of a plane on the airport's tarmac on Tuesday. 

When police arrived, Caudill was seen trying to manipulate the airplane's controls. He eventually left the plane when police fired chemical agents inside. 

Police in Kearney say Caudill tried to enter Kearney High School on Monday to speak to a student but was turned away.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620260012171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — A 19-year-old Phillips man is facing two felony charges after he refused to leave an airplane parked at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island. Tyler Caudill is charged with attempted theft and possession of a deadly weapon. His bond was set Wednesday at $250,000. Police say a man saw Caudill passed out in the cabin of a plane on the airport's tarmac on Tuesday. When police arrived, Caudill was seen trying to manipulate the airplane's controls. He eventually left the plane when police fired chemical agents inside. Police in Kearney say Caudill tried to enter Kearney High School on Monday to speak to a student but was turned away.

Man charged after standoff at Grand Island airport

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.-Riding the wave of an unpreceded 2020 extended season of Thoroughbred horseracing, Fonner Park concluded the 2021 season with over $4.65 million in on-track mutuel handle. 

Comparing numbers to 2019, rather than the 2020 season (when Fonner Park was closed to the public after the first four weeks due to the pandemic), Fonner was up 19% in parimutuel handle of Fonner Park guests betting on Fonner Park races. 

  The handle for out-of-state wagers on Fonner Park in 2021 was roughly $15.5 million, an increase of 447% compared to $2.8 million in 2019. The overall national horseracing industry handle was up approximately 12% for March and April, but Fonner Park was up 19% on-track.

“This year I spent extra on marketing to the horseplayers across the nation who got exposed to Fonner Park last year during the pandemic. I wanted to remind them that we were back and still a good bet,” said Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak. “In 2021 average field size bumped to 7.9 from 7.3 in 2020 and large fields are always a draw to the bettor regardless of quality.”

Sleepy Eyes Todd went on to win three stakes races after his 2020 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes win. Remarkably, he returned to defend his title off three multi-million-dollar, G1 races in three previous months. As a 2-5 favorite, he was beaten by 9-2 second-choice Mo Mosa, ridden by Armando Martinez and trained by Michael Maker. 

Mo Mosa was named 2021 Horse of the Meet and First Alternate was the unanimous choice for Champion Older Filly or Mare after winning three stakes races in as many starts for trainer Stetson Mitchell. 

“She’s a blessing to me and my family and the special kind of horse horsemen pray for,” said Mitchell.

By winning the final race of the year, Jake Olesiak won his sixth title as Champion Jockey, with a total of 46 wins, one more win than Armando Martinez. David C. Anderson won his 15th Champion Trainer award at Fonner Park with 36 wins from 169 starts. D and L Farms (Darcy and Lee Burghardt) won 15 races from 39 starts and earned Leading Owner honors. And the 2021 Feat of the Meet award was voted as Fonner Park’s presence on the national stage with 2021 export handle five times greater than 2019.

“I am convinced that the success and future of Fonner Park is directly attributed to our passionate community of staff, horsemen and race fans. Without our strong community support we could not survive,” Kotulak said

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620250731609.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Fonner ParkGRAND ISLAND, Neb.-Riding the wave of an unpreceded 2020 extended season of Thoroughbred horseracing, Fonner Park concluded the 2021 season with over $4.65 million in on-track mutuel handle. Comparing numbers to 2019, rather than the 2020 season (when Fonner Park was closed to the public after the first four weeks due to the pandemic), Fonner was up 19% in parimutuel handle of Fonner Park guests betting on Fonner Park races. The handle for out-of-state wagers on Fonner Park in 2021 was roughly $15.5 million, an increase of 447% compared to $2.8 million in 2019. The overall national horseracing industry handle was up approximately 12% for March and April, but Fonner Park was up 19% on-track.“This year I spent extra on marketing to the horseplayers across the nation who got exposed to Fonner Park last year during the pandemic. I wanted to remind them that we were back and still a good bet,” said Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak. “In 2021 average field size bumped to 7.9 from 7.3 in 2020 and large fields are always a draw to the bettor regardless of quality.”Sleepy Eyes Todd went on to win three stakes races after his 2020 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes win. Remarkably, he returned to defend his title off three multi-million-dollar, G1 races in three previous months. As a 2-5 favorite, he was beaten by 9-2 second-choice Mo Mosa, ridden by Armando Martinez and trained by Michael Maker. Mo Mosa was named 2021 Horse of the Meet and First Alternate was the unanimous choice for Champion Older Filly or Mare after winning three stakes races in as many starts for trainer Stetson Mitchell. “She’s a blessing to me and my family and the special kind of horse horsemen pray for,” said Mitchell.By winning the final race of the year, Jake Olesiak won his sixth title as Champion Jockey, with a total of 46 wins, one more win than Armando Martinez. David C. Anderson won his 15th Champion Trainer award at Fonner Park with 36 wins from 169 starts. D and L Farms (Darcy and Lee Burghardt) won 15 races from 39 starts and earned Leading Owner honors. And the 2021 Feat of the Meet award was voted as Fonner Park’s presence on the national stage with 2021 export handle five times greater than 2019.“I am convinced that the success and future of Fonner Park is directly attributed to our passionate community of staff, horsemen and race fans. Without our strong community support we could not survive,” Kotulak said

Fonner Park riding the waves of success

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is ramping up his crusade for the meat industry by endorsing a new “beef passport” program to promote meat-eating, a few weeks after he blasted Colorado’s governor for a resolution encouraging its residents to eat less. 

Ricketts, a Republican, cast meat as essential to his state’s economy and the nation’s food security. 

He criticized “radical environmentalists” and Bill Gates for promoting alternatives, such as synthetic, lab-grown meat, and for arguing that the global meat production system isn’t sustainable. 

He spoke at a downtown Lincoln steak house, where he issued his annual proclamation of May as “Beef Month.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620242859615.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is ramping up his crusade for the meat industry by endorsing a new “beef passport” program to promote meat-eating, a few weeks after he blasted Colorado’s governor for a resolution encouraging its residents to eat less. Ricketts, a Republican, cast meat as essential to his state’s economy and the nation’s food security. He criticized “radical environmentalists” and Bill Gates for promoting alternatives, such as synthetic, lab-grown meat, and for arguing that the global meat production system isn’t sustainable. He spoke at a downtown Lincoln steak house, where he issued his annual proclamation of May as “Beef Month.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovernorPeteRicketts%2Fvideos%2F935258280648186%2F&show_text=true&width=560" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

Nebraska launches 'beef passport' program for meat eating

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has identified a death from COVID-19 that occurred after a patient was fully vaccinated. 

A woman in her 80s with underlying medical conditions developed COVID-19 and was hospitalized more than 14 days after completing a vaccination series with the Pfizer vaccine. She was a resident of Two Rivers Health District. 

Only one death due to COVID-19 after completing a vaccination series has been identified in our state. Of 2,244 people that have died from COVID-19 in Nebraska, only one of these had been fully vaccinated. This represents 0.0004 or 0.04% of all COVID-19 deaths. 

Weekly deaths due to COVID-19 appear to be the lowest they've been since March 2020 and vaccines have likely played the biggest role in the steep decline. Cases of COVID-19 have declined substantially in long-term care facilities and across the state since vaccinations became available, underscoring the tremendous efficacy of the vaccine. 

Still, a small number of elderly and immunosuppressed patients may not mount a strong immune response, hence it's all of our duty and responsibility to get vaccinated to further protect ourselves and the most vulnerable among us.

Vaccine breakthrough cases occur in only a small percentage of vaccinated persons. Per CDC, no unexpected patterns have been identified in the case demographics or vaccine characteristics among people with reported vaccine breakthrough infections. 

Among 95 million people in the United States who have been fully vaccinated, only 112 deaths due to COVID-19 have been identified. (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/breakthrough-cases.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/breakthrough-cases.html&nbsp;</a>).&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

“We are saddened to learn of this occurrence. While no deaths occurred in vaccinated individuals in the clinical trials, we understand that no vaccine or medication is 100% effective when used by millions of people. This does not negate the importance of vaccination and all of the positive effects of vaccination," said Nebraska's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone. "Our state is approaching 50% of the total population being fully vaccinated and we need to keep that momentum. All Nebraskans who can get vaccinated should do so as soon as possible."

Nebraskans can register for vaccination at&nbsp;<a href="https://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">Vaccinate.Ne.Gov&nbsp;</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608071469793.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska Department of Health and Human ServicesNebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has identified a death from COVID-19 that occurred after a patient was fully vaccinated. A woman in her 80s with underlying medical conditions developed COVID-19 and was hospitalized more than 14 days after completing a vaccination series with the Pfizer vaccine. She was a resident of Two Rivers Health District. Only one death due to COVID-19 after completing a vaccination series has been identified in our state. Of 2,244 people that have died from COVID-19 in Nebraska, only one of these had been fully vaccinated. This represents 0.0004 or 0.04% of all COVID-19 deaths. Weekly deaths due to COVID-19 appear to be the lowest they've been since March 2020 and vaccines have likely played the biggest role in the steep decline. Cases of COVID-19 have declined substantially in long-term care facilities and across the state since vaccinations became available, underscoring the tremendous efficacy of the vaccine. Still, a small number of elderly and immunosuppressed patients may not mount a strong immune response, hence it's all of our duty and responsibility to get vaccinated to further protect ourselves and the most vulnerable among us.Vaccine breakthrough cases occur in only a small percentage of vaccinated persons. Per CDC, no unexpected patterns have been identified in the case demographics or vaccine characteristics among people with reported vaccine breakthrough infections. Among 95 million people in the United States who have been fully vaccinated, only 112 deaths due to COVID-19 have been identified. (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/breakthrough-cases.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/breakthrough-cases.html&nbsp;</a>).&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.“We are saddened to learn of this occurrence. While no deaths occurred in vaccinated individuals in the clinical trials, we understand that no vaccine or medication is 100% effective when used by millions of people. This does not negate the importance of vaccination and all of the positive effects of vaccination," said Nebraska's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone. "Our state is approaching 50% of the total population being fully vaccinated and we need to keep that momentum. All Nebraskans who can get vaccinated should do so as soon as possible."Nebraskans can register for vaccination at&nbsp;<a href="https://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">Vaccinate.Ne.Gov&nbsp;</a>.

DHHS: Fully vaccinated elderly Nebraska woman dies from COVID complications

News Release North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau


The North Platte / Lincoln County Visitors Bureau hosted the annual
Excellence in Tourism Awards Luncheon on May 5 at the Prairie Arts
Center. 

Twenty-five nominations were submitted for the seven award
categories. 

The ‘Excellence in Tourism’ awards recognize
outstanding customer service at Hotels or other lodging
establishments, Restaurants or other food service establishments,
Events, Attractions, and Retail as well as Volunteer of the Year and
Hero of Tourism. The nominees can either be individuals or
businesses. 


The Advisory Committee of the
Visitors Bureau selected the award winners from the nominees and
Executive Director Lisa Burke presented the awards.

The restaurant
category of this year’s Excellence In Tourism award nominations was
one of the most competitive. Having an abundance of quality
restaurants that consistently practice outstanding customer service
is good for tourism and it’s good for our community. North Platte’s
Canteen District is quickly becoming a destination downtown, and one
reason for that is the hard work of Hector Ortiz and BJ Stenger of
The Cedar Room. Their vision for The Cedar Room was for it to be a
destination restaurant, something people would travel for, but also
where locals would enjoy a feeling of being ‘away’ even though
their busy lives kept them from traveling. Hector and BJ and the
staff they have assembled always put customer service and customer
satisfaction at the top of their priorities.   


The position of
breakfast attendant is one of the most important positions in a
hotel. They spend quality time getting to know the guests and are
often a guest's final impression of a hotel and community before
leaving. Irene Pearson of the Tru by Hilton is not only an
outstanding breakfast attendant, but an amazing ambassador for our
community. She takes great pride in talking to the guests about the
North Platte area and Nebraska. Irene was nominated because of the
wonderful service she provides every day and the impact she has on
the guests visiting North Platte.

Attraction - Nick Henline, Fort Cody
Trading Post

A business
doesn’t survive for decades, through multiple generations of owners
and in different locations due to changes in transportation corridors
without offering exemplary customer service. North Platte’s Fort
Cody Trading Post, now with Nick Henline at the helm, is a landmark
in western Nebraska. It is a nationally known tourist attraction that
consistently gets rave reviews online. Photos of the Fort, the
Buffalo Bill sign, the quirky merchandise, the miniature Wild West
Show and the jail in the parade ground are some of the most
frequently posted from North Platte.

North Platte’s
D &amp; N Event Center is North Platte’s busiest event destination.
The types of events hosted at the D &amp; N is astounding. Weddings,
receptions and dance recitals, volleyball, basketball, soccer,
softball and wrestling practices, trade and craft shows, wrestling,
boxing and MMA tournaments – something is always going on at the D
&amp; N Event Center. Every age range from toddlers to old time model
railroad enthusiasts participate in events at the D &amp; N Event
Center. Tad Haneborg and his staff provide a vital community resource
and always strive to extend the utmost in customer service to event
organizers and the public.

Retail - Jeff Caldwell, Whitetail
Cycle Sport

When your
dedication to customer service not only creates loyal customers, but
also brings families together, helps people live a healthier
lifestyle and promotes your community you have truly achieved
excellence. The stories shared by Jeff Caldwell’s coworkers,
customers and neighboring businesses are endless but they have one
common theme; A man who is passionate about cycling, passionate about
his community and always thinking about others and how he can serve
them.

There are always
a wide variety of volunteer opportunities throughout North Platte,
but the 2020 Covid-19 situation brought unique challenges and unique
roles for volunteers. Our Volunteer of the year was recruited with
very short notice when with only days to spare the Buffalo Bill
Boxing Brawl got the go-ahead. To keep athletes, coaches and
spectators safe, the usual weigh-in would also include Covid-19
screening protocols. Elana Ramos took charge of this process,
organizing everyone involved to provide excellent and fast service
for the athletes. A volunteer who takes charge and takes ownership of
their area of responsibility and in the process make sure that event
participants feel safe and welcome is invaluable to any organization.

In 2020 a Hero
of Tourism not only worked hard to attract visitors to North Platte,
but also to keep up the morale of the community when faced with
constant bad news, business closures and learning of the illness and
deaths of family, friends and community members. The year began on a
high note, with hundreds of Group Tour operators being shown Nebraska
hospitality as Omaha hosted the annual American Bus Association
marketplace. Our Hero of Tourism helped do what she does best -
organize a warm Nebraska welcome. By March everything had been
upended and that in-person hospitality changed to virtual and
social-distanced. Kirsten Parker guided her staff to take all of the
upheaval in stride. They created virtual events for kids and adults,
they organized social-distanced activities for the community and
revamped procedures and resources to provide a safe experience for
their visitors, staff and volunteers upon reopening. Kirsten’s
focus on customer service, on making sure her staff and volunteers
are safe, have the necessary tools and always go above and beyond in
extending a welcoming atmosphere for guests at the Golden Spike
Tower, as well as being creative in offering activities to the
community certainly places her in the Hero category.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620240682261.png" alt="Kirsten and Galvin Parker at the Prairie Arts Center. Parker was named the 2020 Hero of Tourism." />
 <figcaption>Kirsten and Galvin Parker at the Prairie Arts Center. Parker was named the 2020 Hero of Tourism.</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau
The North Platte / Lincoln County Visitors Bureau hosted the annual
Excellence in Tourism Awards Luncheon on May 5 at the Prairie Arts
Center. Twenty-five nominations were submitted for the seven award
categories. The ‘Excellence in Tourism’ awards recognize
outstanding customer service at Hotels or other lodging
establishments, Restaurants or other food service establishments,
Events, Attractions, and Retail as well as Volunteer of the Year and
Hero of Tourism. The nominees can either be individuals or
businesses. 
The Advisory Committee of the
Visitors Bureau selected the award winners from the nominees and
Executive Director Lisa Burke presented the awards.The awards were presented to:Restaurant - The Cedar RoomThe restaurant
category of this year’s Excellence In Tourism award nominations was
one of the most competitive. Having an abundance of quality
restaurants that consistently practice outstanding customer service
is good for tourism and it’s good for our community. North Platte’s
Canteen District is quickly becoming a destination downtown, and one
reason for that is the hard work of Hector Ortiz and BJ Stenger of
The Cedar Room. Their vision for The Cedar Room was for it to be a
destination restaurant, something people would travel for, but also
where locals would enjoy a feeling of being ‘away’ even though
their busy lives kept them from traveling. Hector and BJ and the
staff they have assembled always put customer service and customer
satisfaction at the top of their priorities. 
Hotel - Irene Pearson, TRU by HiltonThe position of
breakfast attendant is one of the most important positions in a
hotel. They spend quality time getting to know the guests and are
often a guest's final impression of a hotel and community before
leaving. Irene Pearson of the Tru by Hilton is not only an
outstanding breakfast attendant, but an amazing ambassador for our
community. She takes great pride in talking to the guests about the
North Platte area and Nebraska. Irene was nominated because of the
wonderful service she provides every day and the impact she has on
the guests visiting North Platte.Attraction - Nick Henline, Fort Cody
Trading PostA business
doesn’t survive for decades, through multiple generations of owners
and in different locations due to changes in transportation corridors
without offering exemplary customer service. North Platte’s Fort
Cody Trading Post, now with Nick Henline at the helm, is a landmark
in western Nebraska. It is a nationally known tourist attraction that
consistently gets rave reviews online. Photos of the Fort, the
Buffalo Bill sign, the quirky merchandise, the miniature Wild West
Show and the jail in the parade ground are some of the most
frequently posted from North Platte.Event - D &amp; N Event CenterNorth Platte’s
D &amp; N Event Center is North Platte’s busiest event destination.
The types of events hosted at the D &amp; N is astounding. Weddings,
receptions and dance recitals, volleyball, basketball, soccer,
softball and wrestling practices, trade and craft shows, wrestling,
boxing and MMA tournaments – something is always going on at the D
&amp; N Event Center. Every age range from toddlers to old time model
railroad enthusiasts participate in events at the D &amp; N Event
Center. Tad Haneborg and his staff provide a vital community resource
and always strive to extend the utmost in customer service to event
organizers and the public.Retail - Jeff Caldwell, Whitetail
Cycle SportWhen your
dedication to customer service not only creates loyal customers, but
also brings families together, helps people live a healthier
lifestyle and promotes your community you have truly achieved
excellence. The stories shared by Jeff Caldwell’s coworkers,
customers and neighboring businesses are endless but they have one
common theme; A man who is passionate about cycling, passionate about
his community and always thinking about others and how he can serve
them.Volunteer of the Year - Elana RamosThere are always
a wide variety of volunteer opportunities throughout North Platte,
but the 2020 Covid-19 situation brought unique challenges and unique
roles for volunteers. Our Volunteer of the year was recruited with
very short notice when with only days to spare the Buffalo Bill
Boxing Brawl got the go-ahead. To keep athletes, coaches and
spectators safe, the usual weigh-in would also include Covid-19
screening protocols. Elana Ramos took charge of this process,
organizing everyone involved to provide excellent and fast service
for the athletes. A volunteer who takes charge and takes ownership of
their area of responsibility and in the process make sure that event
participants feel safe and welcome is invaluable to any organization.Hero of Tourism - Kirsten ParkerIn 2020 a Hero
of Tourism not only worked hard to attract visitors to North Platte,
but also to keep up the morale of the community when faced with
constant bad news, business closures and learning of the illness and
deaths of family, friends and community members. The year began on a
high note, with hundreds of Group Tour operators being shown Nebraska
hospitality as Omaha hosted the annual American Bus Association
marketplace. Our Hero of Tourism helped do what she does best -
organize a warm Nebraska welcome. By March everything had been
upended and that in-person hospitality changed to virtual and
social-distanced. Kirsten Parker guided her staff to take all of the
upheaval in stride. They created virtual events for kids and adults,
they organized social-distanced activities for the community and
revamped procedures and resources to provide a safe experience for
their visitors, staff and volunteers upon reopening. Kirsten’s
focus on customer service, on making sure her staff and volunteers
are safe, have the necessary tools and always go above and beyond in
extending a welcoming atmosphere for guests at the Golden Spike
Tower, as well as being creative in offering activities to the
community certainly places her in the Hero category.

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