WALLACE, Neb.-The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is investigating a stabbing in Wallace. One man has been arrested, and another sustained potentially life-threatening injuries.

According to LCSO, on February 21, at 12:54 p.m., the Lincoln County 911 Center received a report of a disturbance in Wallace. LCSO says it was reported a male subject was stabbed by another male in the Village of Wallace.  

According to LCSO, deputies on and off-duty responded to the scene and quickly apprehended the suspect at his residence, 34-year-old Wallace resident Daniel Swanson. 

 Deputies say the victim, a&nbsp;36-year-old Wallace man, had fled to a neighbor’s house to call for help. 

LCSO says deputies located the victim and began to give first aid for multiple stab wounds.  Wallace Fire and Rescue responded and the victim was flown to Great Plains Health via helicopter. 

 It was reported that the victim was later flown to a Lincoln hospital for further treatment.  The victim's status was rated as serious and their injuries considered potentially life-threatening, according to LCSO. 

LCSO says the victim reported Swanson was the aggressor and stabbed him during an altercation.  

Deputies arrested Swanson on suspicion of first-degree assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony. 

Swanson was incarcerated in the Lincoln County Detention Center. 

LCSO says deputies continued the investigation by executing a search warrant of the residence.  The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613992133307.jpeg" alt="Daniel Swanson" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Swanson</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-NP PostWALLACE, Neb.-The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is investigating a stabbing in Wallace. One man has been arrested, and another sustained potentially life-threatening injuries.According to LCSO, on February 21, at 12:54 p.m., the Lincoln County 911 Center received a report of a disturbance in Wallace. LCSO says it was reported a male subject was stabbed by another male in the Village of Wallace. According to LCSO, deputies on and off-duty responded to the scene and quickly apprehended the suspect at his residence, 34-year-old Wallace resident Daniel Swanson. Deputies say the victim, a&nbsp;36-year-old Wallace man, had fled to a neighbor’s house to call for help. LCSO says deputies located the victim and began to give first aid for multiple stab wounds. Wallace Fire and Rescue responded and the victim was flown to Great Plains Health via helicopter. It was reported that the victim was later flown to a Lincoln hospital for further treatment. The victim's status was rated as serious and their injuries considered potentially life-threatening, according to LCSO. LCSO says the victim reported Swanson was the aggressor and stabbed him during an altercation. Deputies arrested Swanson on suspicion of first-degree assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony. Swanson was incarcerated in the Lincoln County Detention Center. LCSO says deputies continued the investigation by executing a search warrant of the residence. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

One arrested, one with life-threatening injuries after stabbing in Wallace

By ERIKA PRITCHARD <a href="http://unknews.unk.edu/2021/02/15/unk-early-childhood-center-also-serves-kearney-area-community/?fbclid=IwAR3CIhbIz2a_pdCEjrArR5ZQt5xyUb-U6FrnvS8u70jRB9F9HL5JL9AMx6k">UNK Communications</a>

KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Early Childhood Education Center isn’t just for campus members.

It serves the children of community members, too.

Opened in November 2019, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/offices/business_services/early-childhood-education-center/index.php">LaVonne Kopecky Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center</a>&nbsp;provides a welcoming, education-based environment where children from all backgrounds can learn and grow.

“I feel that every family should have the opportunity to send their child to an educational center to promote early learning and a love for education,” said Chelsea Bartling, the center’s interim director.

Since joining the center in July, Bartling has increased community enrollment there from three children to 33.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to branch out into our community in this capacity,” she said.&nbsp;“When we work together as a community, we can help build our best students for the future.”

Located near the Village Flats residence hall in UNK’s University Village development – just south of U.S. Highway 30, across from West Center – the Plambeck Center can serve up to 179 children from infant to age 6, including those with special needs.

Currently, the center has openings in each of its eight classrooms – infants (6 weeks to 9 months and 9-18 months), toddlers (18-26 months and 26-36 months), preschool transition (3 years after July 31), preschool (3 years), prekindergarten (4-5 years) and the Montessori preschool (3-6 years).

Children benefit from the Plambeck Center’s partnership with the university and its students. Education majors observe, volunteer and complete their practicums at the center. Parents also have the opportunity to participate in research conducted by UNK students and faculty at the Plambeck Center, such as science, technology, engineering and math projects.

“Parents get to take STEM activities home with them and go through this process and interact with their child,” Bartling said.

Additionally, children have the opportunity to interact with UNK students who are hired as teaching assistants and student workers.

To make room for more prekindergarten and preschool students last fall, Bartling and her team expanded these classrooms. These classes last all day, five days a week, and prepare students for kindergarten. To ease that transition, Bartling hopes to partner with the children’s future kindergarten teachers and principals so they can start building relationships early on.

Bartling also helps prepare parents for the transition. She gives them the kindergarten registration book and provides them with school resources.

Another class, the Montessori preschool, began on Jan. 4. This program focuses on hands-on learning and child-directed work. It is the only Montessori program in Nebraska outside Omaha, Lincoln and Norfolk.

In Montessori education, Bartling said some children may choose to work on projects such as writing cursive letters, identifying numbers or multiplication and division. They work on projects for three hours before an hour break.

“It’s amazing being able to watch those kids excel in the Montessori setting,” Bartling said. “This really prepares them for that school process and being able to do work and not get distracted.”

The class is taught by a Montessori-credentialed teacher who also has a master’s degree. The teacher guides students and models learning activities. This allows the children to develop independence and become fully engaged in their work.

Bartling would like to add a toddler Montessori class, which will provide education in self-care, care of the environment, large and fine motor skills, language and social skills. Parents can add their child to a waiting list for this class.

The other Plambeck Center classes utilize Creative Curriculum, which focuses on developing confidence, creativity and critical-thinking skills. A GOLD assessment is used to evaluate students’ development in the following areas: social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, the arts and English language acquisition.

This assessment helps the lead teachers plan fun learning activities for each child’s specific developmental needs.

“It meets every kid, regardless of need or development. It meets them right where they are,” Bartling said.

The center shares each child’s progress with parents and eventually their future kindergarten teachers.

Additionally, the Plambeck Center incorporates the Second Step program and pyramid model into its curriculum. Bartling said Second Step teaches children social/emotional skills such as how to read and self-regulate emotions. The pyramid model develops social skills and focuses on positive behavior supports.

“We utilize things like Tucker Turtle to help students learn how to take deep breaths and calm their bodies,” Bartling said. “Super Friend teaches kids how to be a super friend. We look with our eyes, listen with our ears, take turns and share and make good choices. We’re safe, respectful and responsible.”

Bartling brings 16 years of early childhood education experience to the Plambeck Center, including 11 years as a preschool teacher and early childhood specialist with Grand Island and Kearney public schools. She also worked as a teacher’s aide and preschool teacher in UNK’s former Child Development Center while enrolled at the university as an undergraduate student.

Through her career, she recognizes the importance of providing a fun, loving and caring educational environment for young children.

“This is their first school experience, and we want it to be a positive one so they can be excited about learning,” Bartling said.

By ERIKA PRITCHARD <a href="http://unknews.unk.edu/2021/02/15/unk-early-childhood-center-also-serves-kearney-area-community/?fbclid=IwAR3CIhbIz2a_pdCEjrArR5ZQt5xyUb-U6FrnvS8u70jRB9F9HL5JL9AMx6k">UNK Communications</a>KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Early Childhood Education Center isn’t just for campus members.It serves the children of community members, too.Opened in November 2019, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/offices/business_services/early-childhood-education-center/index.php">LaVonne Kopecky Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center</a>&nbsp;provides a welcoming, education-based environment where children from all backgrounds can learn and grow.“I feel that every family should have the opportunity to send their child to an educational center to promote early learning and a love for education,” said Chelsea Bartling, the center’s interim director.Since joining the center in July, Bartling has increased community enrollment there from three children to 33.“We are excited to have the opportunity to branch out into our community in this capacity,” she said.&nbsp;“When we work together as a community, we can help build our best students for the future.”Located near the Village Flats residence hall in UNK’s University Village development – just south of U.S. Highway 30, across from West Center – the Plambeck Center can serve up to 179 children from infant to age 6, including those with special needs.Currently, the center has openings in each of its eight classrooms – infants (6 weeks to 9 months and 9-18 months), toddlers (18-26 months and 26-36 months), preschool transition (3 years after July 31), preschool (3 years), prekindergarten (4-5 years) and the Montessori preschool (3-6 years).Children benefit from the Plambeck Center’s partnership with the university and its students. Education majors observe, volunteer and complete their practicums at the center. Parents also have the opportunity to participate in research conducted by UNK students and faculty at the Plambeck Center, such as science, technology, engineering and math projects.“Parents get to take STEM activities home with them and go through this process and interact with their child,” Bartling said.Additionally, children have the opportunity to interact with UNK students who are hired as teaching assistants and student workers.To make room for more prekindergarten and preschool students last fall, Bartling and her team expanded these classrooms. These classes last all day, five days a week, and prepare students for kindergarten. To ease that transition, Bartling hopes to partner with the children’s future kindergarten teachers and principals so they can start building relationships early on.<figure>
 <img src="http://unknews.unk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Plambeck-16-Web-1024x825.jpg" alt="Montessori preschool student Evelynn Wetton, 3, creates a watercolor painting at UNK’s LaVonne Kopecky Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center." />
 <figcaption>Montessori preschool student Evelynn Wetton, 3, creates a watercolor painting at UNK’s LaVonne Kopecky Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center.</figcaption>
 </figure>Bartling also helps prepare parents for the transition. She gives them the kindergarten registration book and provides them with school resources.Another class, the Montessori preschool, began on Jan. 4. This program focuses on hands-on learning and child-directed work. It is the only Montessori program in Nebraska outside Omaha, Lincoln and Norfolk.In Montessori education, Bartling said some children may choose to work on projects such as writing cursive letters, identifying numbers or multiplication and division. They work on projects for three hours before an hour break.“It’s amazing being able to watch those kids excel in the Montessori setting,” Bartling said. “This really prepares them for that school process and being able to do work and not get distracted.”The class is taught by a Montessori-credentialed teacher who also has a master’s degree. The teacher guides students and models learning activities. This allows the children to develop independence and become fully engaged in their work.Bartling would like to add a toddler Montessori class, which will provide education in self-care, care of the environment, large and fine motor skills, language and social skills. Parents can add their child to a waiting list for this class.The other Plambeck Center classes utilize Creative Curriculum, which focuses on developing confidence, creativity and critical-thinking skills. A GOLD assessment is used to evaluate students’ development in the following areas: social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, the arts and English language acquisition.This assessment helps the lead teachers plan fun learning activities for each child’s specific developmental needs.“It meets every kid, regardless of need or development. It meets them right where they are,” Bartling said.The center shares each child’s progress with parents and eventually their future kindergarten teachers.Additionally, the Plambeck Center incorporates the Second Step program and pyramid model into its curriculum. Bartling said Second Step teaches children social/emotional skills such as how to read and self-regulate emotions. The pyramid model develops social skills and focuses on positive behavior supports.“We utilize things like Tucker Turtle to help students learn how to take deep breaths and calm their bodies,” Bartling said. “Super Friend teaches kids how to be a super friend. We look with our eyes, listen with our ears, take turns and share and make good choices. We’re safe, respectful and responsible.”Bartling brings 16 years of early childhood education experience to the Plambeck Center, including 11 years as a preschool teacher and early childhood specialist with Grand Island and Kearney public schools. She also worked as a teacher’s aide and preschool teacher in UNK’s former Child Development Center while enrolled at the university as an undergraduate student.Through her career, she recognizes the importance of providing a fun, loving and caring educational environment for young children.“This is their first school experience, and we want it to be a positive one so they can be excited about learning,” Bartling said.

UNK early childhood center also serves Kearney-area community

Panhandle Partnership to hold mental health virtual conference 

According to family members, Lillyanna has been found safe.

GOTHENBURG, Neb.-The family of a missing Gothenburg girl is asking the public to help locate her.

According to a Facebook post by her mother,&nbsp;15-year-old daughter Lylianna Preitauer~Hearn was last seen in Gothenburg, Nebraska yesterday, February 21.

Lylianna was last seen wearing a camouflage hoodie ripped blue jean jeggings.

The post has reached out to the Gothenburg Police Department for more information.

If you have any information on Lylianna's whereabouts, contact local law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613936589277.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-NP PostAccording to family members, Lillyanna has been found safe.***************GOTHENBURG, Neb.-The family of a missing Gothenburg girl is asking the public to help locate her.According to a Facebook post by her mother,&nbsp;15-year-old daughter Lylianna Preitauer~Hearn was last seen in Gothenburg, Nebraska yesterday, February 21.Lylianna was last seen wearing a camouflage hoodie ripped blue jean jeggings.The post has reached out to the Gothenburg Police Department for more information.If you have any information on Lylianna's whereabouts, contact local law enforcement.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkyra.preitauerhearn%2Fposts%2F10223982268335718&width=500&show_text=true&height=722&appId" width="500" height="722" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

UPDATED Family seeks information on missing 15-year-old Gothenburg girl

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Meteorologists in Wyoming have warned that low levels of precipitation across the state could increase the threat of wildfires over the summer. 

Tim Troutman, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Riverton, told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle that the state is experiencing its worst drought since 2012, which recorded one of the state’s more active wildfire seasons. 

In 2012, fires in Wyoming burned 875 square miles and cost the state about $100 million to contain. 

Officials have said more moisture now can help prevent similar conditions later in the year. 

It is unclear if the state reached its desired precipitation threshold.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Meteorologists in Wyoming have warned that low levels of precipitation across the state could increase the threat of wildfires over the summer. Tim Troutman, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Riverton, told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle that the state is experiencing its worst drought since 2012, which recorded one of the state’s more active wildfire seasons. In 2012, fires in Wyoming burned 875 square miles and cost the state about $100 million to contain. Officials have said more moisture now can help prevent similar conditions later in the year. It is unclear if the state reached its desired precipitation threshold.

Officials: Drought could increase fire threat in Wyoming

The would-be varsity cheerleader, the tattletale and Snapchat have 
converged in a Supreme Court free speech case sure to draw the interest 
of social media-loving students, concerned parents and wary school 
administrators everywhere.

In 2017, a ninth-grade student in Schuylkill County, Pa., who failed 
to make the varsity cheerleading squad, vented her frustration in an 
F-bomb laced Snapchat post. She repeated the same curse before each of 
the words “school,” “softball,” “cheer” and “everything.”

A teammate told a coach about the post, and administrators kicked her off the junior varsity cheerleading squad.

Now, in <a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/mahanoy-area-school-district-v-b-l/" target="_blank">Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.</a>,
 the Supreme Court faces the question: Can school officials punish 
students for social media posts even when students post them off-campus,
 including in their own homes? The stakes are high: School 
administrators say they need to know the limits of their authority. 
Students deserve to know if schools can regulate them for social media 
posts they make off school grounds. The court could hear oral arguments 
as early as April.

The student, identified as “B.L.,” <a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/b.l._-_verified_complaint_-_9-25-17.pdf" target="_blank">filed a federal lawsuit</a> through her parents, alleging a violation of her First Amendment free speech rights. A federal district court <a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/memorandum_opinion_granting_summary_judgment_for_b.l._-_3_21_19_.pdf" target="_blank">ruled in her favor</a>,
 reasoning her profane snap was off-campus speech that did not cause a 
substantial disruption of school activities. The disruption of school 
functions is the key standard in student-speech cases from the Supreme 
Court’s famous 1969 decision in <a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/393/503.html" target="_blank">Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District</a>.

In Tinker, several students, including siblings Mary Beth and John Tinker,
 wore black armbands to school to protest U.S. involvement in the 
Vietnam War. School officials learned of the impending black armband 
protest and quickly passed a rule banning armbands. But they continued 
to allow students to wear other symbols, such as Iron Crosses and 
political campaign buttons. In effect, school officials had targeted a 
specific symbol associated with a particular political viewpoint.

The Supreme Court in Tinker delivered a <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/2019/01/30/tinker-after-50-a-historic-ruling-still-relevant-after-all-these-years/" target="_blank">stunning victory</a>
 for student rights, declaring that neither students nor teachers “shed 
their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the 
schoolhouse gate.”

The court ruled that public school officials could not punish 
students for their speech unless the officials could reasonably forecast
 that the student speech would cause a substantial disruption of school 
activities.

Mahanoy school officials relied not on Tinker but another Supreme 
Court case to argue in support of their punishing the cheerleader 
student. In the 1986 case <a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/478/675.html" target="_blank">Bethel School District v. Fraser</a>,
 school officials who disciplined a student for delivering a sexually 
laced speech during a student assembly prevailed. The court ruled in 
that case that public school officials could prohibit student speech 
that was vulgar or lewd.

In the cheerleading student’s case, an appellate court said the 
Fraser rule did not apply because her speech was completely off-campus.

The appeals court ruled that Tinker doesn’t apply to her case, either
 — it applies when student speech takes place on campus, within the 
schoolhouse gates, but not when a student is posting on social media at 
home, the court said. A concurring judge separately found that the 
Tinker ruling does apply, but that school officials still lose because 
the student’s off-campus speech did not disrupt school activities.

The Mahanoy school district, in its appeal to the Supreme Court, 
emphasized the vitally important question of whether Tinker applies to 
off-campus speech.

“That question has become especially acute because social media has 
made it far easier for students’ off-campus messages to instantly reach a
 wide audience of classmates and dominate the on-campus environment,” 
the school district <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-255/151619/20200828144703420_Mahanoy%20Cert%20Petition%20-%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">wrote in its petition</a>.

School administrators, students, parents, teachers and others don’t 
know how far the arm of school authority extends off campus. At the very
 least, public school officials must show a clear connection between the
 off-campus post and events that take place at school.

The court’s decision should provide much-needed guidance in an <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3650306" target="_blank">unsettled area</a>
 of student-speech law. Free-speech advocates hope the decision will, 
like the Tinker decision more than 50 years ago, respect students and 
their free-speech rights. Students are the future of the country and 
need to learn in an environment that protects their constitutional 
freedoms.

David Hudson Jr. is a Freedom Forum fellow for the First 
Amendment and a law professor at Belmont University who publishes widely
 on First Amendment topics. He is the author of several First Amendment 
books, including “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penguinrandomhouse.com%2Fbooks%2F209103%2Flet-the-students-speak-by-david-hudson%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C2685cd6ced894f04dd7c08d8ceab2bbc%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486582661751731%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0&amp;sdata=uHRw4fHnLNk9oFwbGjg9ckXMTppaXa0jcwqN1HPgwmk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Let The Students Speak!: A History of the Fight for Freedom of Expression in American Schools</a>” (2011). He is also the author of a 12-lecture audio course on the First Amendment titled, “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.audible.com%2Fpd%2FFreedom-of-Speech-Audiobook%2FB07KWDRZ5Z&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C174b7887b2b646d45e7d08d8ceaddfa2%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486593458613959%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=dNR6vBtIwJZjR5U7TFot4X7J0o7dT67xpUSgGUTb1RY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Freedom of Speech: Understanding the First Amendment,</a>” Now You Know Media (2018).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613679776461.jpeg" alt="David Hudson Jr. is a Freedom Forum fellow for the First Amendment and a law professor at Belmont University." />
 <figcaption>David Hudson Jr. is a Freedom Forum fellow for the First Amendment and a law professor at Belmont University.</figcaption>
 </figure>The would-be varsity cheerleader, the tattletale and Snapchat have 
converged in a Supreme Court free speech case sure to draw the interest 
of social media-loving students, concerned parents and wary school 
administrators everywhere.In 2017, a ninth-grade student in Schuylkill County, Pa., who failed 
to make the varsity cheerleading squad, vented her frustration in an 
F-bomb laced Snapchat post. She repeated the same curse before each of 
the words “school,” “softball,” “cheer” and “everything.”A teammate told a coach about the post, and administrators kicked her off the junior varsity cheerleading squad.Now, in <a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/mahanoy-area-school-district-v-b-l/" target="_blank">Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.</a>,
 the Supreme Court faces the question: Can school officials punish 
students for social media posts even when students post them off-campus,
 including in their own homes? The stakes are high: School 
administrators say they need to know the limits of their authority. 
Students deserve to know if schools can regulate them for social media 
posts they make off school grounds. The court could hear oral arguments 
as early as April.The student, identified as “B.L.,” <a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/b.l._-_verified_complaint_-_9-25-17.pdf" target="_blank">filed a federal lawsuit</a> through her parents, alleging a violation of her First Amendment free speech rights. A federal district court <a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/memorandum_opinion_granting_summary_judgment_for_b.l._-_3_21_19_.pdf" target="_blank">ruled in her favor</a>,
 reasoning her profane snap was off-campus speech that did not cause a 
substantial disruption of school activities. The disruption of school 
functions is the key standard in student-speech cases from the Supreme 
Court’s famous 1969 decision in <a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/393/503.html" target="_blank">Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District</a>.In Tinker, several students, including siblings Mary Beth and John Tinker,
 wore black armbands to school to protest U.S. involvement in the 
Vietnam War. School officials learned of the impending black armband 
protest and quickly passed a rule banning armbands. But they continued 
to allow students to wear other symbols, such as Iron Crosses and 
political campaign buttons. In effect, school officials had targeted a 
specific symbol associated with a particular political viewpoint.The Supreme Court in Tinker delivered a <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/2019/01/30/tinker-after-50-a-historic-ruling-still-relevant-after-all-these-years/" target="_blank">stunning victory</a>
 for student rights, declaring that neither students nor teachers “shed 
their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the 
schoolhouse gate.”The court ruled that public school officials could not punish 
students for their speech unless the officials could reasonably forecast
 that the student speech would cause a substantial disruption of school 
activities.Mahanoy school officials relied not on Tinker but another Supreme 
Court case to argue in support of their punishing the cheerleader 
student. In the 1986 case <a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/478/675.html" target="_blank">Bethel School District v. Fraser</a>,
 school officials who disciplined a student for delivering a sexually 
laced speech during a student assembly prevailed. The court ruled in 
that case that public school officials could prohibit student speech 
that was vulgar or lewd.In the cheerleading student’s case, an appellate court said the 
Fraser rule did not apply because her speech was completely off-campus.The appeals court ruled that Tinker doesn’t apply to her case, either
 — it applies when student speech takes place on campus, within the 
schoolhouse gates, but not when a student is posting on social media at 
home, the court said. A concurring judge separately found that the 
Tinker ruling does apply, but that school officials still lose because 
the student’s off-campus speech did not disrupt school activities.The Mahanoy school district, in its appeal to the Supreme Court, 
emphasized the vitally important question of whether Tinker applies to 
off-campus speech.“That question has become especially acute because social media has 
made it far easier for students’ off-campus messages to instantly reach a
 wide audience of classmates and dominate the on-campus environment,” 
the school district <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-255/151619/20200828144703420_Mahanoy%20Cert%20Petition%20-%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">wrote in its petition</a>.School administrators, students, parents, teachers and others don’t 
know how far the arm of school authority extends off campus. At the very
 least, public school officials must show a clear connection between the
 off-campus post and events that take place at school.The court’s decision should provide much-needed guidance in an <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3650306" target="_blank">unsettled area</a>
 of student-speech law. Free-speech advocates hope the decision will, 
like the Tinker decision more than 50 years ago, respect students and 
their free-speech rights. Students are the future of the country and 
need to learn in an environment that protects their constitutional 
freedoms.David Hudson Jr. is a Freedom Forum fellow for the First 
Amendment and a law professor at Belmont University who publishes widely
 on First Amendment topics. He is the author of several First Amendment 
books, including “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penguinrandomhouse.com%2Fbooks%2F209103%2Flet-the-students-speak-by-david-hudson%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C2685cd6ced894f04dd7c08d8ceab2bbc%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486582661751731%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0&amp;sdata=uHRw4fHnLNk9oFwbGjg9ckXMTppaXa0jcwqN1HPgwmk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Let The Students Speak!: A History of the Fight for Freedom of Expression in American Schools</a>” (2011). He is also the author of a 12-lecture audio course on the First Amendment titled, “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.audible.com%2Fpd%2FFreedom-of-Speech-Audiobook%2FB07KWDRZ5Z&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C174b7887b2b646d45e7d08d8ceaddfa2%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486593458613959%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=dNR6vBtIwJZjR5U7TFot4X7J0o7dT67xpUSgGUTb1RY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Freedom of Speech: Understanding the First Amendment,</a>” Now You Know Media (2018).

FIRST FIVE: Snapchat rant tests students’ free speech rights

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) - Nearly two years after going missing, a big black and white cat named Crookshaw is back with his Colorado family after being identified in Nebraska.

The North Platte Telegraph&nbsp;reported that the tuxedo cat and his owners were reunited Wednesday after the cat's identity was discovered when his microchip was scanned at Tender Hearts Veterinary Center in North Platte. He had been missing from his home in Northglenn, Colorado - 258 miles away - since May 2019.

The cat's journey began when he wandered away from his home into a woman's yard. She assumed he was a stray and took him in, then moved from Colorado to North Platte taking with the cat with her. She had dubbed him Kit Kat.

Recently the woman decided to move again, but she couldn't take the cat because of a restriction at her new place. She reached out to Sami Erickson, who operates a program to trap, neuter and return feral cats.

Erickson took the cat to Tender Hearts for a checkup. That's when it was found that the cat had a microchip.

"You are not going to believe this," Erickson told the North Platte woman in a phone call.

Erickson said the woman was stunned and excited by the news.

Meanwhile, the original owners were in North Platte within hours. They "were so excited, and I'm sure he was as well to be reunited with his owners," Erickson said. "He was such a cool cat, almost like a dog. He would follow this lady (the adopted owner) around and down the street for a walk."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613855573522.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) - Nearly two years after going missing, a big black and white cat named Crookshaw is back with his Colorado family after being identified in Nebraska.The North Platte Telegraph&nbsp;reported that the tuxedo cat and his owners were reunited Wednesday after the cat's identity was discovered when his microchip was scanned at Tender Hearts Veterinary Center in North Platte. He had been missing from his home in Northglenn, Colorado - 258 miles away - since May 2019.The cat's journey began when he wandered away from his home into a woman's yard. She assumed he was a stray and took him in, then moved from Colorado to North Platte taking with the cat with her. She had dubbed him Kit Kat.Recently the woman decided to move again, but she couldn't take the cat because of a restriction at her new place. She reached out to Sami Erickson, who operates a program to trap, neuter and return feral cats.Erickson took the cat to Tender Hearts for a checkup. That's when it was found that the cat had a microchip."You are not going to believe this," Erickson told the North Platte woman in a phone call.Erickson said the woman was stunned and excited by the news.Meanwhile, the original owners were in North Platte within hours. They "were so excited, and I'm sure he was as well to be reunited with his owners," Erickson said. "He was such a cool cat, almost like a dog. He would follow this lady (the adopted owner) around and down the street for a walk."

After two years and two-state journey, cat is back home

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota’s attorney general has been charged with three misdemeanors for striking and killing a man with his car last September. 

Jason Ravnsborg avoided more serious felony charges that prosecutors say simply aren't supported by evidence.

 He faces up to 30 days in jail on each of three counts, including careless driving. Ravnsborg says he's grateful that he's still presumed innocent under the law. 

He initially told authorities he thought he had struck a deer. 

Ravnsborg has said he didn’t know he struck a man until he returned to the scene and found the body the next day. 

The man’s relatives have questioned Ravnsborg’s account. 

One cousin says he is disappointed that the charges are not more serious, and that the family will likely take civil action.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota’s attorney general has been charged with three misdemeanors for striking and killing a man with his car last September. Jason Ravnsborg avoided more serious felony charges that prosecutors say simply aren't supported by evidence. He faces up to 30 days in jail on each of three counts, including careless driving. Ravnsborg says he's grateful that he's still presumed innocent under the law. He initially told authorities he thought he had struck a deer. Ravnsborg has said he didn’t know he struck a man until he returned to the scene and found the body the next day. The man’s relatives have questioned Ravnsborg’s account. One cousin says he is disappointed that the charges are not more serious, and that the family will likely take civil action.

South Dakota's AG charged with 3 misdemeanors in fatal crash

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) - The coronavirus has devastated many types of businesses, and a new study in Nebraska shows just how hard the pandemic has hit child care centers.

<a href="https://starherald.com/news/local/education/new-state-data-show-state-childcare-industry-devastated-by-pandemic/article_0e84c473-8731-5b02-8752-2ffc234b597a.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">The Scottsbluff Star-Herald</a>&nbsp;cited a new legislative study that found 231 licensed child care providers across the state have closed permanently since the pandemic began. Hundreds more shuttered temporarily, and more than half of operators said they would close permanently without further government financial assistance.

At Golden Child Development Center in Mitchell, operator JoAnne Golden is licensed for 50 children. On some days, she has just five.

The study suggests that facility is among the lucky ones.

Nebraska ranks highest in the nation for households with children where both parents work. Lawmakers are concerned, said state Sen. John Stinner of Gering. His resolution introduced last year read that ensuring "all families and children have equitable access to affordable, high-quality care is key to both the healthy growth and development of Nebraska's children as well as the economic vitality and prosperity of communities and the state."

Stinner's resolution funded the study. It found that 12 Nebraska counties now have no licensed childcare providers.

At Kids R Us in Scottsbluff, owner Danielle Self closed her business for a week in March. At that time, she had about 105 children and 33 staff members. When she opened a week later, she had 45 kids in the program. She had to reduce her staff to eight. Things have turned around a bit - the center is back got 60 children and 16 staff members.

"I think that's the new normal," Self said. "I'm hoping we're still going up (with enrollment). I need to peak and then see if we can maintain the peak."

Self and Golden both said their income dropped by 50%. The legislative study, which included survey data from the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, found that about 25% of child care providers' incomes fell by at least half.

The study found that about half of Nebraska's parents had to miss work because of child care issues. Another 25% had to depend on family, friends, or neighbors. About 43% reduced their working hours to care for children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613843323391.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) - The coronavirus has devastated many types of businesses, and a new study in Nebraska shows just how hard the pandemic has hit child care centers.<a href="https://starherald.com/news/local/education/new-state-data-show-state-childcare-industry-devastated-by-pandemic/article_0e84c473-8731-5b02-8752-2ffc234b597a.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">The Scottsbluff Star-Herald</a>&nbsp;cited a new legislative study that found 231 licensed child care providers across the state have closed permanently since the pandemic began. Hundreds more shuttered temporarily, and more than half of operators said they would close permanently without further government financial assistance.At Golden Child Development Center in Mitchell, operator JoAnne Golden is licensed for 50 children. On some days, she has just five.The study suggests that facility is among the lucky ones.Nebraska ranks highest in the nation for households with children where both parents work. Lawmakers are concerned, said state Sen. John Stinner of Gering. His resolution introduced last year read that ensuring "all families and children have equitable access to affordable, high-quality care is key to both the healthy growth and development of Nebraska's children as well as the economic vitality and prosperity of communities and the state."Stinner's resolution funded the study. It found that 12 Nebraska counties now have no licensed childcare providers.At Kids R Us in Scottsbluff, owner Danielle Self closed her business for a week in March. At that time, she had about 105 children and 33 staff members. When she opened a week later, she had 45 kids in the program. She had to reduce her staff to eight. Things have turned around a bit - the center is back got 60 children and 16 staff members."I think that's the new normal," Self said. "I'm hoping we're still going up (with enrollment). I need to peak and then see if we can maintain the peak."Self and Golden both said their income dropped by 50%. The legislative study, which included survey data from the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, found that about 25% of child care providers' incomes fell by at least half.The study found that about half of Nebraska's parents had to miss work because of child care issues. Another 25% had to depend on family, friends, or neighbors. About 43% reduced their working hours to care for children.

Study shows pandemic's impact on Nebraska child care centers

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The former home of William “Buffalo Bill” Cody at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park is looking fresh and improved after a series of restoration projects recently were completed.

The roof on Scout’s Rest Ranch Barn was replaced in late winter 2018, early spring 2019. The large, two-story horse barn was built in 1887 and could stable 80 horses, some belonging to actors in Cody’s “Wild West” show. Cody had “Scout’s Rest Ranch” painted across the south side of the roof in four-foot-tall white letters, which still adorns the barn today.

Renovation of the Cody mansion’s wooden porch floors and decorative spindle railings was completed in 2019. Inside the mansion, the interior wooden floors were sanded and restored to their character-defining features of the Cody era.

In 2020, many historically correct restorations were made to the outside of the iconic Cody mansion, consisting of: replacing the Cupola roof and renovating many decorative wooden features on the outside of the mansion’s windows, siding, and porches. The mansion was topped off with a fresh coat of white paint and green trim; the historic colors for the mansion.

Adjacent to the historical park lies Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area where a new public archery range was built last year near the recreation area campground.

Nearly $100,000 dollars was reinvested into renovations, made possible with the use of Capital Maintenance Funds and State Park Improvement Funds established by the state legislature to support park projects, and with Park Cash Funds, which includes proceeds from camping, lodging, and park entry permit fees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613798516280.png" alt="The roof on Scout’s Rest Ranch Barn was replaced in late winter 2018, early spring 2019 and still has “Scout’s Rest Ranch” painted in four-foot-tall white letters on it from the Cody era. (Julie Geiser/NGPC)" />
 <figcaption>The roof on Scout’s Rest Ranch Barn was replaced in late winter 2018, early spring 2019 and still has “Scout’s Rest Ranch” painted in four-foot-tall white letters on it from the Cody era. (Julie Geiser/NGPC)</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The former home of William “Buffalo Bill” Cody at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park is looking fresh and improved after a series of restoration projects recently were completed.The roof on Scout’s Rest Ranch Barn was replaced in late winter 2018, early spring 2019. The large, two-story horse barn was built in 1887 and could stable 80 horses, some belonging to actors in Cody’s “Wild West” show. Cody had “Scout’s Rest Ranch” painted across the south side of the roof in four-foot-tall white letters, which still adorns the barn today.Renovation of the Cody mansion’s wooden porch floors and decorative spindle railings was completed in 2019. Inside the mansion, the interior wooden floors were sanded and restored to their character-defining features of the Cody era.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613798551339.png" alt="Interior wooden floors of the Cody mansion were restored to their character-defining features of the Cody era. (Julie Geiser/NGPC)" />
 <figcaption>Interior wooden floors of the Cody mansion were restored to their character-defining features of the Cody era. (Julie Geiser/NGPC)</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2020, many historically correct restorations were made to the outside of the iconic Cody mansion, consisting of: replacing the Cupola roof and renovating many decorative wooden features on the outside of the mansion’s windows, siding, and porches. The mansion was topped off with a fresh coat of white paint and green trim; the historic colors for the mansion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613798590103.png" alt="Restorations were made to the outside of the Cody mansion’s Cupola roof and decorative wooden features on the windows, siding, and porches, along with a fresh coat of paint. (Julie Geiser/NGPC)" />
 <figcaption>Restorations were made to the outside of the Cody mansion’s Cupola roof and decorative wooden features on the windows, siding, and porches, along with a fresh coat of paint. (Julie Geiser/NGPC)</figcaption>
 </figure>Adjacent to the historical park lies Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area where a new public archery range was built last year near the recreation area campground.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613798609483.png" alt="A new public archery range was built in 2020 at the Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area, which is adjacent to the historical park. (Julie Geiser/NGPC)" />
 <figcaption>A new public archery range was built in 2020 at the Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area, which is adjacent to the historical park. (Julie Geiser/NGPC)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nearly $100,000 dollars was reinvested into renovations, made possible with the use of Capital Maintenance Funds and State Park Improvement Funds established by the state legislature to support park projects, and with Park Cash Funds, which includes proceeds from camping, lodging, and park entry permit fees.

Restoration projects completed at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park

News Release West Central District Health Department


The state of Nebraska continues to see shipment delays of the Moderna
vaccine. 

As of February 19, 2021, West Central District Health
Department (WCDHD) has not received notice of an updated shipment
date. 

“There is a strong potential there may be some last-minute
appointment cancellations due to the lack of vaccine,” said Shannon
Vanderheiden, Executive Director of West Central District Health
Department. 

As more information on the availability of vaccines is
obtained, WCDHD will communicate through media outlets and their
social media sites.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605532171471.png" alt="Vaccine image courtesy Moderna" />
 <figcaption>Vaccine image courtesy Moderna</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release West Central District Health Department
The state of Nebraska continues to see shipment delays of the Moderna
vaccine. As of February 19, 2021, West Central District Health
Department (WCDHD) has not received notice of an updated shipment
date. “There is a strong potential there may be some last-minute
appointment cancellations due to the lack of vaccine,” said Shannon
Vanderheiden, Executive Director of West Central District Health
Department. As more information on the availability of vaccines is
obtained, WCDHD will communicate through media outlets and their
social media sites.

WCDHD: Nebraska still experiencing vaccine shipping delays

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Great Plains Health hosted a ribbon-cutting today to commemorate the grand opening of the new Lamberty Education Center.&nbsp;

The Center, named after the late Dr. Leland Lamberty, will serve as the education hub for Great Plains Health employees, regional first responders and area hospitals.

“We believe strongly in the value of real-time, hands-on education and training for healthcare professionals and the community,” said Mel McNea, Great Plains Health chief executive officer. “With the ever-changing nature of healthcare and the scarce resource of healthcare professionals available, it is more critical than ever that we offer an advanced education center to train healthcare professionals in our region.”

The new location features four dedicated classrooms with updated computer and presentation technology and an expanded simulation lab. 

The lab is equipped with three state-of-the-art training simulation mannequins, Victoria, ISTAN and Baby Super Tory. The simulators offer students an opportunity to role-play real-to-life critical care situations in many areas including intensive care, stroke, trauma, and labor and delivery.

“The more practice we can give to our students, the more confidence, higher quality and experience they have when faced with live situations in the health care setting,” said Fiona Libsack, Great Plains Health chief development officer.

“The Great Plains Health Lamberty Education Center is an integral part of our overall recruitment and retention strategy to increase the number of people training for a career in the healthcare field, further sharpen the skills of existing healthcare professionals in the region and expand the educational program offerings for various disciplines of healthcare in our region,” said Libsack.

The Lamberty Education Center is located on the second floor of the Centennial Park Medical Building, located at 500 West Leota Street.

“It’s a beautifully designed, modern space that serves as a perfect learning environment for our students. We’re grateful for the opportunity,”&nbsp;said Libsack. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613772816543.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Great Plains Health hosted a ribbon-cutting today to commemorate the grand opening of the new Lamberty Education Center.&nbsp;The Center, named after the late Dr. Leland Lamberty, will serve as the education hub for Great Plains Health employees, regional first responders and area hospitals.“We believe strongly in the value of real-time, hands-on education and training for healthcare professionals and the community,” said Mel McNea, Great Plains Health chief executive officer. “With the ever-changing nature of healthcare and the scarce resource of healthcare professionals available, it is more critical than ever that we offer an advanced education center to train healthcare professionals in our region.”The new location features four dedicated classrooms with updated computer and presentation technology and an expanded simulation lab. The lab is equipped with three state-of-the-art training simulation mannequins, Victoria, ISTAN and Baby Super Tory. The simulators offer students an opportunity to role-play real-to-life critical care situations in many areas including intensive care, stroke, trauma, and labor and delivery.“The more practice we can give to our students, the more confidence, higher quality and experience they have when faced with live situations in the health care setting,” said Fiona Libsack, Great Plains Health chief development officer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613772863921.png" alt="Dr. Leland Lamberty" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Leland Lamberty</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Great Plains Health Lamberty Education Center is an integral part of our overall recruitment and retention strategy to increase the number of people training for a career in the healthcare field, further sharpen the skills of existing healthcare professionals in the region and expand the educational program offerings for various disciplines of healthcare in our region,” said Libsack.The Lamberty Education Center is located on the second floor of the Centennial Park Medical Building, located at 500 West Leota Street.“It’s a beautifully designed, modern space that serves as a perfect learning environment for our students. We’re grateful for the opportunity,”&nbsp;said Libsack.

Great Plains Health opens Lamberty Education Center

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Top officials from all three branches of Nebraska government on Friday announced a new effort aimed at learning why the state prison population keeps growing and what they might do to safely reduce the number of inmates.

State officials have applied for a federal grant to join forces with the Crime and Justice Institute, a nonprofit that has worked with other states to help identify what's causing the increases.

Nebraska's prison system is plagued by chronic overcrowding, even though many other states have managed to reduce their numbers. Previous attempts to address the problem have yielded mixed results, and Nebraska's prison population is projected to continue growing through at least 2025.

"We all know that we are facing a number of different challenges," Gov. Pete Ricketts said at a news conference with the Nebraska Supreme Court's chief justice and key legislative leaders from both parties.

Ricketts, a Republican, said the Crime and Justice Institute will take a "data-driven" look at Nebraska's sentencing, release and supervision policies. States such as California, Missouri and Oregon have reduced their populations by overhauling sentencing laws, producing declines so dramatic that they have been able to close prisons and save millions of dollars.

Some Nebraska lawmakers have tried to change the state's sentencing laws to allow the release of more nonviolent inmates, but the measures stalled amid resistance from prosecutors and law enforcement, who argued the proposals would have undermined public safety.

Ricketts said it's unlikely Nebraska will be able to cut its inmate numbers enough to close a prison, and he argued that the state still needs to build a new facility to replace the 152-year-old Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln. But he said the review could help identify areas where the state can improve.

A 2015 review of Nebraska's prison system found that much of the overcrowding was driven by people who reoffended and ended up back in prison. The Council of State Governments, an outside group that worked with state officials, found that some inmates were being released before they had finished all of their rehabilitation and treatment programs, which made them more likely to violate their parole.

Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican said the state's judicial branch has already changed some practices to try to divert more offenders into treatment programs as an alternative to prison. He said the state's judges and court employees were willing to look at other ideas as well.

"We want to be part of this study and this effort to see if we can do things better," he said.

Sen. Steve Lathrop, the chairman of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee, said he suspects that state officials will have to use a combination of policy changes and building additional prison space to ease overcrowding.

Lathrop, of Omaha, said the Crime and Justice Institute will spend about six months looking at Nebraska's prison, probation and parole numbers to identify trends. The group will report its findings to state officials to help shape proposals for the 2022 legislative session.

"They'll break it all down so we can see where we have bottlenecks," Lathrop said.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Top officials from all three branches of Nebraska government on Friday announced a new effort aimed at learning why the state prison population keeps growing and what they might do to safely reduce the number of inmates.State officials have applied for a federal grant to join forces with the Crime and Justice Institute, a nonprofit that has worked with other states to help identify what's causing the increases.Nebraska's prison system is plagued by chronic overcrowding, even though many other states have managed to reduce their numbers. Previous attempts to address the problem have yielded mixed results, and Nebraska's prison population is projected to continue growing through at least 2025."We all know that we are facing a number of different challenges," Gov. Pete Ricketts said at a news conference with the Nebraska Supreme Court's chief justice and key legislative leaders from both parties.Ricketts, a Republican, said the Crime and Justice Institute will take a "data-driven" look at Nebraska's sentencing, release and supervision policies. States such as California, Missouri and Oregon have reduced their populations by overhauling sentencing laws, producing declines so dramatic that they have been able to close prisons and save millions of dollars.Some Nebraska lawmakers have tried to change the state's sentencing laws to allow the release of more nonviolent inmates, but the measures stalled amid resistance from prosecutors and law enforcement, who argued the proposals would have undermined public safety.Ricketts said it's unlikely Nebraska will be able to cut its inmate numbers enough to close a prison, and he argued that the state still needs to build a new facility to replace the 152-year-old Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln. But he said the review could help identify areas where the state can improve.A 2015 review of Nebraska's prison system found that much of the overcrowding was driven by people who reoffended and ended up back in prison. The Council of State Governments, an outside group that worked with state officials, found that some inmates were being released before they had finished all of their rehabilitation and treatment programs, which made them more likely to violate their parole.Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican said the state's judicial branch has already changed some practices to try to divert more offenders into treatment programs as an alternative to prison. He said the state's judges and court employees were willing to look at other ideas as well."We want to be part of this study and this effort to see if we can do things better," he said.Sen. Steve Lathrop, the chairman of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee, said he suspects that state officials will have to use a combination of policy changes and building additional prison space to ease overcrowding.Lathrop, of Omaha, said the Crime and Justice Institute will spend about six months looking at Nebraska's prison, probation and parole numbers to identify trends. The group will report its findings to state officials to help shape proposals for the 2022 legislative session."They'll break it all down so we can see where we have bottlenecks," Lathrop said.

Nebraska seeks review of why prison population keeps growing 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts on Friday defended the state's decision to prioritize the elderly for coronavirus vaccination shots over people with underlying health conditions, noting that most Nebraska residents who have died so far were at least 65 years old.

Ricketts made the comments after his administration amended its coronavirus vaccination plan earlier this week.

People who have cancer, diabetes and other major health problems were previously eligible in the current phase of the state's vaccination plan, but they were removed from their spot on the list so health officials could focus on older residents. Essential workers such as first responders, teachers and corrections employees also qualify, but state officials have ordered local public health districts and pharmacies to give at least 90% of their available doses to senior citizens.

Approximately 82% of the 2,043 people who have died from the virus in Nebraska were at least 65 years old, according to the state's online tracking portal. When people who are at least 55 years old are included in that group, the percentage jumps to 93%.

"When you look at the data, the single biggest correlation is age," Ricketts said at a news conference.

Age isn't the only risk factor, however, and people with underlying health conditions were originally placed on the list out of concern that they were more vulnerable than younger, healthier residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people with ailments such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart disease or who are obese are at greater risk of getting severely ill.

Ricketts said officials are focusing on seniors to try to prevent as many deaths as possible, and giving too many of the state's limited doses to others is a "less efficient" approach.

State officials said earlier this week that they expect vaccines will be available to the general public in Nebraska by late April or early May.&nbsp;

Nebraska has confirmed 198,442 virus cases since the pandemic began, and 185 people are currently hospitalized - a decline from the nearly 1,000 who were in hospital care in mid-November.

The state is expected to get more vaccine doses from drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna next week, after severe cold weather throughout the Midwest and Texas delayed some shipments.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts on Friday defended the state's decision to prioritize the elderly for coronavirus vaccination shots over people with underlying health conditions, noting that most Nebraska residents who have died so far were at least 65 years old.Ricketts made the comments after his administration amended its coronavirus vaccination plan earlier this week.People who have cancer, diabetes and other major health problems were previously eligible in the current phase of the state's vaccination plan, but they were removed from their spot on the list so health officials could focus on older residents. Essential workers such as first responders, teachers and corrections employees also qualify, but state officials have ordered local public health districts and pharmacies to give at least 90% of their available doses to senior citizens.Approximately 82% of the 2,043 people who have died from the virus in Nebraska were at least 65 years old, according to the state's online tracking portal. When people who are at least 55 years old are included in that group, the percentage jumps to 93%."When you look at the data, the single biggest correlation is age," Ricketts said at a news conference.Age isn't the only risk factor, however, and people with underlying health conditions were originally placed on the list out of concern that they were more vulnerable than younger, healthier residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people with ailments such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart disease or who are obese are at greater risk of getting severely ill.Ricketts said officials are focusing on seniors to try to prevent as many deaths as possible, and giving too many of the state's limited doses to others is a "less efficient" approach.State officials said earlier this week that they expect vaccines will be available to the general public in Nebraska by late April or early May.&nbsp;Nebraska has confirmed 198,442 virus cases since the pandemic began, and 185 people are currently hospitalized - a decline from the nearly 1,000 who were in hospital care in mid-November.The state is expected to get more vaccine doses from drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna next week, after severe cold weather throughout the Midwest and Texas delayed some shipments.

Ricketts defends change to Nebraska virus vaccination plan 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Preliminary finding by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that the death of a Nebraska was not caused by the coronavirus vaccine that had been administered to him, according to Nebraska's top medical officer.

Dr. Gary Anthone, Nebraska's chief medical officer,&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska-mans-death-likely-not-related-to-vaccine-chief-medical-officer-says/article_33a090ca-721c-11eb-ae63-cb635193e1b2.html#tncms-source=login" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Omaha World-Herald that a CDC official conveyed that finding to him in recent days. Anthone said the CDC has not yet released an official report on the death.

Last week, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said the man died Jan. 17, one to two weeks after he received his first dose of the vaccine. The state health agency said the man was in his 40s and a long-term care facility resident who had several underlying health conditions. His name was not released.

The man's death was entered into the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, a national vaccine safety surveillance program run by the CDC and the FDA. Anytime a death or any adverse event occurs after a vaccination, the case must be reported to VAERS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604926559777.png" alt="Photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Preliminary finding by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that the death of a Nebraska was not caused by the coronavirus vaccine that had been administered to him, according to Nebraska's top medical officer.Dr. Gary Anthone, Nebraska's chief medical officer,&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska-mans-death-likely-not-related-to-vaccine-chief-medical-officer-says/article_33a090ca-721c-11eb-ae63-cb635193e1b2.html#tncms-source=login" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Omaha World-Herald that a CDC official conveyed that finding to him in recent days. Anthone said the CDC has not yet released an official report on the death.Last week, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said the man died Jan. 17, one to two weeks after he received his first dose of the vaccine. The state health agency said the man was in his 40s and a long-term care facility resident who had several underlying health conditions. His name was not released.The man's death was entered into the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, a national vaccine safety surveillance program run by the CDC and the FDA. Anytime a death or any adverse event occurs after a vaccination, the case must be reported to VAERS.

CDC: Nebraska man's death likely not from virus vaccine

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A military jury has convicted a senior airman at Ellsworth Air Force Base of killing his 6-month-old son. 

The jury found 26-year-old James Cunningham guilty of murder Thursday in the March 2020 death of his son, Zachariah, following a four-day trial at the Air Force base. 

Cunningham can decide whether the military judge or the jury will impose his sentence, which is a maximum of life in prison without parole. 

Cunningham would serve time in a federal military prison. 

Prosecutors said Cunningham lied three times before confessing to punching his son. 

Prosecutors say medical evidence showed the baby died from being shaken and hit multiple times.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A military jury has convicted a senior airman at Ellsworth Air Force Base of killing his 6-month-old son. The jury found 26-year-old James Cunningham guilty of murder Thursday in the March 2020 death of his son, Zachariah, following a four-day trial at the Air Force base. Cunningham can decide whether the military judge or the jury will impose his sentence, which is a maximum of life in prison without parole. Cunningham would serve time in a federal military prison. Prosecutors said Cunningham lied three times before confessing to punching his son. Prosecutors say medical evidence showed the baby died from being shaken and hit multiple times.

Rapid City Airman convicted of killing his 6-month-old son

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The economy is slowly improving in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states, but employment remains below the level it was at before the coronavirus pandemic began last year, according to a new monthly survey of bankers released Thursday.

The overall index for the region increased to 53.8 in February from January's 52. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy, while a score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, said the number of jobs in the region is down roughly 146,000, or 3.3%, from the level it was at before the pandemic began. The survey's hiring index hit 51.9 in February, up from January's weak 46, to suggest businesses are now hiring, but Goss said it will take several month's of steady growth to get back to pre-COVID-19 levels.

The bankers surveyed are optimistic about the economy as grain prices and exports continue to increase. The survey's confidence index increased to 64 in February from January's 60. Goss said the Federal Reserve's current record low short-term interest rates are also helping the economy.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1561982896905.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The economy is slowly improving in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states, but employment remains below the level it was at before the coronavirus pandemic began last year, according to a new monthly survey of bankers released Thursday.The overall index for the region increased to 53.8 in February from January's 52. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy, while a score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy.Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, said the number of jobs in the region is down roughly 146,000, or 3.3%, from the level it was at before the pandemic began. The survey's hiring index hit 51.9 in February, up from January's weak 46, to suggest businesses are now hiring, but Goss said it will take several month's of steady growth to get back to pre-COVID-19 levels.The bankers surveyed are optimistic about the economy as grain prices and exports continue to increase. The survey's confidence index increased to 64 in February from January's 60. Goss said the Federal Reserve's current record low short-term interest rates are also helping the economy.Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

Bankers say economy is improving in rural parts of 10 states

The West Central District Health Department's COVID-19 Community Risk Dial went down again this week.


The risk dial moved from a 2.77 down to a 2.69, which remains in the
elevated risk level. There were changes in the following variables
that contributed to movement in the dial:

The COVID-19 Risk Dial contains
recommended guidance to help prevent and control the spread of
COVID-19.

While in the Elevated Risk category,
physical distance of 6 feet or greater, wearing face coverings when
outside the home, frequent handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer),
staying home if you are having flu-like or COVID-like symptoms,
disinfecting high touch surfaces, and having at-risk and vulnerable
people remain home are recommended as the greatest tools in reducing
the spread of COVID-19. For more information on recommendations for
the various risk categories of the WCDHD Community Risk Dial, please
visit the COVID-19 Risk Dial page on our website.

There have been 38 cases of COVID-19
for the time period of February 10-16. As a reminder, WCDHD
will be posting a COVID-19 case number update every Thursday with the
risk dial update. 


Visit the Risk Dial page <a href="https://wcdhd.org/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">HERE</a>

Visit the WCDHD COVID-19 Dashboard <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation">HERE</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613735236034.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-NP PostThe West Central District Health Department's COVID-19 Community Risk Dial went down again this week.
The risk dial moved from a 2.77 down to a 2.69, which remains in the
elevated risk level. There were changes in the following variables
that contributed to movement in the dial:We had a decrease in the following: 
<ul>
 <li>Measure ID R12: Medical &amp;
	Surgical Beds
</li>
 </ul>The COVID-19 Risk Dial contains
recommended guidance to help prevent and control the spread of
COVID-19.While in the Elevated Risk category,
physical distance of 6 feet or greater, wearing face coverings when
outside the home, frequent handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer),
staying home if you are having flu-like or COVID-like symptoms,
disinfecting high touch surfaces, and having at-risk and vulnerable
people remain home are recommended as the greatest tools in reducing
the spread of COVID-19. For more information on recommendations for
the various risk categories of the WCDHD Community Risk Dial, please
visit the COVID-19 Risk Dial page on our website.There have been 38 cases of COVID-19
for the time period of February 10-16. As a reminder, WCDHD
will be posting a COVID-19 case number update every Thursday with the
risk dial update. 
Visit the Risk Dial page <a href="https://wcdhd.org/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">HERE</a>Visit the WCDHD COVID-19 Dashboard <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation">HERE</a>

WCDHD COVID Risk Dial moves down again, remains Elevated

News Release Governor Ricketts' Office

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts held a press conference at the State Capitol to provide an update on coronavirus vaccination efforts in Nebraska.&nbsp; The State is currently in Phase 1B of its vaccination plan, with the majority of vaccines being administered to Nebraskans age 65 and older.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Incident Commander Angie Ling reported on the State’s recent and upcoming vaccine allocations.&nbsp; DHHS Deputy Director of Public Health, Felicia Quintana-Zinn, shared an update to the State’s vaccination plan. &nbsp;Once Phase 1B has been completed, the State will prioritize Nebraskans age 50-64 for vaccination.

Angie Ling: Coronavirus Vaccine Allocation

Video from this morning’s press conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DKkKd6dhlHj4%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cc2888ec03ca540061b2b08d8d46679b8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637492883878306183%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=ucAYWnujzj9anoYieTiIslsHQ%2BNz2S7kN2OAgq3RiL8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613696997751.png" alt="DHHS Deputy Director of Public Health Felicia Quintana-Zinn (podium) and Gov. Ricketts (in back of podium) at this morning’s press conference." />
 <figcaption>DHHS Deputy Director of Public Health Felicia Quintana-Zinn (podium) and Gov. Ricketts (in back of podium) at this morning’s press conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Governor Ricketts' OfficeLINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts held a press conference at the State Capitol to provide an update on coronavirus vaccination efforts in Nebraska.&nbsp; The State is currently in Phase 1B of its vaccination plan, with the majority of vaccines being administered to Nebraskans age 65 and older.Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Incident Commander Angie Ling reported on the State’s recent and upcoming vaccine allocations.&nbsp; DHHS Deputy Director of Public Health, Felicia Quintana-Zinn, shared an update to the State’s vaccination plan. &nbsp;Once Phase 1B has been completed, the State will prioritize Nebraskans age 50-64 for vaccination.Gov. Ricketts: Vaccination<ul>
 <li>Age is the single biggest factor in determining who is most likely to be severely impacted by the coronavirus.</li><li>That’s why we’ve been focusing on vaccinating Nebraskans in the 65+ age category.</li><li>Our local health departments are focusing at least 90% of their efforts on this age group right now.</li><li>As we look forward to vaccinating the general population, we’ll continue to prioritize vaccinations based on age.</li>
 </ul>Angie Ling: Coronavirus Vaccine Allocation<ul>
 <li>Starting next week, we’ll be counting the extra doses in the Pfizer vial.&nbsp; Each vial will now count as having six doses instead of five doses.</li><li>Our Pfizer allocation for next week will increase to 18,720 primary doses, and our Moderna allocation will increase to 18,400 primary doses.</li><li>We’re adjusting our second dose ordering schedule.&nbsp; Instead of having these doses arrive 7-10 days before we can use them, we’ll have them arrive within the window of time when we can use them.</li><li>The majority of vaccines have not arrived to Nebraska this week due to issues at distribution sites and inclement weather.&nbsp; We did receive two shipments of Pfizer vaccine on Monday, and these doses will be used in our scheduled clinics.&nbsp;</li><li>The supply issues are occurring nationwide; they’re not unique to Nebraska.&nbsp; Every effort will be made to catch up as soon as possible, while safely delivering the vaccines.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Felicia Quintana-Zinn: Vaccine Plan<ul>
 <li>Nebraska is updating its Vaccine Phasing guidance to provide further information and expectations as to when the general population will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.</li><li>Health departments are currently in Phase 1B, vaccinating those over 65 years old or working in critical infrastructure.&nbsp; Comorbidity categories are not included in Phase 1B. &nbsp;As Phase 1B continues, Nebraska is finalizing plans to vaccinate the general population.&nbsp;</li><li>With the increasing amount of vaccine supply, Nebraska is expecting to be able to move to the general population in April or May.</li><li>Preliminary Nebraska residents’ mortality data shows that COVID-19 caused or was a main contributing factor in 1,801 Nebraskan deaths, with approximately 97% of those deaths occurring in those over 50 years of age.&nbsp;</li><li>After Phase 1B is complete, Nebraska will begin to vaccinate the general population.&nbsp; To continue to ensure that our population is protected, we’ll prioritize 50-64 year olds prior to vaccinating the remainder of the population (those 16-49 years old).&nbsp;Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is approved for use among those age 16 and older, while Moderna’s vaccine is approved for those 18 and older.</li><li>Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is approved for use among those age 16 and older, while Moderna’s vaccine is approved for those 18 and older.</li><li>This week, the State launched our official COVID-19 vaccination campaign: Finish Strong Nebraska! &nbsp;For more information and to register on our vaccine portal, you can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/FinishStrong.aspx" target="_blank">finishstrong.ne.gov</a>.</li>
 </ul>Video from this morning’s press conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DKkKd6dhlHj4%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cc2888ec03ca540061b2b08d8d46679b8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637492883878306183%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=ucAYWnujzj9anoYieTiIslsHQ%2BNz2S7kN2OAgq3RiL8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>

Gov. Ricketts, DHHS officials provide update on vaccine prioritization


During the month of January 2021,
twenty-three people were killed in traffic crashes on Nebraska
roadways, according to data collected by the Nebraska Department of
Transportation.

NDOT: 23 killed in traffic crashes in January 

MAXWELL, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska man was found dead in his home Monday night when the temperature inside the home was 14 below zero.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560217184613.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MAXWELL, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska man was found dead in his home Monday night when the temperature inside the home was 14 below zero.The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday it's not clear exactly when 65-year-old Danny Effenbeck of Maxwell died. He was last seen on February 9 when his brother took him grocery shopping. Test results that will determine how Effenbeck died are pending.Members of Maxwell's Volunteer Fire Department found Effenbeck's body when they went to check on him."They were doing random checks of people around Maxwell who live alone, and they knew (Effenbeck) had a history of not having utilities," Lincoln County Sheriff Jerome Kramer said Wednesday afternoon.Kramer said Effenbeck had relied on a propane heater to warm his home for several years, but the home was frigid when he was found.

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