
It has been a year since the Advisory Committee of the North Platte /
Lincoln County Visitors Bureau provided funding to help promote area
events and attractions. The committee considered grant applications
in January of 2020, but when the April deadline came around, the
Covid-19 pandemic was in full swing and the committee voted to waive
further consideration until the full effect of the pandemic on
lodging tax receipts could be calculated.

For the calendar year of 2020,
lodging tax receipts are down around 30%, and it is possible the
spring could still be very bleak months. However, the Advisory
Committee decided that there is light at the end of the tunnel with
travelers once again expressing confidence in traveling. Nine
organizations submitted grant applications totaling $61,411.19 for
consideration at the Committee’s January meeting.

The Visitors Bureau and the North
Platte Area Sports Commission will support the development of
tournaments and doubleheader games by the North Platte Nationals 9U
team and other youth baseball teams by purchasing four portable
pitching mounds in the amount of $7,870.19.

The entire community as well as the
state of Nebraska and fans of rodeo and country music across America
are looking forward to the return of NEBRASKAland DAYS. The Visitors
Bureau will continue to be a platinum sponsor of this event in the
amount of $18,000.00

Dirt Track racing will again be
hosted at the Lincoln County Raceway. The Visitors Bureau will help
the promotors market the upcoming season with a $600.00 social media
campaign and will provide $2,500 in added money for the Memorial
Weekend Challenge.

The inaugural Buffalo Bill Rough
Rider Gravel Grinder race in 2020 was transitioned into a
non-competitive event due to the pandemic. The organizers are
planning a competitive event for 2021, and the Visitors Bureau will
help market the event with a $1,000.00 social media campaign.

The Lincoln County Historical Museum
will conduct a number of marketing initiatives to promote the 2021
season. These include a reprinted brochure and brochure distribution,
social media campaigns for its events and replacing the billboard at
Rodeo Road and Buffalo Bill Avenue. The Visitors Bureau will help
fund these endeavors in the amount of $5,191.00

The committee was excited to learn
that the Miss Teen Nebraska will once again be a part of the Miss
Nebraska pageant, after having been moved to Omaha for a number of
years. This will increase the number of competitors and visitors to
the pageant. The Visitors Bureau will provide $2,100.00 help the
organization promote the pageant and $1,500.00 to help offset the
cost of hosting the event.

Music On The Bricks will return to
downtown North Platte on May 1. Previous events have attracted more
than 1,000 music lovers to North Platte’s Canteen District. The
Visitors Bureau will provide $450.00 to the organization to help
market the concerts.

The Visitors Bureau is partnering
with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to encourage more outdoor
recreation on the North Platte River and to help make the activity
safer for participants. The committee approved up to $6,700.00 in
funding for a water trail sign north of the river bridge on North
Hershey Road. The sign will provide safety information, route and
timing information, and information about what wildlife can be
experienced during the trip. Several other grant applications have
been submitted to other organizations and the award will be reduced
by other funding received.

The next round of funding is now
open, with an April 1 deadline for events or projects occurring in
July, August and September of 2021. These applications will be
considered at the regular monthly Advisory Committee meeting
scheduled for April 28. Anyone interested in submitting a grant
application is encouraged to contact the Visitors Bureau at
308-532-4729 and discuss their project with a staff member.

The North Platte / Lincoln County
Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee was established by the Lincoln
County Board of Commissioners under the authority of the Nebraska
Visitors Development Act and administers the annual budget set for
the Visitors Bureau by the Board of Commissioners. This annual
budget, funded entirely by lodging tax revenue, includes line items
for grants to local events and attractions for activities that
attract visitors to Lincoln County to use our visitor services.

Grant funds, marketing and operating
expenses for the North Platte / Lincoln County Visitors Bureau are
funded solely through the lodging taxes that are collected and
remitted for overnight stays by lodging properties in Lincoln County.
It is thanks to the efforts of the lodging property partners located
within the county that funds are available to attract more visitors,
which have a significant impact on the economic well-being of our
Lincoln County communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1612020046897.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release&nbsp;
It has been a year since the Advisory Committee of the North Platte /
Lincoln County Visitors Bureau provided funding to help promote area
events and attractions. The committee considered grant applications
in January of 2020, but when the April deadline came around, the
Covid-19 pandemic was in full swing and the committee voted to waive
further consideration until the full effect of the pandemic on
lodging tax receipts could be calculated.For the calendar year of 2020,
lodging tax receipts are down around 30%, and it is possible the
spring could still be very bleak months. However, the Advisory
Committee decided that there is light at the end of the tunnel with
travelers once again expressing confidence in traveling. Nine
organizations submitted grant applications totaling $61,411.19 for
consideration at the Committee’s January meeting.The Visitors Bureau and the North
Platte Area Sports Commission will support the development of
tournaments and doubleheader games by the North Platte Nationals 9U
team and other youth baseball teams by purchasing four portable
pitching mounds in the amount of $7,870.19.The entire community as well as the
state of Nebraska and fans of rodeo and country music across America
are looking forward to the return of NEBRASKAland DAYS. The Visitors
Bureau will continue to be a platinum sponsor of this event in the
amount of $18,000.00Dirt Track racing will again be
hosted at the Lincoln County Raceway. The Visitors Bureau will help
the promotors market the upcoming season with a $600.00 social media
campaign and will provide $2,500 in added money for the Memorial
Weekend Challenge.The inaugural Buffalo Bill Rough
Rider Gravel Grinder race in 2020 was transitioned into a
non-competitive event due to the pandemic. The organizers are
planning a competitive event for 2021, and the Visitors Bureau will
help market the event with a $1,000.00 social media campaign.The Lincoln County Historical Museum
will conduct a number of marketing initiatives to promote the 2021
season. These include a reprinted brochure and brochure distribution,
social media campaigns for its events and replacing the billboard at
Rodeo Road and Buffalo Bill Avenue. The Visitors Bureau will help
fund these endeavors in the amount of $5,191.00The committee was excited to learn
that the Miss Teen Nebraska will once again be a part of the Miss
Nebraska pageant, after having been moved to Omaha for a number of
years. This will increase the number of competitors and visitors to
the pageant. The Visitors Bureau will provide $2,100.00 help the
organization promote the pageant and $1,500.00 to help offset the
cost of hosting the event.Music On The Bricks will return to
downtown North Platte on May 1. Previous events have attracted more
than 1,000 music lovers to North Platte’s Canteen District. The
Visitors Bureau will provide $450.00 to the organization to help
market the concerts.The Visitors Bureau is partnering
with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to encourage more outdoor
recreation on the North Platte River and to help make the activity
safer for participants. The committee approved up to $6,700.00 in
funding for a water trail sign north of the river bridge on North
Hershey Road. The sign will provide safety information, route and
timing information, and information about what wildlife can be
experienced during the trip. Several other grant applications have
been submitted to other organizations and the award will be reduced
by other funding received.The next round of funding is now
open, with an April 1 deadline for events or projects occurring in
July, August and September of 2021. These applications will be
considered at the regular monthly Advisory Committee meeting
scheduled for April 28. Anyone interested in submitting a grant
application is encouraged to contact the Visitors Bureau at
308-532-4729 and discuss their project with a staff member.The North Platte / Lincoln County
Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee was established by the Lincoln
County Board of Commissioners under the authority of the Nebraska
Visitors Development Act and administers the annual budget set for
the Visitors Bureau by the Board of Commissioners. This annual
budget, funded entirely by lodging tax revenue, includes line items
for grants to local events and attractions for activities that
attract visitors to Lincoln County to use our visitor services.Grant funds, marketing and operating
expenses for the North Platte / Lincoln County Visitors Bureau are
funded solely through the lodging taxes that are collected and
remitted for overnight stays by lodging properties in Lincoln County.
It is thanks to the efforts of the lodging property partners located
within the county that funds are available to attract more visitors,
which have a significant impact on the economic well-being of our
Lincoln County communities.

Visitor's Bureau announces grant award recipients

Hot Meals USA and North Platte Noon Rotary Club are sponsoring a Food distribution on Monday, February 1st, 1:00 p.m. at the west side of the Parkade Plaza parking lot (west of the old Alco store). 

Organizers say 1,200 food baskets available - milk, cheese, meats, fresh vegetables, and more. 

Patrons are asked to enter from west on Front Street. The city will have cones and barricades. 

 This event is made possible by Sunrise Rotary, Carhart Kitchen &amp; Bath, Whitetail Screenprint, City of North Platte, Pro Printing &amp; Graphics and Bob Mayber.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1612019860994.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hot Meals USA and North Platte Noon Rotary Club are sponsoring a Food distribution on Monday, February 1st, 1:00 p.m. at the west side of the Parkade Plaza parking lot (west of the old Alco store). Organizers say 1,200 food baskets available - milk, cheese, meats, fresh vegetables, and more. Patrons are asked to enter from west on Front Street. The city will have cones and barricades. This event is made possible by Sunrise Rotary, Carhart Kitchen &amp; Bath, Whitetail Screenprint, City of North Platte, Pro Printing &amp; Graphics and Bob Mayber.&nbsp;

North Platte Noon Rotary, Hot Meals USA hosting food distribution Monday

By Jenni Benson, President of the Nebraska State Education Association

While we should have come to expect such an approach by now, like most other Nebraska educators, I was still surprised by the late January remarks of Gov. Pete Ricketts.

When asked whether he would sign a proclamation celebrating Public Schools Week, Ricketts said no, that education-related proclamations issued by his office focus on “excellence and choice.”

The Governor’s comment is offensive and wrong-headed. Nebraska public schools clearly do, in fact, provide both excellence and choice.

Ricketts’ remarks are more than hurtful to the 330,000 children attending and the 28,000-plus teachers, 1,200-plus administrators and thousands of education support professionals working in our Nebraska public schools.

His words were also demeaning, coming from an official who is elected to serve every Nebraskan.

The governor’s remark ignored that Nebraska public schools collectively rank as the sixth-best in the country by U.S. News and World Report and are slotted at 11th best in the nation by Forbes.

He ignored the fact that graduation rates in Nebraska have risen for each of the last four years. He ignored that the composite ACT scores of Nebraska students rank only behind Wisconsin and Utah among states where 100 percent of students take the ACT.

The governor also knows, and ignores, that there are almost no limits on school choice in Nebraska. If there is room in the accepting school district, an Omaha kid can transfer to Elkhorn. A Norfolk kid can transfer to Stanton. A Maxwell kid could transfer to North Platte.

But Ricketts has shown a consistent, demeaning and disrespectful pattern of behavior toward public schools and those who make them work. Last year, he took well-deserved heat for using the Soviet-like term “government schools” to describe our superb public schools.&nbsp; We noted at the time that&nbsp;language matters and that it is “wrong and purposefully misleading” to call Nebraska’s public schools “government schools.”

In 2017, he denied a proclamation celebrating the 150th&nbsp;anniversary of the founding of the Nebraska State Education Association, a slap in the face to 28,000 member-educators across the state. In fact, one newspaper called the Governor’s actions “petty and foolish.”&nbsp;

He has consistently worked to advantage private schools over public schools through support of voucher schemes, charter schools and tax dodges disguised as private school scholarship programs. In his State of the State address, he bragged that a bill he supports this year would&nbsp;triple&nbsp;the spending of public dollars on textbooks for private schools.

Meanwhile, Ricketts claims he is fully funding state aid to public schools – even though the state aid formula is changed almost yearly to ratchet down needed aid – and even with that sleight of hand, state aid has been “fully” funded only four times in the past 17 years. Ricketts’ plan would grow state aid next year by about $21 million. Divvied up between 244 school districts, that’s not much, and continues to put pressure on local property taxes to fund schools.

All of this is happening as teachers are literally putting their lives on the line daily, teaching in-person, often without schools fully following CDC, or even DHHS, guidelines. And their thanks from the state? A September Directed Health Measure from the state declaring that teachers exposed to COVID-19 can return to school and a January change to the vaccination priorities that push educators farther down the list for receiving the vaccines, even as studies are showing increased transmission from youth and even though the state has designated educators as “essential workers.”

Adding insult to injury,&nbsp;just days after jilting public schools with his “excellence and choice” remarks, Ricketts signed a proclamation in support of private schools. Ironically, not mentioned at all was the 154-year-old model of excellence and choice in Nebraska: public schools.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1612019121954.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Jenni Benson, President of the Nebraska State Education AssociationWhile we should have come to expect such an approach by now, like most other Nebraska educators, I was still surprised by the late January remarks of Gov. Pete Ricketts.When asked whether he would sign a proclamation celebrating Public Schools Week, Ricketts said no, that education-related proclamations issued by his office focus on “excellence and choice.”The Governor’s comment is offensive and wrong-headed. Nebraska public schools clearly do, in fact, provide both excellence and choice.Ricketts’ remarks are more than hurtful to the 330,000 children attending and the 28,000-plus teachers, 1,200-plus administrators and thousands of education support professionals working in our Nebraska public schools.His words were also demeaning, coming from an official who is elected to serve every Nebraskan.The governor’s remark ignored that Nebraska public schools collectively rank as the sixth-best in the country by U.S. News and World Report and are slotted at 11th best in the nation by Forbes.He ignored the fact that graduation rates in Nebraska have risen for each of the last four years. He ignored that the composite ACT scores of Nebraska students rank only behind Wisconsin and Utah among states where 100 percent of students take the ACT.The governor also knows, and ignores, that there are almost no limits on school choice in Nebraska. If there is room in the accepting school district, an Omaha kid can transfer to Elkhorn. A Norfolk kid can transfer to Stanton. A Maxwell kid could transfer to North Platte.But Ricketts has shown a consistent, demeaning and disrespectful pattern of behavior toward public schools and those who make them work. Last year, he took well-deserved heat for using the Soviet-like term “government schools” to describe our superb public schools.&nbsp; We noted at the time that&nbsp;language matters and that it is “wrong and purposefully misleading” to call Nebraska’s public schools “government schools.”In 2017, he denied a proclamation celebrating the 150th&nbsp;anniversary of the founding of the Nebraska State Education Association, a slap in the face to 28,000 member-educators across the state. In fact, one newspaper called the Governor’s actions “petty and foolish.”&nbsp;He has consistently worked to advantage private schools over public schools through support of voucher schemes, charter schools and tax dodges disguised as private school scholarship programs. In his State of the State address, he bragged that a bill he supports this year would&nbsp;triple&nbsp;the spending of public dollars on textbooks for private schools.Meanwhile, Ricketts claims he is fully funding state aid to public schools – even though the state aid formula is changed almost yearly to ratchet down needed aid – and even with that sleight of hand, state aid has been “fully” funded only four times in the past 17 years. Ricketts’ plan would grow state aid next year by about $21 million. Divvied up between 244 school districts, that’s not much, and continues to put pressure on local property taxes to fund schools.All of this is happening as teachers are literally putting their lives on the line daily, teaching in-person, often without schools fully following CDC, or even DHHS, guidelines. And their thanks from the state? A September Directed Health Measure from the state declaring that teachers exposed to COVID-19 can return to school and a January change to the vaccination priorities that push educators farther down the list for receiving the vaccines, even as studies are showing increased transmission from youth and even though the state has designated educators as “essential workers.”Adding insult to injury,&nbsp;just days after jilting public schools with his “excellence and choice” remarks, Ricketts signed a proclamation in support of private schools. Ironically, not mentioned at all was the 154-year-old model of excellence and choice in Nebraska: public schools.

NSEA: Ricketts actions, comments offensive and unjustified

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts pitched his proposed tax exemption for military retirees to a legislative committee on Friday, saying it would help Nebraska compete for them when they start new careers.

The Republican governor's measure would expand Nebraska's current, 50% tax exemption on military retiree pay that was passed last year.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Tom Brewer, of Gordon, who said he sees it as a workforce development issue. Brewer, a veteran, said many military retirees use their highly specialized skill and security clearances to move on to high-paying civilian jobs that would benefit Nebraska.

No one spoke against the measure during a hearing before the Legislature's Revenue Committee, although some senators asked about carving out tax exemptions for specific groups of people. Ricketts argued that military retirees are different because they served their country and are highly productive workers.

Committee members took no immediate action on the bill.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts pitched his proposed tax exemption for military retirees to a legislative committee on Friday, saying it would help Nebraska compete for them when they start new careers.The Republican governor's measure would expand Nebraska's current, 50% tax exemption on military retiree pay that was passed last year.The bill was introduced by Sen. Tom Brewer, of Gordon, who said he sees it as a workforce development issue. Brewer, a veteran, said many military retirees use their highly specialized skill and security clearances to move on to high-paying civilian jobs that would benefit Nebraska.No one spoke against the measure during a hearing before the Legislature's Revenue Committee, although some senators asked about carving out tax exemptions for specific groups of people. Ricketts argued that military retirees are different because they served their country and are highly productive workers.Committee members took no immediate action on the bill.

Ricketts pitches military retiree tax exemption to senators

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - More than 54,000 people signed up for a coronavirus vaccine on the day that Nebraska's new registration website went live, state officials said Friday as they sought to assure residents that the elderly and vulnerable will still get priority.

Officials with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said the website's launch on Thursday went smoothly. Nebraska residents can register for a vaccination at&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>.

State officials said the website will only allow Nebraska residents to qualify, and there's no need to rush because the site will determine who's eligible based on the state's vaccination plan and not how quickly people add their names to the list. Nebraska officials have spent the last several weeks vaccinating front-line health care workers and are moving now to people who are at least 65 years old or have underlying health conditions.

"It's not first-in, first-out," said Lori Snyder, chief information officer for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. "This will not disadvantage anyone."

Snyder said the state has also set up a hotline where residents can register by calling 833-998-2275 or 531-249-1873. The hotline had taken about 700 calls as of Friday morning and answered all but 30, she said. The website was logging about 2,000 registrations every 10 minutes.

Residents can also call their local health department as a third option, although state officials are discouraging it because those agencies are getting bombarded with calls.

She said the hotline call centers are staffed with at least one Spanish speaker on each shift, and a Spanish version of the registration website will be launched in mid-February. The hotline also has services available for people who are deaf.

Snyder said residents who register will get notifications about their appointments and follow-up reminders to schedule a second shot, which is required for full immunity.

The service will send questionnaires after each shot to check for adverse reactions, Snyder said. It will also offer an option to cancel and reschedule appointments. State officials encouraged residents who are 18 to 64 years old to apply, especially if they have underlying health conditions.

Once vaccinations open to the general public, Snyder said the website will determine the order of appointments randomly, using a process the state won't disclose. State state officials are encouraging residents to get vaccinated in the county where they live if they work somewhere else.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said some local health districts are following the state's vaccination plan but focusing first on the oldest and most vulnerable within the eligible groups. For instance, he said the Central District Health Department in Grand Island started vaccinating people who were at least 80 years old.

Ricketts said the Omaha and Lincoln areas are trailing the rest of the state in vaccinations because they have a lot more health care workers to vaccinate than rural areas. He said it's also possible that more rural residents are declining to take the vaccine, allowing those regions to move through eligible populations faster.

State officials said they expect an uptick in vaccine shipments in the next few weeks, allowing them to vaccinate more people faster. Angie Ling, incident commander for the Department of Health and Human Services, said she expects a 16% increase.

Ling said the federal government offered to open additional vaccination sites, but that the state declined because Nebraska has enough locations and accepting wouldn't have brought more doses.

Nebraska has vaccinated 2.64% of residents who are at least 16 years old, according to the state's tracking portal. The state has received 254,000 doses so far and administered 161,548.

The number of people hospitalized with the virus is still declining from the record highs set in mid-November but remain elevated, according to the portal. The state reported 341 people hospitalized as of Thursday evening, and if the downward trend continues, Nebraska is expected to move into lighter social-distancing restrictions over the weekend.

The lighter restrictions would allow indoor venues to hold crowds at 100% of their capacity, Ricketts said. He also announced that people who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to quarantine if exposed to an infected person, but they'll still be required to wear masks in public and monitor themselves for symptoms.

GRANT SCHULTE Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - More than 54,000 people signed up for a coronavirus vaccine on the day that Nebraska's new registration website went live, state officials said Friday as they sought to assure residents that the elderly and vulnerable will still get priority.Officials with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said the website's launch on Thursday went smoothly. Nebraska residents can register for a vaccination at&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>.State officials said the website will only allow Nebraska residents to qualify, and there's no need to rush because the site will determine who's eligible based on the state's vaccination plan and not how quickly people add their names to the list. Nebraska officials have spent the last several weeks vaccinating front-line health care workers and are moving now to people who are at least 65 years old or have underlying health conditions."It's not first-in, first-out," said Lori Snyder, chief information officer for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. "This will not disadvantage anyone."Snyder said the state has also set up a hotline where residents can register by calling 833-998-2275 or 531-249-1873. The hotline had taken about 700 calls as of Friday morning and answered all but 30, she said. The website was logging about 2,000 registrations every 10 minutes.Residents can also call their local health department as a third option, although state officials are discouraging it because those agencies are getting bombarded with calls.She said the hotline call centers are staffed with at least one Spanish speaker on each shift, and a Spanish version of the registration website will be launched in mid-February. The hotline also has services available for people who are deaf.Snyder said residents who register will get notifications about their appointments and follow-up reminders to schedule a second shot, which is required for full immunity.The service will send questionnaires after each shot to check for adverse reactions, Snyder said. It will also offer an option to cancel and reschedule appointments. State officials encouraged residents who are 18 to 64 years old to apply, especially if they have underlying health conditions.Once vaccinations open to the general public, Snyder said the website will determine the order of appointments randomly, using a process the state won't disclose. State state officials are encouraging residents to get vaccinated in the county where they live if they work somewhere else.Gov. Pete Ricketts said some local health districts are following the state's vaccination plan but focusing first on the oldest and most vulnerable within the eligible groups. For instance, he said the Central District Health Department in Grand Island started vaccinating people who were at least 80 years old.Ricketts said the Omaha and Lincoln areas are trailing the rest of the state in vaccinations because they have a lot more health care workers to vaccinate than rural areas. He said it's also possible that more rural residents are declining to take the vaccine, allowing those regions to move through eligible populations faster.State officials said they expect an uptick in vaccine shipments in the next few weeks, allowing them to vaccinate more people faster. Angie Ling, incident commander for the Department of Health and Human Services, said she expects a 16% increase.Ling said the federal government offered to open additional vaccination sites, but that the state declined because Nebraska has enough locations and accepting wouldn't have brought more doses.Nebraska has vaccinated 2.64% of residents who are at least 16 years old, according to the state's tracking portal. The state has received 254,000 doses so far and administered 161,548.The number of people hospitalized with the virus is still declining from the record highs set in mid-November but remain elevated, according to the portal. The state reported 341 people hospitalized as of Thursday evening, and if the downward trend continues, Nebraska is expected to move into lighter social-distancing restrictions over the weekend.The lighter restrictions would allow indoor venues to hold crowds at 100% of their capacity, Ricketts said. He also announced that people who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to quarantine if exposed to an infected person, but they'll still be required to wear masks in public and monitor themselves for symptoms.

Nebraska vaccine website sees 54,000 signups on 1st day

GIBBON, Neb. (AP) - An ice jam has blocked the north channel of the Platte River south of Gibbon, regional officials said.

The ice has dammed the channel and led to minor flooding of low-lying areas around the river, David Carr with the Central Platte Natural Resources District&nbsp;<a href="https://theindependent.com/news/local/ice-jam-blocks-north-channel-of-platte-river-south-of-gibbon/article_ea9fbd56-61ea-11eb-a143-2f1d2ebe691a.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Grand Island Independent.

The ice jam follows a winter storm earlier this week that dropped nearly a foot of snow in some areas and sent temperatures into the single digits. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing this weekend, which could help break up the ice jam.

Ice jams can occur whenever the weather is cold enough, but typically form along Nebraska tributaries in January, February and March.

Those who live near a river channel with ice should keep a close eye out for possible flooding and be prepared to evacuate, Carr said.

"It is important to remember that, even if water looks shallow, do not drive into flooded, or potentially washed-out areas," he said.

GIBBON, Neb. (AP) - An ice jam has blocked the north channel of the Platte River south of Gibbon, regional officials said.The ice has dammed the channel and led to minor flooding of low-lying areas around the river, David Carr with the Central Platte Natural Resources District&nbsp;<a href="https://theindependent.com/news/local/ice-jam-blocks-north-channel-of-platte-river-south-of-gibbon/article_ea9fbd56-61ea-11eb-a143-2f1d2ebe691a.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Grand Island Independent.The ice jam follows a winter storm earlier this week that dropped nearly a foot of snow in some areas and sent temperatures into the single digits. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing this weekend, which could help break up the ice jam.Ice jams can occur whenever the weather is cold enough, but typically form along Nebraska tributaries in January, February and March.Those who live near a river channel with ice should keep a close eye out for possible flooding and be prepared to evacuate, Carr said."It is important to remember that, even if water looks shallow, do not drive into flooded, or potentially washed-out areas," he said.

Ice jam blocks Platte River at Gibbon; flooding reported

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested an Oregon man after he fought with a trooper during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Sidney.

The incident began at approximately 5:45 p.m. MST Thursday when a trooper observed a Chevrolet Suburban speeding and failing to maintain its lane on eastbound I-80 near mile marker 45. As the vehicle passed the trooper’s patrol unit, the Suburban came into the trooper’s lane and nearly made contact with the patrol unit.

The trooper performed a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle and observed that the driver was impaired. After arguing with the trooper, the driver then attempted to drive away, but the trooper reached into the vehicle and retrieved the keys before the driver could start the vehicle.

The driver then voluntarily exited the vehicle. He continued arguing with the trooper and became physically combative. A struggle ensued in the ditch on the passenger side of the vehicle, during which the trooper felt the driver’s hand reach toward his holstered firearm. The trooper was able to disengage and continued attempting to deescalate the situation. The driver again refused commands and repeatedly approached the trooper. The trooper then deployed a Taser and was able to place the subject under arrest.

The driver, Scott Hinson, 47, of Bend, Oregon, was arrested for resisting arrest, driving under the influence, flight to avoid arrest, possession of an open alcohol container, willful reckless driving, and refusal to submit to a preliminary breath test.&nbsp; Hinton was medically cleared and lodged in Cheyenne County Jail.

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested an Oregon man after he fought with a trooper during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Sidney.The incident began at approximately 5:45 p.m. MST Thursday when a trooper observed a Chevrolet Suburban speeding and failing to maintain its lane on eastbound I-80 near mile marker 45. As the vehicle passed the trooper’s patrol unit, the Suburban came into the trooper’s lane and nearly made contact with the patrol unit.The trooper performed a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle and observed that the driver was impaired. After arguing with the trooper, the driver then attempted to drive away, but the trooper reached into the vehicle and retrieved the keys before the driver could start the vehicle.The driver then voluntarily exited the vehicle. He continued arguing with the trooper and became physically combative. A struggle ensued in the ditch on the passenger side of the vehicle, during which the trooper felt the driver’s hand reach toward his holstered firearm. The trooper was able to disengage and continued attempting to deescalate the situation. The driver again refused commands and repeatedly approached the trooper. The trooper then deployed a Taser and was able to place the subject under arrest.The driver, Scott Hinson, 47, of Bend, Oregon, was arrested for resisting arrest, driving under the influence, flight to avoid arrest, possession of an open alcohol container, willful reckless driving, and refusal to submit to a preliminary breath test.&nbsp; Hinton was medically cleared and lodged in Cheyenne County Jail.

Oregon man arrested after fighting with trooper during stop near Sidney

The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol are investigating a crash that resulted in two fatalities early this morning on Highway 87 south of Hay Springs.

The crash occurred at approximately 3:20 a.m. Friday. Sheridan County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 87, six miles south of Hay Springs. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol to conduct a crash reconstruction.

Preliminary investigation shows that a GMC Sierra, pulling a stock trailer, driven by Nathan Marcy, 45, of Hay Springs, ran a stop sign on 510th&nbsp;Road and entered the intersection with Highway 87. The vehicle then collided with a Chevrolet Equinox that was traveling on Highway 87. The collision caused the Equinox to roll over.

The two occupants of the Equinox were Remington Harder, female, 22, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, and Josey Tensen, male, 24, of Glenwood, Minnesota. Both occupants were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Marcy was transported to Chadron Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol are investigating a crash that resulted in two fatalities early this morning on Highway 87 south of Hay Springs.The crash occurred at approximately 3:20 a.m. Friday. Sheridan County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 87, six miles south of Hay Springs. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol to conduct a crash reconstruction.Preliminary investigation shows that a GMC Sierra, pulling a stock trailer, driven by Nathan Marcy, 45, of Hay Springs, ran a stop sign on 510th&nbsp;Road and entered the intersection with Highway 87. The vehicle then collided with a Chevrolet Equinox that was traveling on Highway 87. The collision caused the Equinox to roll over.The two occupants of the Equinox were Remington Harder, female, 22, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, and Josey Tensen, male, 24, of Glenwood, Minnesota. Both occupants were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Marcy was transported to Chadron Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The crash remains under investigation.

NSP investigating fatal crash in Sheridan County

Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the State is moving from the “blue” to “green” phase of its coronavirus pandemic response plan.&nbsp; As a result, the State of Nebraska is issuing new Directed Health Measures (DHMs) effective 12:01 AM on Saturday, January 30, 2021.&nbsp; The new DHMs change some of the restrictions put in place to help manage the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s pandemic response plan links DHM restrictions to the percentage of staffed hospital beds in Nebraska filled by coronavirus patients.&nbsp; The percentage is below 10% (7-day rolling average), which is the threshold for the State moving to the “green” phase of its pandemic plan.

Moving from the “blue” to “green” phase involves the following DHM change:

The new DHMs have updated quarantine requirements.&nbsp;

The new DHMs also amend the definition of “close contact” to clarify that exposures start 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms or positive test.

The revised DHMs are posted on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website.&nbsp; To view them, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus.gov</a>, and click on the link for “Directed Health Measures.”&nbsp;

Executive Order 21-02 remains in force.&nbsp; It gives public bodies the option to meet virtually by videoconference or teleconference through April 30, 2021.&nbsp; Full text of the executive order is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fzapxqnuq518251i%2FEO%252021-02%2520-%2520COVID-19%2520-%2520Cont%2520Limited%2520Waiver%2520fo%2520Pubic%2520Meetings%2520Requirements%252001.11.2021.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cebfe04f827f14e5f3aa908d8c4a1111f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637475543336390201%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=yWgJtB3pFFddM6Qc0VYZLxWjgkOq%2BIb4qYO8u2i0%2F6U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

A chart comparing the color-coded phases of the State’s pandemic response plan is available by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/DHM-Measure-Table-ENGLISH.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608053559774.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News ReleaseGovernor Pete Ricketts announced that the State is moving from the “blue” to “green” phase of its coronavirus pandemic response plan.&nbsp; As a result, the State of Nebraska is issuing new Directed Health Measures (DHMs) effective 12:01 AM on Saturday, January 30, 2021.&nbsp; The new DHMs change some of the restrictions put in place to help manage the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;Nebraska’s pandemic response plan links DHM restrictions to the percentage of staffed hospital beds in Nebraska filled by coronavirus patients.&nbsp; The percentage is below 10% (7-day rolling average), which is the threshold for the State moving to the “green” phase of its pandemic plan.Moving from the “blue” to “green” phase involves the following DHM change:<ul>
 <li>The maximum capacity for indoor gatherings, including youth extracurricular activities, goes from 75% to 100%.Organizers of gatherings of 500 or more people (1,000 or more in Douglas County), must still submit a reopening plan to their local health department—and receive approval—before holding their events.&nbsp; Aside from this requirement, there are no restrictions on gatherings/venues in the “green” phase of the State’s plan.&nbsp; However, guidance is still in place and recommended.&nbsp;</li><li>Organizers of gatherings of 500 or more people (1,000 or more in Douglas County), must still submit a reopening plan to their local health department—and receive approval—before holding their events.&nbsp; Aside from this requirement, there are no restrictions on gatherings/venues in the “green” phase of the State’s plan.&nbsp; However, guidance is still in place and recommended.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The new DHMs have updated quarantine requirements.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Nebraskans who’ve been fully vaccinated&nbsp;(received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine) do not have to quarantine after a close contact.&nbsp; Instead, they will be in the “self-monitor” category, which involves wearing a mask for 14 days from the date of exposure and monitoring for symptoms.&nbsp;</li><li>Nebraskans who have recovered from the coronavirus in the past three months&nbsp;do not need to quarantine after a close contact, though they’re encouraged to monitor for symptoms.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The new DHMs also amend the definition of “close contact” to clarify that exposures start 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms or positive test.The revised DHMs are posted on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website.&nbsp; To view them, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus.gov</a>, and click on the link for “Directed Health Measures.”&nbsp;Executive Order 21-02 remains in force.&nbsp; It gives public bodies the option to meet virtually by videoconference or teleconference through April 30, 2021.&nbsp; Full text of the executive order is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fzapxqnuq518251i%2FEO%252021-02%2520-%2520COVID-19%2520-%2520Cont%2520Limited%2520Waiver%2520fo%2520Pubic%2520Meetings%2520Requirements%252001.11.2021.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cebfe04f827f14e5f3aa908d8c4a1111f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637475543336390201%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=yWgJtB3pFFddM6Qc0VYZLxWjgkOq%2BIb4qYO8u2i0%2F6U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.A chart comparing the color-coded phases of the State’s pandemic response plan is available by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/DHM-Measure-Table-ENGLISH.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts announces new directed health measures effective Saturday

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska lawmaker known as a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community presented a ballot measure to a legislative committee on Friday that would abolish the state's unenforceable ban on same-sex marriages.

Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, of Lincoln, argued that voters should have the chance to strip the ban out of the Nebraska Constitution, even though the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that such restrictions violate the U.S. Constitution and can't be enforced.

Pansing Brooks said putting the issue on the ballot would allow voters to show that public attitudes toward same-sex marriage have changed in Nebraska. The amendment defining marriage the union of one man and one woman was enshrined in Nebraska's constitution in 2000, with 70% support from voters.

Pansing Brooks said the measure would help create an image of Nebraska as a welcoming place for young people and help the state economy.

Socially conservative groups oppose the measure, arguing that marriage can only be between one man and one woman and that purported economic benefits are overblown.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611967880437.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska lawmaker known as a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community presented a ballot measure to a legislative committee on Friday that would abolish the state's unenforceable ban on same-sex marriages.Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, of Lincoln, argued that voters should have the chance to strip the ban out of the Nebraska Constitution, even though the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that such restrictions violate the U.S. Constitution and can't be enforced.Pansing Brooks said putting the issue on the ballot would allow voters to show that public attitudes toward same-sex marriage have changed in Nebraska. The amendment defining marriage the union of one man and one woman was enshrined in Nebraska's constitution in 2000, with 70% support from voters.Pansing Brooks said the measure would help create an image of Nebraska as a welcoming place for young people and help the state economy.Socially conservative groups oppose the measure, arguing that marriage can only be between one man and one woman and that purported economic benefits are overblown.

Proposal would end Nebraska's unenforceable gay marriage ban

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/975191908&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/129-judy-talking-about-food-distro" title="1.29 Judy Talking About Food Distro" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1.29 Judy Talking About Food Distro</a></div></div>

Post Podcast: Judy Pederson, Noon Rotary talk food distribution on Monday 2/1

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraskans who want to sign up for the coronavirus vaccine and get notified when it's their turn can now register online.

The state on Thursday launched its new registration website,&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov/</a>. It comes as the state moves into the next phase of vaccinations, covering people who are at least 65 years old and those who are at greater risk because of underlying health conditions.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging people ages 18 to 64 with underlying conditions to sign up, even if they're already registered on a local health department's website.

Most of the state's health districts have already finished the initial phase of vaccinations, which focused on front-line health care workers and people with ties to long-term care facilities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608651619668.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraskans who want to sign up for the coronavirus vaccine and get notified when it's their turn can now register online.The state on Thursday launched its new registration website,&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov/</a>. It comes as the state moves into the next phase of vaccinations, covering people who are at least 65 years old and those who are at greater risk because of underlying health conditions.The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging people ages 18 to 64 with underlying conditions to sign up, even if they're already registered on a local health department's website.Most of the state's health districts have already finished the initial phase of vaccinations, which focused on front-line health care workers and people with ties to long-term care facilities.

Nebraska launches coronavirus vaccine registration website

Fire officials say a Kearney house fire that injured that resident and two Kearney police officers has been accidental.


The
Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a
structure fire at 1215 4th Avenue at approximately 10:05 a.m. on
January 28, 2021. The home is owned by Paul Londer. Upon arrival of
the first engine, the front of a single-story home was reported as
fully engulfed. A neighbor reported that one female occupant may
still be in the home. Crews made entry into the house to perform a
primary search and fire attack. During the primary search, crews were
able to locate an unresponsive female victim. The victim was
extricated through the back door of the home, where KVFD crews began
performing life-saving measures. CHI Good Samarian EMS took over
patient care and the patient was transported to CHI Good Samaritan
Hospital. The female was later transported to a Lincoln facility,
where her condition is unknown at this time.


The
Nebraska State Fire Marshall was called to assist in the cause and
origin investigation of the fire. The investigation identified the
cause to be accidental. It was determined that the fire started on
top of the stove, where a burner that had been turned on ignited
combustible materials that were located on or near the burner. The
structure and contents are being considered a complete loss, with a
loss valued at $250,000. The Red Cross was called to assist the
family.


The
Kearney Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire with 2
Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 2 Utility Vehicles and 28 firefighters.

KEARNEY, Neb.-Authorities say one woman and two police officers were injured in a structure fire in south Kearney.


At
approximately 10:04 am on January 28, the Kearney Volunteer
Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a structure fire at a residence
located at 1215 4th Avenue. Kearney Police Officers
and Good Samaritan ambulance also responded to that location. 

Officials say upon
arrival, it was found that the residence was fully engulfed in
flames.


While
attacking the structure fire, KVFD located an adult female subject
inside the residence. A woman in her 70’s was transported by
ambulance to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital to be treated for potential
life-threatening injuries. Two Kearney Police Officers are also being
treated at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital for smoke inhalation as they
were the first to arrive on the scene and briefly entered the structure
in an attempt to locate residents.


This fire is being investigated by the Kearney Volunteer Fire
Department and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office.

By Post StaffUPDATEFire officials say a Kearney house fire that injured that resident and two Kearney police officers has been accidental.
The
Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a
structure fire at 1215 4th Avenue at approximately 10:05 a.m. on
January 28, 2021. The home is owned by Paul Londer. Upon arrival of
the first engine, the front of a single-story home was reported as
fully engulfed. A neighbor reported that one female occupant may
still be in the home. Crews made entry into the house to perform a
primary search and fire attack. During the primary search, crews were
able to locate an unresponsive female victim. The victim was
extricated through the back door of the home, where KVFD crews began
performing life-saving measures. CHI Good Samarian EMS took over
patient care and the patient was transported to CHI Good Samaritan
Hospital. The female was later transported to a Lincoln facility,
where her condition is unknown at this time.
The
Nebraska State Fire Marshall was called to assist in the cause and
origin investigation of the fire. The investigation identified the
cause to be accidental. It was determined that the fire started on
top of the stove, where a burner that had been turned on ignited
combustible materials that were located on or near the burner. The
structure and contents are being considered a complete loss, with a
loss valued at $250,000. The Red Cross was called to assist the
family.
The
Kearney Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire with 2
Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 2 Utility Vehicles and 28 firefighters.KEARNEY, Neb.-Authorities say one woman and two police officers were injured in a structure fire in south Kearney.
At
approximately 10:04 am on January 28, the Kearney Volunteer
Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a structure fire at a residence
located at 1215 4th Avenue. Kearney Police Officers
and Good Samaritan ambulance also responded to that location. Officials say upon
arrival, it was found that the residence was fully engulfed in
flames.
While
attacking the structure fire, KVFD located an adult female subject
inside the residence. A woman in her 70’s was transported by
ambulance to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital to be treated for potential
life-threatening injuries. Two Kearney Police Officers are also being
treated at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital for smoke inhalation as they
were the first to arrive on the scene and briefly entered the structure
in an attempt to locate residents.
This fire is being investigated by the Kearney Volunteer Fire
Department and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office.

UPDATED Woman, 2 officers injured in Kearney house fire

Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following a decision by President Joe Biden to rescind the federal government’s “Mexico City policy.”&nbsp;

“By ending the Mexico City policy, President Biden has eliminated a critical pro-life protection,” said Gov. Ricketts. &nbsp;“Our federal government should never spend taxpayer money to aid the killing of the precious lives of unborn babies.&nbsp; Nebraska strongly opposes government-funded abortion.&nbsp; We urge the Biden Administration to reconsider their decision on this policy, to keep pro-life protections in place for Title X, and to focus on policy that protects babies and expecting mothers.”

The Mexico City policy, which has been in effect under pro-life administrations beginning with President Ronald Reagan, bans U.S. foreign aid for non-governmental family planning agencies that perform or promote abortions.&nbsp; By discontinuing the policy, the Biden Administration is authorizing taxpayer dollars to fund abortions around the world.

In addition to reversing the Mexico City policy, the Biden Administration also directed “the Department of Health and Human Services to take immediate action to consider whether to rescind regulations under its Title X family planning program.” &nbsp;Rescinding the existing Title X regulations would once again allow the flow of federal tax dollars to abortion clinics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560600869383.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News ReleaseGovernor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following a decision by President Joe Biden to rescind the federal government’s “Mexico City policy.”&nbsp;“By ending the Mexico City policy, President Biden has eliminated a critical pro-life protection,” said Gov. Ricketts. &nbsp;“Our federal government should never spend taxpayer money to aid the killing of the precious lives of unborn babies.&nbsp; Nebraska strongly opposes government-funded abortion.&nbsp; We urge the Biden Administration to reconsider their decision on this policy, to keep pro-life protections in place for Title X, and to focus on policy that protects babies and expecting mothers.”The Mexico City policy, which has been in effect under pro-life administrations beginning with President Ronald Reagan, bans U.S. foreign aid for non-governmental family planning agencies that perform or promote abortions.&nbsp; By discontinuing the policy, the Biden Administration is authorizing taxpayer dollars to fund abortions around the world.In addition to reversing the Mexico City policy, the Biden Administration also directed “the Department of Health and Human Services to take immediate action to consider whether to rescind regulations under its Title X family planning program.” &nbsp;Rescinding the existing Title X regulations would once again allow the flow of federal tax dollars to abortion clinics.

Gov. Ricketts comments on Biden's taxpayer funded abortions decision

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) has raised the COVID-19 Community Risk Dial.


The risk dial moved from a 3.46 up to a 3.62, which is in the severe
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 Severe 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 107 cases of COVID-19
for the time period of January 21-26. As a reminder, WCDHD
will be posting a COVID-19 case number update on a weekly basis with
the risk dial update. 


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

View the 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/2021/1/1611917442964.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Post StaffNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) has raised the COVID-19 Community Risk Dial.
The risk dial moved from a 3.46 up to a 3.62, which is in the severe
risk level. There were changes in the following variables that
contributed to movement in the dial:We had an increase in the following: 
<ul>
 <li>Measure ID R5: ICU Availability
	</li><li>Measure ID R6: Ventilator
	Availability
</li>
 </ul>The COVID-19 Risk Dial contains
recommended guidance to help prevent and control the spread of
COVID-19.While in the Severe 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 107 cases of COVID-19
for the time period of January 21-26. As a reminder, WCDHD
will be posting a COVID-19 case number update on a weekly basis with
the risk dial update. 
Visit the Risk Dial page <a href="https://wcdhd.org/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">HERE</a>View the COVID-19 Dashboard <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation">HERE</a>

WCDHD Community Risk Dial moves back into the Red

18-year-old Noah Pettit along with his brothers and his dad John has fallen in love with hunting.

Over the last year, John's Facebook feed has been full of him and his boys hunting and learning the trade together. From deer to waterfowl, the Pettit's have found a new love in hunting.

On Wednesday evening, at around 5:00 pm, Noah went duck hunting by himself along the South Platte River near Hershey.

Knowing the temperatures were extremely cold, John says Noah took two pairs of boots with him, one being a pair of muck boots.

John says Noah was wearing the muck boots to place his decoys and didn't think the water would be too deep. However, as Noah stepped off the bank he realized the water was deeper than he expected, and water filled his boots.

John says Noah got the wet boots off, put on his dry boots, and attempted to retrieve his decoys but the boots got wet and became frozen.

John says Noah was able to contact him by phone and as John headed towards Noah's location he repeatedly attempted to contact him again, but there was no answer. It was later learned that Noah had dropped his phone and was unable to move to reach it.

At this time, John says he called the North Platte 911 Center and they immediately dispatched the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Sutherland Rescue and the Lincoln County Dive Team.

Rescue workers and deputies were able to locate Noah and found that he had removed some clothing to cover his feet in an attempt to keep them warm.

John says Noah was extremely cold and was transported by Sutherland Rescue to Great Plains Health in North Platte.

"If he hadn't been able to call me he would not have made it out on his own, we owe a special thanks to the rescuers, they were awesome," John said.

 He says doctors miraculously did not find any frostbite but did find some less severe frostnip.

Staff at Great Plains Health warmed Noah's body temperature and treated him for some minor injuries before releasing him.

"We just want everyone to know that Noah learned a big lesson to make sure and be prepared for extreme weather and hunt with a partner," said John.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611882947082.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson, NP Post18-year-old Noah Pettit along with his brothers and his dad John has fallen in love with hunting.Over the last year, John's Facebook feed has been full of him and his boys hunting and learning the trade together. From deer to waterfowl, the Pettit's have found a new love in hunting.On Wednesday evening, at around 5:00 pm, Noah went duck hunting by himself along the South Platte River near Hershey.Knowing the temperatures were extremely cold, John says Noah took two pairs of boots with him, one being a pair of muck boots.John says Noah was wearing the muck boots to place his decoys and didn't think the water would be too deep. However, as Noah stepped off the bank he realized the water was deeper than he expected, and water filled his boots.John says Noah got the wet boots off, put on his dry boots, and attempted to retrieve his decoys but the boots got wet and became frozen.John says Noah was able to contact him by phone and as John headed towards Noah's location he repeatedly attempted to contact him again, but there was no answer. It was later learned that Noah had dropped his phone and was unable to move to reach it.At this time, John says he called the North Platte 911 Center and they immediately dispatched the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Sutherland Rescue and the Lincoln County Dive Team.Rescue workers and deputies were able to locate Noah and found that he had removed some clothing to cover his feet in an attempt to keep them warm.John says Noah was extremely cold and was transported by Sutherland Rescue to Great Plains Health in North Platte."If he hadn't been able to call me he would not have made it out on his own, we owe a special thanks to the rescuers, they were awesome," John said. He says doctors miraculously did not find any frostbite but did find some less severe frostnip.Staff at Great Plains Health warmed Noah's body temperature and treated him for some minor injuries before releasing him."We just want everyone to know that Noah learned a big lesson to make sure and be prepared for extreme weather and hunt with a partner," said John.Noah is at home recovering.

18-year-old North Platte boy safe after hunting incident

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The search for a 9-year-old girl missing for nearly two years has finally come to an end in western South Dakota.

 The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday the search for Serenity Dennard who ran away from a children’s home in Rockerville involved more than 1,500 people from 66 different agencies who logged about 6,000 miles searching for the girl. 

Investigators looked into 275 leads after Serenity ran away from the Black Hills Children’s Home. 

Authorities say 538 people were interviewed or contacted during the investigation. 

Absent of any new information, the sheriff’s office says the search for Serenity has been suspended. 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The search for a 9-year-old girl missing for nearly two years has finally come to an end in western South Dakota. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday the search for Serenity Dennard who ran away from a children’s home in Rockerville involved more than 1,500 people from 66 different agencies who logged about 6,000 miles searching for the girl. Investigators looked into 275 leads after Serenity ran away from the Black Hills Children’s Home. Authorities say 538 people were interviewed or contacted during the investigation. Absent of any new information, the sheriff’s office says the search for Serenity has been suspended. The investigation will remain open.

SD Sheriff's officials suspend 2-year search for missing girl

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska could soon eliminate all of its virus-related restrictions on gatherings if the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 continues to decline even though few people in the state have been vaccinated for the coronavirus.

State health officials said the restrictions could be lifted this weekend if virus patients continue to occupy fewer than 10% of the Nebraska's hospital beds. As of Wednesday, about 8% of the state's hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients and the number of people hospitalized with the disease had declined to 343.

The state adjusts the rules, which are designed to preserve hospital capacity, when hospitalizations remain below a certain level for seven days on average. The number of people hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska has been steadily declining since the November peak of 987, although it is still higher than it was at the start of October, when 227 people were hospitalized.

The main restriction that could be lifted this weekend is the state's 75% capacity limit on indoor gatherings. Guidelines recommending that seating at bars and restaurants be limited to groups of no more than eight people, that different families be seated six feet apart at churches and that customers wear masks at salons would also be eliminated.

Even though the state might lift its restrictions, its chief medical officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, emphasized that it is still important for Nebraskans to continue wearing masks and avoid crowded places while the state works to vaccinate more people. The state does not require masks, but more than a dozen of its cities do.

"We're still in the early days of this vaccination effort and so it's critical we continue to limit virus spread," Anthone said. "Wearing a mask, washing hands, and staying home when you're sick are the best tools to fight against COVID-19."

The state has administered 153,231 of the 248,741 doses of the vaccine it has received and roughly 2% of the Nebraska's population has received both required doses. Officials said Thursday that the state's allocation of the vaccine for next week increased by nearly 4,000 doses, which will help the vaccination effort.

Officials said that by the end of this week, all 90,000 of Nebraska's health care workers will have had the chance to get vaccinated, and more than 26,000 health care workers will have received their second doses.

Residents and staff at the state's 455 long-term care facilities have also received their first vaccine doses.

In most parts of the state, health officials have moved on to the next phase of the vaccine campaign and started inoculating people age 65 or older. The state launched a website Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">https://vaccinate.ne.gov/</a>, where Nebraskans can register to be notified when they are eligible to receive the vaccine.

Nebraska reported 662 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12 more deaths on Wednesday, pushing its pandemic totals to 188,784 cases and 1,917 deaths.

The state has gone from having the fifth-highest rate of new virus cases in the nation in early December to ranking 36st Wednesday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska declined over the past two weeks from about 948 new cases per day on Jan. 13 to about 686 new cases per day as of Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608071469793.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska could soon eliminate all of its virus-related restrictions on gatherings if the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 continues to decline even though few people in the state have been vaccinated for the coronavirus.State health officials said the restrictions could be lifted this weekend if virus patients continue to occupy fewer than 10% of the Nebraska's hospital beds. As of Wednesday, about 8% of the state's hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients and the number of people hospitalized with the disease had declined to 343.The state adjusts the rules, which are designed to preserve hospital capacity, when hospitalizations remain below a certain level for seven days on average. The number of people hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska has been steadily declining since the November peak of 987, although it is still higher than it was at the start of October, when 227 people were hospitalized.The main restriction that could be lifted this weekend is the state's 75% capacity limit on indoor gatherings. Guidelines recommending that seating at bars and restaurants be limited to groups of no more than eight people, that different families be seated six feet apart at churches and that customers wear masks at salons would also be eliminated.Even though the state might lift its restrictions, its chief medical officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, emphasized that it is still important for Nebraskans to continue wearing masks and avoid crowded places while the state works to vaccinate more people. The state does not require masks, but more than a dozen of its cities do."We're still in the early days of this vaccination effort and so it's critical we continue to limit virus spread," Anthone said. "Wearing a mask, washing hands, and staying home when you're sick are the best tools to fight against COVID-19."The state has administered 153,231 of the 248,741 doses of the vaccine it has received and roughly 2% of the Nebraska's population has received both required doses. Officials said Thursday that the state's allocation of the vaccine for next week increased by nearly 4,000 doses, which will help the vaccination effort.Officials said that by the end of this week, all 90,000 of Nebraska's health care workers will have had the chance to get vaccinated, and more than 26,000 health care workers will have received their second doses.Residents and staff at the state's 455 long-term care facilities have also received their first vaccine doses.In most parts of the state, health officials have moved on to the next phase of the vaccine campaign and started inoculating people age 65 or older. The state launched a website Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">https://vaccinate.ne.gov/</a>, where Nebraskans can register to be notified when they are eligible to receive the vaccine.Nebraska reported 662 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12 more deaths on Wednesday, pushing its pandemic totals to 188,784 cases and 1,917 deaths.The state has gone from having the fifth-highest rate of new virus cases in the nation in early December to ranking 36st Wednesday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska declined over the past two weeks from about 948 new cases per day on Jan. 13 to about 686 new cases per day as of Wednesday.

Nebraska might eliminate virus restrictions this weekend

The Keith County Chamber of Commerce teamed up with the Paxton Village Board and created a website. 

The Chamber says this website not only displays the great history of Paxton but also gives you a business directory, a calendar, and more.&nbsp;

Visit the site <a href="https://www.paxtonne.com/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611852851645.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Keith County Chamber of Commerce teamed up with the Paxton Village Board and created a website. The Chamber says this website not only displays the great history of Paxton but also gives you a business directory, a calendar, and more.&nbsp;Visit the site <a href="https://www.paxtonne.com/">HERE</a>.

Paxton Village Board, Keith County Chamber team up on new website

If the walls could talk, the stories they would tell…

Now North Platte’s oldest buildings have someone telling their stories for them. Local historian and author Kaycee Anderson will lead a class about the historical buildings of North Platte in March.

The course is being offered through North Platte Community College’s Business and Community Education department. It’s scheduled for 7-8 p.m. March 3, March 17 and March 30, and will be offered in a virtual format through Zoom.

The first session will focus on “Neville Corner,” which consists of the Hotel Pawnee and the Fox and Paramount Theaters.

Subsequent sessions will cover various other buildings in North Platte’s Downtown sector as well as those lost during the Urban Renewal of the ’70s. That includes the famed Depot that housed the North Platte Canteen during World War II.

The cost of the course is $20. Registration can be done online at&nbsp;<a href="https://bceregister.mpcc.edu/" target="_blank">bceregister.mpcc.edu</a>, or by calling (308) 535-3678.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611852242589.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Heather Johnson-MPCCIf the walls could talk, the stories they would tell…Now North Platte’s oldest buildings have someone telling their stories for them. Local historian and author Kaycee Anderson will lead a class about the historical buildings of North Platte in March.The course is being offered through North Platte Community College’s Business and Community Education department. It’s scheduled for 7-8 p.m. March 3, March 17 and March 30, and will be offered in a virtual format through Zoom.The first session will focus on “Neville Corner,” which consists of the Hotel Pawnee and the Fox and Paramount Theaters.Subsequent sessions will cover various other buildings in North Platte’s Downtown sector as well as those lost during the Urban Renewal of the ’70s. That includes the famed Depot that housed the North Platte Canteen during World War II.The cost of the course is $20. Registration can be done online at&nbsp;<a href="https://bceregister.mpcc.edu/" target="_blank">bceregister.mpcc.edu</a>, or by calling (308) 535-3678.

North Platte’s historical buildings to be focus of new class

Published January 28, 2021 (Some individuals may no longer be at-large)

From the Lincoln County Sheriff's OfficePublished January 28, 2021 (Some individuals may no longer be at-large)<figure>
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Lincoln County's Most Wanted

Job seekers will have the opportunity to brush up their professional skills next month at Mid-Plains Community College campuses in Imperial and McCook.

Amy Sabatka, MPCC area employment services coordinator, will teach Career Prep from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 5, Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 at the MPCC Imperial Campus and from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 23 in McMillen Hall on the McCook campus. Lunch will be offered with the sessions in Imperial.

The instruction will cover professionalism in the workplace - including dressing appropriately, communication techniques and phone and email etiquette.

The creation of résumés and cover letters will also be discussed, and Sabatka will provide tips on preparing for phone, in-person and virtual interviews.

Registration can be done online at&nbsp;<a href="https://bceregister.mpcc.edu/" target="_blank">bceregister.mpcc.edu</a>, by calling the MPCC Imperial Campus at (308) 882-5972 or by contacting the McCook Business and Community Education department at (308) 345-8122.

Participants will have the opportunity to set up free one-on-one appointments with Sabatka following completion of the course.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611801182967.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release MPCCJob seekers will have the opportunity to brush up their professional skills next month at Mid-Plains Community College campuses in Imperial and McCook.Amy Sabatka, MPCC area employment services coordinator, will teach Career Prep from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 5, Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 at the MPCC Imperial Campus and from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 23 in McMillen Hall on the McCook campus. Lunch will be offered with the sessions in Imperial.The instruction will cover professionalism in the workplace - including dressing appropriately, communication techniques and phone and email etiquette.The creation of résumés and cover letters will also be discussed, and Sabatka will provide tips on preparing for phone, in-person and virtual interviews.Registration can be done online at&nbsp;<a href="https://bceregister.mpcc.edu/" target="_blank">bceregister.mpcc.edu</a>, by calling the MPCC Imperial Campus at (308) 882-5972 or by contacting the McCook Business and Community Education department at (308) 345-8122.Participants will have the opportunity to set up free one-on-one appointments with Sabatka following completion of the course.

MPCC provides assistance to job seekers

LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-As Nebraska continues to dig out from a record-breaking snowfall in many areas of the state, the Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of Transportation continue to urge caution on roadways throughout the state.

During the storm Monday and its immediate aftermath Tuesday, troopers responded to over 600 weather related incidents, including 534 motorist assists, 53 crashes, and 34 assists for other agencies. Troopers and dispatchers continued to help large numbers of motorists Wednesday, with another 86 motorist assists performed today, as of 5:00 p.m. CT.&nbsp;

“Our team stepped-up once again and responded to this incredible storm with a fierce dedication to helping people,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “There’s no way to truly quantify the work our troopers, dispatchers, and civilian support team have done this week. They started early, stayed late, and never lost focus on the mission of keep Nebraska safe during this storm.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611841434568.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-As Nebraska continues to dig out from a record-breaking snowfall in many areas of the state, the Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of Transportation continue to urge caution on roadways throughout the state.During the storm Monday and its immediate aftermath Tuesday, troopers responded to over 600 weather related incidents, including 534 motorist assists, 53 crashes, and 34 assists for other agencies. Troopers and dispatchers continued to help large numbers of motorists Wednesday, with another 86 motorist assists performed today, as of 5:00 p.m. CT.&nbsp;“Our team stepped-up once again and responded to this incredible storm with a fierce dedication to helping people,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “There’s no way to truly quantify the work our troopers, dispatchers, and civilian support team have done this week. They started early, stayed late, and never lost focus on the mission of keep Nebraska safe during this storm.”Nebraska Department of Transportation crews also worked non-stop starting Sunday evening and continuing through today to clear Nebraska roadways and keep traffic moving. NDOT plows have covered thousands of miles on Interstate 80 and other major highways around the state.&nbsp;“This latest storm tested our forces with the amount of snow over a long period of time,” said Moe Jamshidi, Acting Director of NDOT. “Thanks to their efforts, along with our partners at NSP, we were able to keep our roadways open. Our crews’ efforts don’t stop after the storm, as cleanup will continue as needed. Please give them the room they need to keep the roadways open.”NDOT and NSP teams continue to respond to the aftermath of Monday’s snowstorm. Any motorist on the roads should use caution in affected areas. As some of the snow melts and temperatures remain low, the potential for refreeze exist. All drivers should check the Nebraska 511 system at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.511.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.511.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or on the 511 app to get updated road conditions before traveling. Anyone who becomes stranded on the road can call *55 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline and speak with an NSP dispatcher.