The newest addition to the Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors is no stranger to the field of education.

<a>Kirk Crawley&nbsp;</a>spent his entire career as a teacher, coach and administrator within the Broken Bow Public Schools system. He was sworn onto the MPCC Board of Governors Wednesday evening during a meeting at the college’s North Campus in North Platte.

“I’m looking&nbsp;forward to getting my feet wet,” said Crawley. “I’m anxious to see all the other campuses and what they have to offer and to understand the direction the board and administration want to take those.”

Crawley is originally from Arnold. He was raised on a ranch west of the community and attended Arnold High School, which is where his interest in education began.

“My mother had been a teacher at surrounding country schools, so education was always promoted to me from the time I was very young,” Crawley said. “Then in high school, we had a program that allowed students to assist teachers in the classroom. I really enjoyed that, and the experience made me want to teach as well.”

Crawley graduated from Arnold High School in 1978 and enrolled in what is now the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He earned a degree in elementary education from UNK in 1982 and obtained a master’s degree in education administration from the university in 1988.

His first job out of college was teaching third grade and coaching junior high football and high school wrestling for the Broken Bow Public Schools.

“I came in during the ’82-’83 school year,” Crawley said. “I had some really great mentors when I arrived, and those guys helped me get started the right way. I was able to build some strong relationships with the kids and their families, which ended up being the high point for me.”

Crawley coached both sports for more than two decades. As time went on, he also taught fourth and fifth grades, spent a year as the activities director and was the assistant elementary principal for the last five years of his career.

“It was entirely different being an administrator as opposed to an educator or coach,” Crawley said. “Instead of being zeroed in on a group of 20-25 kids, I had to focus on the needs of all the kids, which was an eye-opening experience even after being in education as long as I was. I always appreciated educators at all levels, but when I had to go into various classrooms and evaluate them, I really gained an awareness of the different skill sets needed for every grade.”

Crawley retired in 2016 but couldn’t leave the educational world behind. Last year, he was approached by&nbsp;Louis “Louie” Stithem, also of Broken Bow, who, after 32 years of representing District Three on the MPCC Board of Governors, decided to step down.

“He encouraged me to run for his seat,” Crawley said. “I had worked with Louie and always found him to be an asset, not just to the board, but also to the Broken Bow community. I thought serving in his place would be an incredible opportunity to make a difference in higher education and to try to emulate some of those great characteristics Louie has shown over the years.”

While he doesn’t believe there’s any true substitution for experience, Crawley is looking forward to doing what he can to help meet the needs of the area through the MPCC Board of Governors.

His first order of business will be gaining an understanding of operations and developing relationships with college employees and board veterans.

“At the end of the day, we are all working toward a common goal – promoting Mid-Plains and the opportunities it offers,” Crawley said. “No matter the level, education plays a huge role in impacting and improving lives. MPCC is a vital component of that. Just because you’re in a rural setting doesn’t mean you can’t meet people’s needs. It just means you do it in a different way. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611229844964.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The newest addition to the Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors is no stranger to the field of education.<a>Kirk Crawley&nbsp;</a>spent his entire career as a teacher, coach and administrator within the Broken Bow Public Schools system. He was sworn onto the MPCC Board of Governors Wednesday evening during a meeting at the college’s North Campus in North Platte.“I’m looking&nbsp;forward to getting my feet wet,” said Crawley. “I’m anxious to see all the other campuses and what they have to offer and to understand the direction the board and administration want to take those.”Crawley is originally from Arnold. He was raised on a ranch west of the community and attended Arnold High School, which is where his interest in education began.“My mother had been a teacher at surrounding country schools, so education was always promoted to me from the time I was very young,” Crawley said. “Then in high school, we had a program that allowed students to assist teachers in the classroom. I really enjoyed that, and the experience made me want to teach as well.”Crawley graduated from Arnold High School in 1978 and enrolled in what is now the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He earned a degree in elementary education from UNK in 1982 and obtained a master’s degree in education administration from the university in 1988.His first job out of college was teaching third grade and coaching junior high football and high school wrestling for the Broken Bow Public Schools.“I came in during the ’82-’83 school year,” Crawley said. “I had some really great mentors when I arrived, and those guys helped me get started the right way. I was able to build some strong relationships with the kids and their families, which ended up being the high point for me.”Crawley coached both sports for more than two decades. As time went on, he also taught fourth and fifth grades, spent a year as the activities director and was the assistant elementary principal for the last five years of his career.“It was entirely different being an administrator as opposed to an educator or coach,” Crawley said. “Instead of being zeroed in on a group of 20-25 kids, I had to focus on the needs of all the kids, which was an eye-opening experience even after being in education as long as I was. I always appreciated educators at all levels, but when I had to go into various classrooms and evaluate them, I really gained an awareness of the different skill sets needed for every grade.”Crawley retired in 2016 but couldn’t leave the educational world behind. Last year, he was approached by&nbsp;Louis “Louie” Stithem, also of Broken Bow, who, after 32 years of representing District Three on the MPCC Board of Governors, decided to step down.“He encouraged me to run for his seat,” Crawley said. “I had worked with Louie and always found him to be an asset, not just to the board, but also to the Broken Bow community. I thought serving in his place would be an incredible opportunity to make a difference in higher education and to try to emulate some of those great characteristics Louie has shown over the years.”While he doesn’t believe there’s any true substitution for experience, Crawley is looking forward to doing what he can to help meet the needs of the area through the MPCC Board of Governors.His first order of business will be gaining an understanding of operations and developing relationships with college employees and board veterans.“At the end of the day, we are all working toward a common goal – promoting Mid-Plains and the opportunities it offers,” Crawley said. “No matter the level, education plays a huge role in impacting and improving lives. MPCC is a vital component of that. Just because you’re in a rural setting doesn’t mean you can’t meet people’s needs. It just means you do it in a different way. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Crawley joins MPCC Board of Governors

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (NSP)-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested five people following a traffic stop on Highway 6 near McCook Tuesday evening.

At approximately 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, a trooper performed a traffic stop on a Dodge Journey that was driving without its lights on. The vehicle also had no license plates. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected that the driver was impaired.

The trooper arrested the driver, Andrew Blume, 42, of Indianola, for driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, driving under&nbsp;suspension, as well as traffic violations. The trooper also located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in possession of the passengers. The four passengers were also arrested. The charges are as follows:

Jonathan Essex, 35, of McCook – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia

Timothy Jauken, 19, of McCook – possession of a controlled substance

Sheridan Stark, 23, of McCook – possession of a controlled substance

Elora Towne, 21, of Henderson – possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia.

All five were lodged in Red Willow County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565131813378.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (NSP)-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested five people following a traffic stop on Highway 6 near McCook Tuesday evening.At approximately 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, a trooper performed a traffic stop on a Dodge Journey that was driving without its lights on. The vehicle also had no license plates. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected that the driver was impaired.The trooper arrested the driver, Andrew Blume, 42, of Indianola, for driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, driving under&nbsp;suspension, as well as traffic violations. The trooper also located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in possession of the passengers. The four passengers were also arrested. The charges are as follows:Jonathan Essex, 35, of McCook – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernaliaTimothy Jauken, 19, of McCook – possession of a controlled substanceSheridan Stark, 23, of McCook – possession of a controlled substanceElora Towne, 21, of Henderson – possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia.All five were lodged in Red Willow County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.

Troopers arrest 5 following stop near McCook

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Women who deliver a stillborn baby could get a $2,000 tax credit from Nebraska state government under a bill introduced Wednesday in the Legislature.

The bill by Sen. Joni Albrecht, of Thurston, would offer a refundable credit if the fetus had advanced to at least the 20th week of gestation and the child would have been a dependent of the person claiming the credit.

Nebraska lawmakers introduced their final legislation of the year on Wednesday, for a total of 684 bills and 12 proposed constitutional amendments.

The new measures submitted on Wednesday include proposals to overhaul the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, make it easier for public school teachers to leave unions and lower the corporate income tax rate.

One measure would provide a spelled-out legal right to refuse vaccinations that are mandated by the state government, although it's extremely unlikely the state would issue such an order in the current pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611181661423.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Women who deliver a stillborn baby could get a $2,000 tax credit from Nebraska state government under a bill introduced Wednesday in the Legislature.The bill by Sen. Joni Albrecht, of Thurston, would offer a refundable credit if the fetus had advanced to at least the 20th week of gestation and the child would have been a dependent of the person claiming the credit.Nebraska lawmakers introduced their final legislation of the year on Wednesday, for a total of 684 bills and 12 proposed constitutional amendments.The new measures submitted on Wednesday include proposals to overhaul the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, make it easier for public school teachers to leave unions and lower the corporate income tax rate.One measure would provide a spelled-out legal right to refuse vaccinations that are mandated by the state government, although it's extremely unlikely the state would issue such an order in the current pandemic.

Nebraska bill would give $2K tax credit for stillborn child

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska Capitol was mostly quiet Wednesday as President Joe Biden was sworn into office, but there was more security than usual inside the building.

Members of the Nebraska State Patrol stood watch inside the building's public entrances, but business otherwise continued as usual. Outside, three protesters walked around the building's perimeter waving a Trump 2020 campaign flag and a flag that said, "Biden is not the president."

In the Legislature, lawmakers spent the morning as planned, introducing bills to be debated later this year.

Security was increased at the Capitol amid rumors that some supporters of President Donald Trump might stage rallies outside of state capitols to protest Biden's inauguration. A gathering in Washington turned violent earlier this month after a mob infiltrated the U.S. Capitol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611164145025.png" alt="\" />
 <figcaption>\</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska Capitol was mostly quiet Wednesday as President Joe Biden was sworn into office, but there was more security than usual inside the building.Members of the Nebraska State Patrol stood watch inside the building's public entrances, but business otherwise continued as usual. Outside, three protesters walked around the building's perimeter waving a Trump 2020 campaign flag and a flag that said, "Biden is not the president."In the Legislature, lawmakers spent the morning as planned, introducing bills to be debated later this year.Security was increased at the Capitol amid rumors that some supporters of President Donald Trump might stage rallies outside of state capitols to protest Biden's inauguration. A gathering in Washington turned violent earlier this month after a mob infiltrated the U.S. Capitol.

Nebraska Capitol quiet as Biden sworn in as president

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's campaign to vaccinate people for the coronavirus is further along in some rural parts of the state.

At least half a dozen health districts across the state have already started giving vaccines to seniors living outside long-term care facilities, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/health/vaccine-doses-remain-in-short-supply-but-lincoln-residents-can-sign-up-beginning-wednesday/article_df7bcdbe-0239-5a9f-aee2-da94a6621de2.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">reported</a>. Officials in Lincoln and Omaha are still working to vaccinate health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.

Health districts based in Scottsbluff, Grand Island, Kearney, Dakota City and Burwell have all started to vaccinate older residents of the areas they serve.

State health officials have said they expected the campaign to progress at different rates throughout parts of Nebraska.

Overall, the state has administered 109,526 of the 192,078 doses of the vaccines it has received so far. Officials said Tuesday that more than 75,000 of the state's roughly 90,000 health care workers have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and shots have been administered at 428 long-term care facilities.

Nebraska reported limited numbers about the coronavirus Tuesday because the state's online virus tracking website is down for maintenance.

The state reported eight new deaths Tuesday for a total of 1,850 deaths. The number of new cases statewide wasn't released.

Health officials said the number of people hospitalized with the virus increased slightly Tuesday to 438 from the previous day's 429.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's campaign to vaccinate people for the coronavirus is further along in some rural parts of the state.At least half a dozen health districts across the state have already started giving vaccines to seniors living outside long-term care facilities, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/health/vaccine-doses-remain-in-short-supply-but-lincoln-residents-can-sign-up-beginning-wednesday/article_df7bcdbe-0239-5a9f-aee2-da94a6621de2.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">reported</a>. Officials in Lincoln and Omaha are still working to vaccinate health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.Health districts based in Scottsbluff, Grand Island, Kearney, Dakota City and Burwell have all started to vaccinate older residents of the areas they serve.State health officials have said they expected the campaign to progress at different rates throughout parts of Nebraska.Overall, the state has administered 109,526 of the 192,078 doses of the vaccines it has received so far. Officials said Tuesday that more than 75,000 of the state's roughly 90,000 health care workers have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and shots have been administered at 428 long-term care facilities.Nebraska reported limited numbers about the coronavirus Tuesday because the state's online virus tracking website is down for maintenance.The state reported eight new deaths Tuesday for a total of 1,850 deaths. The number of new cases statewide wasn't released.Health officials said the number of people hospitalized with the virus increased slightly Tuesday to 438 from the previous day's 429.

Nebraska vaccine campaign moving faster in some rural areas

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska lawmaker introduced a bill Tuesday that would declare Election Day a state holiday and automatically register eligible residents as voters when they renew their driver's licenses.

The measure by Sen. Eliot Bostar, of Lincoln, follows a handful of states that have made it a holiday to help ensure that working people get a chance to vote.

The bill would also give residents the choice to decline to register when renewing their license. Current state law already allows residents to update their registrations when renewing their licenses, but the process isn't automatic.

Lawmakers also introduced bills Tuesday to create local police oversight boards, repeal Nebraska's motorcycle helmet law, legalize marijuana with certain limits and move the headquarters of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission from Lincoln to Sidney in western Nebraska.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska lawmaker introduced a bill Tuesday that would declare Election Day a state holiday and automatically register eligible residents as voters when they renew their driver's licenses.The measure by Sen. Eliot Bostar, of Lincoln, follows a handful of states that have made it a holiday to help ensure that working people get a chance to vote.The bill would also give residents the choice to decline to register when renewing their license. Current state law already allows residents to update their registrations when renewing their licenses, but the process isn't automatic.Lawmakers also introduced bills Tuesday to create local police oversight boards, repeal Nebraska's motorcycle helmet law, legalize marijuana with certain limits and move the headquarters of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission from Lincoln to Sidney in western Nebraska.

Nebraska proposal would make Election Day a state holiday

On Thursday, January 14th&nbsp;I delivered my annual “State of the State” address to the Nebraska Legislature.&nbsp; Even after back-to-back years of major challenges—historic floods in 2019 and a pandemic in 2020—I am pleased to report that the state of the state is strong.&nbsp; The work of Nebraskans everywhere has helped to meet these challenges with grit, tenacity, and determination. &nbsp;

As Senators begin this session, there are plenty of opportunities to make our state even stronger.&nbsp; This will require working together the Nebraska Way.&nbsp;

This year, the Unicameral will work on the state budget for the next two years.&nbsp; The budget I’ve proposed controls spending by limiting the average growth rate to 1.5 percent. &nbsp;Within this framework, we can achieve several important priorities.

First, property tax relief.&nbsp; The budget I’ve presented to the Legislature delivers $1.36 billion in relief over the next two years.&nbsp; This includes $550 million in direct property tax relief through the State’s Property Tax Credit Relief Fund, and nearly $597 million from the new refundable property tax credit.&nbsp; I am also proposing $214 million to provide for property tax payments under the current homestead exemption program. &nbsp;

To deliver real property tax relief, we have to slow the growth of property tax bills.&nbsp; This will ensure that the relief the State provides goes into people’s pockets.&nbsp; Senator Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn and I are proposing to limit the growth of local government property taxes to 3 percent per year.&nbsp; Property taxes are growing at a rate that Nebraskans cannot manage within their family budgets.&nbsp; They’ve grown by 4.46 percent annually, on average, for the last 10 years for an overall increase of 54.65 percent.&nbsp;

If the Legislature fails to enact spending constraints, I believe Nebraskans will take matters into their own hands and strip local governments of their property tax authority.&nbsp; This happened before in the 1960s when voters stripped the State of its authority to tax property, and it can happen again.&nbsp; The spending limits we’re proposing are reasonable.&nbsp; By putting them in place, the Legislature can ensure that Nebraska’s communities preserve local control of the institutions they cherish.

As we take action to reduce the property tax burden, it’s important to give strong support to schools as well.&nbsp; Under my budget proposal, the State would give a record-high amount of aid ($1.1 billion per year) to schools over the next two years.&nbsp; As I have done every year as Governor, I again propose to fully fund the K-12 education formula.&nbsp; I’m also proposing opportunity scholarships, more career scholarships, and money for our textbook program.&nbsp; We must continue to invest in the next generation of Nebraskans so they can access educational opportunities that can help them achieve their dreams.

I’m also proposing three initiatives to advance toward our goal of becoming the best state in the nation for military families and veterans.&nbsp; First, Nebraska is still working to bring Space Command to the Heartland.&nbsp; Senator John Stinner of Gering and I are recommending for the State to invest $50 million into a public-private partnership to headquarter this important mission at Offutt Air Force Base.&nbsp; Second, Senator Tom Brewer of Gordon and I are proposing that Nebraska exempt 100 percent of military retirement income for military retirees.&nbsp; This would complete the work on veterans tax relief we began last year. &nbsp;Third, I’m working with Senators Rita Sanders and Carol Blood of Bellevue to remove regulatory barriers that impede military spouses from taking jobs in Nebraska as licensed professionals.&nbsp;

We must continue to invest in better broadband coverage so that more Nebraskans have access to fast, reliable internet service. &nbsp;Over 80,000 Nebraska households lack broadband speeds of at least 25/3.&nbsp; The pandemic revealed how impossible work from home or remote education can be for those on the wrong side of the digital divide.&nbsp; Over the last several months, we used federal coronavirus assistance to begin connecting 17,600 households with broadband.&nbsp; Senator Curt Friesen of Henderson, Speaker Mike Hilgers of Lincoln, and I are proposing that we invest $20 million in each of the next two years to help another 30,000 households get broadband connectivity.&nbsp; This will move Nebraska closer to bringing broadband coverage to every corner of the state.

Finally, my budget recommendation takes steps to protect public safety.&nbsp; Nebraska’s corrections system has been underbuilt for 40 years, and our infrastructure is aging.&nbsp; We’ve made progress by investing in sentencing reform, rehabilitation, and the physical plant of our system over the past six years.&nbsp; But more must be done to modernize our prisons and prepare for the future.&nbsp; By 2025, Nebraska’s corrections system is forecasted to house over 6,400 inmates.&nbsp; Our current operational capacity is about 5,300 inmates, and the Nebraska State Penitentiary is decaying.&nbsp; To protect public safety and replace the State Penitentiary, my budget plans for the construction of a new, modern correctional facility.&nbsp; It will require an initial investment of $115 million in the upcoming two-year budget.&nbsp; This amount represents half of the estimated $230 million of costs to have the facility completed and operational in 2025.&nbsp;

These are all critical priorities to get done this year. &nbsp;If you have questions about them, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; As the session gets underway, I’m confident that we can achieve each of these initiatives by working together the Nebraska Way.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560600869383.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Governor's Weekly ColumnBy Governor Pete RickettsOn Thursday, January 14th&nbsp;I delivered my annual “State of the State” address to the Nebraska Legislature.&nbsp; Even after back-to-back years of major challenges—historic floods in 2019 and a pandemic in 2020—I am pleased to report that the state of the state is strong.&nbsp; The work of Nebraskans everywhere has helped to meet these challenges with grit, tenacity, and determination. &nbsp;As Senators begin this session, there are plenty of opportunities to make our state even stronger.&nbsp; This will require working together the Nebraska Way.&nbsp;This year, the Unicameral will work on the state budget for the next two years.&nbsp; The budget I’ve proposed controls spending by limiting the average growth rate to 1.5 percent. &nbsp;Within this framework, we can achieve several important priorities.First, property tax relief.&nbsp; The budget I’ve presented to the Legislature delivers $1.36 billion in relief over the next two years.&nbsp; This includes $550 million in direct property tax relief through the State’s Property Tax Credit Relief Fund, and nearly $597 million from the new refundable property tax credit.&nbsp; I am also proposing $214 million to provide for property tax payments under the current homestead exemption program. &nbsp;To deliver real property tax relief, we have to slow the growth of property tax bills.&nbsp; This will ensure that the relief the State provides goes into people’s pockets.&nbsp; Senator Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn and I are proposing to limit the growth of local government property taxes to 3 percent per year.&nbsp; Property taxes are growing at a rate that Nebraskans cannot manage within their family budgets.&nbsp; They’ve grown by 4.46 percent annually, on average, for the last 10 years for an overall increase of 54.65 percent.&nbsp;If the Legislature fails to enact spending constraints, I believe Nebraskans will take matters into their own hands and strip local governments of their property tax authority.&nbsp; This happened before in the 1960s when voters stripped the State of its authority to tax property, and it can happen again.&nbsp; The spending limits we’re proposing are reasonable.&nbsp; By putting them in place, the Legislature can ensure that Nebraska’s communities preserve local control of the institutions they cherish.As we take action to reduce the property tax burden, it’s important to give strong support to schools as well.&nbsp; Under my budget proposal, the State would give a record-high amount of aid ($1.1 billion per year) to schools over the next two years.&nbsp; As I have done every year as Governor, I again propose to fully fund the K-12 education formula.&nbsp; I’m also proposing opportunity scholarships, more career scholarships, and money for our textbook program.&nbsp; We must continue to invest in the next generation of Nebraskans so they can access educational opportunities that can help them achieve their dreams.I’m also proposing three initiatives to advance toward our goal of becoming the best state in the nation for military families and veterans.&nbsp; First, Nebraska is still working to bring Space Command to the Heartland.&nbsp; Senator John Stinner of Gering and I are recommending for the State to invest $50 million into a public-private partnership to headquarter this important mission at Offutt Air Force Base.&nbsp; Second, Senator Tom Brewer of Gordon and I are proposing that Nebraska exempt 100 percent of military retirement income for military retirees.&nbsp; This would complete the work on veterans tax relief we began last year. &nbsp;Third, I’m working with Senators Rita Sanders and Carol Blood of Bellevue to remove regulatory barriers that impede military spouses from taking jobs in Nebraska as licensed professionals.&nbsp;We must continue to invest in better broadband coverage so that more Nebraskans have access to fast, reliable internet service. &nbsp;Over 80,000 Nebraska households lack broadband speeds of at least 25/3.&nbsp; The pandemic revealed how impossible work from home or remote education can be for those on the wrong side of the digital divide.&nbsp; Over the last several months, we used federal coronavirus assistance to begin connecting 17,600 households with broadband.&nbsp; Senator Curt Friesen of Henderson, Speaker Mike Hilgers of Lincoln, and I are proposing that we invest $20 million in each of the next two years to help another 30,000 households get broadband connectivity.&nbsp; This will move Nebraska closer to bringing broadband coverage to every corner of the state.Finally, my budget recommendation takes steps to protect public safety.&nbsp; Nebraska’s corrections system has been underbuilt for 40 years, and our infrastructure is aging.&nbsp; We’ve made progress by investing in sentencing reform, rehabilitation, and the physical plant of our system over the past six years.&nbsp; But more must be done to modernize our prisons and prepare for the future.&nbsp; By 2025, Nebraska’s corrections system is forecasted to house over 6,400 inmates.&nbsp; Our current operational capacity is about 5,300 inmates, and the Nebraska State Penitentiary is decaying.&nbsp; To protect public safety and replace the State Penitentiary, my budget plans for the construction of a new, modern correctional facility.&nbsp; It will require an initial investment of $115 million in the upcoming two-year budget.&nbsp; This amount represents half of the estimated $230 million of costs to have the facility completed and operational in 2025.&nbsp;These are all critical priorities to get done this year. &nbsp;If you have questions about them, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; As the session gets underway, I’m confident that we can achieve each of these initiatives by working together the Nebraska Way.

Ricketts: Moving forward the Nebraska way

1.19.2021 NPHS Basketball vs GINW - LIVESTREAM

In an effort to accommodate persons affected by COVID and provide a solution to patrons who miss the library’s evening and weekend hours, the library is beginning a new&nbsp;curbside pickup service.

1. Request the items you want on hold. This is easily done by visiting the Library's card catalog <a href="https://nplat.ipac.sirsidynix.net/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=">HERE</a>. If you aren't sure how to request an item, watch our tutorial on our YouTube Channel in the “How To” Playlist at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIKN42cnphV0oVdtYjJHUkw">HERE</a> OR call the Library at 308-535-8036 X3310 and a library team member can place items on hold for you.

2. Give the staff time to pull your items for you, usually 24 hours.

3. The Library staff will call to let you know that your materials are ready for pickup.

4. Enter the Library's parking lot and pull up by the building OR pull into a parking space in the small lot adjacent to the library. Look for the curbside signage.

5. Text the library at 308-280-2500 and simply state: “here”

6. An automated response will prompt you to click on a link to fill out or you can just text this information:

¨&nbsp;&nbsp; Your library card barcode number(located on the back of your library card); and finally,

¨&nbsp;&nbsp; Your vehicle description (such as white Jeep Cherokee).

7. Once that information has been sent, you will start communicating with library staff. We request that you allow 5-15 minutes for library staff to gather up your items and check them out. Then they will bring the items to your car.

8. Please have your library card or driver's license available so that we can verify that we checked out and delivered items to the correct person.

9. Open your trunk or unlock your door. Once staff have verified your identification, they will place the items into your car.

10. Enjoy your books and our new curbside service.

News ReleaseIn an effort to accommodate persons affected by COVID and provide a solution to patrons who miss the library’s evening and weekend hours, the library is beginning a new&nbsp;curbside pickup service.HERE’S HOW IT WORKS1. Request the items you want on hold. This is easily done by visiting the Library's card catalog <a href="https://nplat.ipac.sirsidynix.net/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=">HERE</a>. If you aren't sure how to request an item, watch our tutorial on our YouTube Channel in the “How To” Playlist at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIKN42cnphV0oVdtYjJHUkw">HERE</a> OR call the Library at 308-535-8036 X3310 and a library team member can place items on hold for you.2. Give the staff time to pull your items for you, usually 24 hours.3. The Library staff will call to let you know that your materials are ready for pickup.4. Enter the Library's parking lot and pull up by the building OR pull into a parking space in the small lot adjacent to the library. Look for the curbside signage.5. Text the library at 308-280-2500 and simply state: “here”6. An automated response will prompt you to click on a link to fill out or you can just text this information:¨&nbsp;&nbsp; Your first and last name;¨&nbsp;&nbsp; Your library card barcode number(located on the back of your library card); and finally,¨&nbsp;&nbsp; Your vehicle description (such as white Jeep Cherokee).7. Once that information has been sent, you will start communicating with library staff. We request that you allow 5-15 minutes for library staff to gather up your items and check them out. Then they will bring the items to your car.8. Please have your library card or driver's license available so that we can verify that we checked out and delivered items to the correct person.9. Open your trunk or unlock your door. Once staff have verified your identification, they will place the items into your car.10. Enjoy your books and our new curbside service.

North Platte Public Library to offer curbside pickup service

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska teachers and meatpacking workers worry it will take longer for essential workers like them to get the coronavirus vaccine now that the next group of people to be vaccinated has been expanded to include everyone 65 and older in the state.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-nebraska-infectious-diseases-coronavirus-pandemic-18aee2c4815836d77fe9a00505d6ddce" target="_blank">expansion of the next phase</a>&nbsp;in the vaccination campaign, which is slated to start statewide next month, was announced last week. State health officials haven't said how people will be prioritized within that new larger group, but the Douglas County Health Department in Nebraska's largest city said Tuesday that people 65 and older will get the vaccine first in Omaha ahead of essential workers.

Tim Royers, who is president of the Millard Education Association, said teachers in his district were disappointed to hear that they now aren't likely to get their shots until March at the earliest. Previously, they had been told they would start getting the vaccine either at the end of January or in early February.

"We're already seeing the impact, and it's having a demoralizing effect on teachers," Royers&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/nebraskas-essential-workers-worry-they-wont-get-covid-vaccine-anytime-soon/article_496c9f7e-5689-11eb-9404-abda17581894.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">said&nbsp;</a>to the Omaha World-Herald. Millard, like many districts in the state, has been holding classes in-person all year.

Eric Reeder, president of the United Food &amp; Commercial Workers Union Local 293, said he's not happy that the food production workers he represents will have to wait longer to get the vaccine. Before last week, only people 75 and older were slated to be included in the same vaccine group as essential workers.

"These people are already in high-risk positions," he said because meatpacking and other food plants have generally continued operating throughout the pandemic despite virus outbreaks at those facilities.

Health officials have estimated that it could take four months to get all the people included in this next phase of the vaccine campaign inoculated. But they said that pace could be accelerated if the state were to receive more doses of the vaccine than it has been getting.

"It's a lot of competition," said Phil Rooney, spokesman for the Douglas County Health Department. "Get more vaccine, and it solves the problem pretty quickly."

The state said Tuesday it has administered 106,940 of the 191,539 doses of the vaccine it has received so far. Health care workers and residents and workers at long-term care facilities have been getting the vaccine first in the initial phase of the campaign.

Angie Ling, who is overseeing the vaccination campaign for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, said the state hopes that the federal government will increase its allotment of vaccines "so we can get those shots in arms even faster."

Nebraska reported 440 new cases and five deaths Monday to give the state a total of 182,418 cases and 1,842 deaths since the pandemic began.

Over the past two weeks, the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has decreased from 1,003.71 new cases per day on Jan. 4 to 850.29 new cases per day on Monday.

The state said the number of people hospitalized with the virus remained at 429 Monday. That number is less than half the November peak of 987 but it remains higher than it was earlier in the fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608071469793.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska teachers and meatpacking workers worry it will take longer for essential workers like them to get the coronavirus vaccine now that the next group of people to be vaccinated has been expanded to include everyone 65 and older in the state.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-nebraska-infectious-diseases-coronavirus-pandemic-18aee2c4815836d77fe9a00505d6ddce" target="_blank">expansion of the next phase</a>&nbsp;in the vaccination campaign, which is slated to start statewide next month, was announced last week. State health officials haven't said how people will be prioritized within that new larger group, but the Douglas County Health Department in Nebraska's largest city said Tuesday that people 65 and older will get the vaccine first in Omaha ahead of essential workers.Tim Royers, who is president of the Millard Education Association, said teachers in his district were disappointed to hear that they now aren't likely to get their shots until March at the earliest. Previously, they had been told they would start getting the vaccine either at the end of January or in early February."We're already seeing the impact, and it's having a demoralizing effect on teachers," Royers&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/nebraskas-essential-workers-worry-they-wont-get-covid-vaccine-anytime-soon/article_496c9f7e-5689-11eb-9404-abda17581894.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">said&nbsp;</a>to the Omaha World-Herald. Millard, like many districts in the state, has been holding classes in-person all year.Eric Reeder, president of the United Food &amp; Commercial Workers Union Local 293, said he's not happy that the food production workers he represents will have to wait longer to get the vaccine. Before last week, only people 75 and older were slated to be included in the same vaccine group as essential workers."These people are already in high-risk positions," he said because meatpacking and other food plants have generally continued operating throughout the pandemic despite virus outbreaks at those facilities.Health officials have estimated that it could take four months to get all the people included in this next phase of the vaccine campaign inoculated. But they said that pace could be accelerated if the state were to receive more doses of the vaccine than it has been getting."It's a lot of competition," said Phil Rooney, spokesman for the Douglas County Health Department. "Get more vaccine, and it solves the problem pretty quickly."The state said Tuesday it has administered 106,940 of the 191,539 doses of the vaccine it has received so far. Health care workers and residents and workers at long-term care facilities have been getting the vaccine first in the initial phase of the campaign.Angie Ling, who is overseeing the vaccination campaign for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, said the state hopes that the federal government will increase its allotment of vaccines "so we can get those shots in arms even faster."Nebraska reported 440 new cases and five deaths Monday to give the state a total of 182,418 cases and 1,842 deaths since the pandemic began.Over the past two weeks, the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has decreased from 1,003.71 new cases per day on Jan. 4 to 850.29 new cases per day on Monday.The state said the number of people hospitalized with the virus remained at 429 Monday. That number is less than half the November peak of 987 but it remains higher than it was earlier in the fall.

Nebraska workers worry about new delay in getting vaccine

Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega Millions® Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the Tuesday, January 19 drawing to $865 million or $638.8 million with the cash option selected.

The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 35 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since September 18 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Tuesday, January 19 drawing to $865 million or $638.8 million with the cash option selected - the 2nd largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.

The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in October 2018 when one ticket was sold in South Carolina for a $1.537 billion jackpot.

Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=vO6EBHxkBWuJBNyAXsok8lanxZTLSIUtoqiCqDUXCtE5cxf-2BQZLCrDZWRG-2BD-2BdnZkpKJ_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9t4D9LWTP99krvREf42zUykodJoYUQSV-2F1k4Z8ao-2FaDJph9ZkfVXZjxwvtNcdHNFGyWffVzmbAGAAG61pxEDM7546L7ZGKBJIE741Ew8nVVMUhkBxjnXLKPWc4JsX15BzgJ0Pkicw1yUQGEChGhO2jBcPWEXw5Z5kNre-2FvuvNJSwdwIbBs95tDjPIV4sUgsXMPDcICIgwuscT7LYIR6GOKyk2hqBrpGvxElikQJQYgYzUKjEZXvXe7HL0aaHeZTvHz702ZkXR2CQsdXwVXVEcy-2B30AtGnzE3GENFCe97ROdPHMektrIUjUFifeoDP-2BSuo14xcKCxKxB-2FmrdCwb4iS6GON6reN0-2FjxjOGZK5TJyQU-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.

Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega Millions® Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the Tuesday, January 19 drawing to $865 million or $638.8 million with the cash option selected.The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 35 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since September 18 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Tuesday, January 19 drawing to $865 million or $638.8 million with the cash option selected - the 2nd largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in October 2018 when one ticket was sold in South Carolina for a $1.537 billion jackpot.Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=vO6EBHxkBWuJBNyAXsok8lanxZTLSIUtoqiCqDUXCtE5cxf-2BQZLCrDZWRG-2BD-2BdnZkpKJ_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9t4D9LWTP99krvREf42zUykodJoYUQSV-2F1k4Z8ao-2FaDJph9ZkfVXZjxwvtNcdHNFGyWffVzmbAGAAG61pxEDM7546L7ZGKBJIE741Ew8nVVMUhkBxjnXLKPWc4JsX15BzgJ0Pkicw1yUQGEChGhO2jBcPWEXw5Z5kNre-2FvuvNJSwdwIbBs95tDjPIV4sUgsXMPDcICIgwuscT7LYIR6GOKyk2hqBrpGvxElikQJQYgYzUKjEZXvXe7HL0aaHeZTvHz702ZkXR2CQsdXwVXVEcy-2B30AtGnzE3GENFCe97ROdPHMektrIUjUFifeoDP-2BSuo14xcKCxKxB-2FmrdCwb4iS6GON6reN0-2FjxjOGZK5TJyQU-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.

UPDATED Mega Millions®, Powerball® Jackpots simultaneously over $700 million for first time ever

LINCOLN, Neb. -- President-elect Joe Biden is considering canceling the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline project as early as day one of his term, which could be good news for Native American communities in Nebraska living near crowded worker camps during the pandemic. Wesley Furlong, staff attorney for the Native American Rights Fund, said Indian Country is at greater risk of illness and death from COVID-19 due to a systemic lack of access to quality health care, which has led to higher incidences of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. "Because there's been generational lack of adequate health care in Indian Country, you have very vulnerable populations who have pre-existing conditions, who have the co-morbidities that make this virus especially deadly if you catch it," Furlong contended. He said the Rosebud Sioux Tribe on Nebraska's northern border has less than five respirators for its 15,000 residents, and zero respiratory therapists. The Petroleum Equipment and Services Association told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/indigenous-affairs-covid19-a-crude-virus-how-man-camps-can-cause-a-covid-surge" target="_blank">High Country News</a>&nbsp;it was initially concerned about testing, quarantining and other COVID-related safety measures for workers, but the group now is confident that most operators have "gotten the hang of things." Furlong is skeptical, pointing to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mtd.63809/gov.uscourts.mtd.63809.1.0.pdf" target="_blank">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;involving TransCanada, now called TC Energy. While the company had announced safety measures including mask wearing and social distancing, when construction started, Furlong said those protocols went out the window, people were grouped together and not wearing masks. "I think if industry was really doing what it could to keep their employees and the people in the communities that they are operating in safe, they wouldn't be bringing in hundreds or thousands of people to live in very close quarters," Furlong asserted. "It's the exact opposite of what should be happening during a pandemic." A TC Energy spokesperson responded by email, saying the safety of its crews and the public are core company values. Furlong noted one challenge protecting tribes from outbreaks at transient work camps is that official COVID case counts are recorded in a workers' home state, not in the county where they are working.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611053132853.png" alt="TransCanada, now called TC Energy, announced COVID safety measures were being taken at construction-site worker camps, including masks and social distancing. (PXHere)" />
 <figcaption>TransCanada, now called TC Energy, announced COVID safety measures were being taken at construction-site worker camps, including masks and social distancing. (PXHere)</figcaption>
 </figure>From Nebraska News ConnectionBy Eric GalatasLINCOLN, Neb. -- President-elect Joe Biden is considering canceling the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline project as early as day one of his term, which could be good news for Native American communities in Nebraska living near crowded worker camps during the pandemic. Wesley Furlong, staff attorney for the Native American Rights Fund, said Indian Country is at greater risk of illness and death from COVID-19 due to a systemic lack of access to quality health care, which has led to higher incidences of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. "Because there's been generational lack of adequate health care in Indian Country, you have very vulnerable populations who have pre-existing conditions, who have the co-morbidities that make this virus especially deadly if you catch it," Furlong contended. He said the Rosebud Sioux Tribe on Nebraska's northern border has less than five respirators for its 15,000 residents, and zero respiratory therapists. The Petroleum Equipment and Services Association told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/indigenous-affairs-covid19-a-crude-virus-how-man-camps-can-cause-a-covid-surge" target="_blank">High Country News</a>&nbsp;it was initially concerned about testing, quarantining and other COVID-related safety measures for workers, but the group now is confident that most operators have "gotten the hang of things." Furlong is skeptical, pointing to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mtd.63809/gov.uscourts.mtd.63809.1.0.pdf" target="_blank">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;involving TransCanada, now called TC Energy. While the company had announced safety measures including mask wearing and social distancing, when construction started, Furlong said those protocols went out the window, people were grouped together and not wearing masks. "I think if industry was really doing what it could to keep their employees and the people in the communities that they are operating in safe, they wouldn't be bringing in hundreds or thousands of people to live in very close quarters," Furlong asserted. "It's the exact opposite of what should be happening during a pandemic." A TC Energy spokesperson responded by email, saying the safety of its crews and the public are core company values. Furlong noted one challenge protecting tribes from outbreaks at transient work camps is that official COVID case counts are recorded in a workers' home state, not in the county where they are working.

Keystone XL worker camps threaten Indian Country during COVID

SALINA —Christopher and Banks, a specialty women’s apparel retailer is closing all of its stores including 14 locations in Nebraska and 15 in Kansas. The company operates a store in the Platte River Mall.

The Minneapolis-based company announced last week it filed for Chapter 11 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.&nbsp;

The Company has launched a store closing and liquidation process. The Company, however, will continue to operate its business in the ordinary course in the near term; and The Company is in active discussion with potential buyers for the sale of its eCommerce platform and related assets and

The company currently operates 449 stores in 44 states consisting of 315 MPW stores, 76 Outlet stores, 31 Christopher &amp; Banks stores, and 28 stores in its women’s plus size clothing division CJ Banks. The Company also operates the www.ChristopherandBanks.com eCommerce website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611003664699.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —Christopher and Banks, a specialty women’s apparel retailer is closing all of its stores including 14 locations in Nebraska and 15 in Kansas. The company operates a store in the Platte River Mall.The Minneapolis-based company announced last week it filed for Chapter 11 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.&nbsp;The Company has launched a store closing and liquidation process. The Company, however, will continue to operate its business in the ordinary course in the near term; and The Company is in active discussion with potential buyers for the sale of its eCommerce platform and related assets andThe company currently operates 449 stores in 44 states consisting of 315 MPW stores, 76 Outlet stores, 31 Christopher &amp; Banks stores, and 28 stores in its women’s plus size clothing division CJ Banks. The Company also operates the www.ChristopherandBanks.com eCommerce website.

Christopher & Banks closing stores, files for bankruptcy

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Nebraska has dropped to its lowest point in nearly three months, according to state statistics.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services' online virus tracker shows 429 people were hospitalized Sunday with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. That's the lowest number since Oct. 26, when 427 people were hospitalized.

The number of new daily cases jumped on Sunday, to 1.061 from 741 on Saturday and 672 on Friday, but was still well below the record 3,440 cases recorded on Nov. 16. State officials have confirmed 181,978 cases and 1,837 deaths in Nebraska since the pandemic began.

As of Sunday, the state had the 36th-highest rate of infection, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. That's a vast improvement from two months ago, when Nebraska has the sixth-highest rate of new virus cases in the nation.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has improved over the past two weeks, dropping from more than 989 new cases a day on Jan. 3 to nearly 756 new cases per day on Sunday.

The positivity rate in Nebraska has also improved over the past two weeks, going from 10.09% on Jan. 3 to 8.73% on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607533145227.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Nebraska has dropped to its lowest point in nearly three months, according to state statistics.The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services' online virus tracker shows 429 people were hospitalized Sunday with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. That's the lowest number since Oct. 26, when 427 people were hospitalized.The number of new daily cases jumped on Sunday, to 1.061 from 741 on Saturday and 672 on Friday, but was still well below the record 3,440 cases recorded on Nov. 16. State officials have confirmed 181,978 cases and 1,837 deaths in Nebraska since the pandemic began.As of Sunday, the state had the 36th-highest rate of infection, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. That's a vast improvement from two months ago, when Nebraska has the sixth-highest rate of new virus cases in the nation.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has improved over the past two weeks, dropping from more than 989 new cases a day on Jan. 3 to nearly 756 new cases per day on Sunday.The positivity rate in Nebraska has also improved over the past two weeks, going from 10.09% on Jan. 3 to 8.73% on Sunday.

Nebraska COVID hospitalizations drop to lowest since Oct. 26

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Transportation Security Administration is using new credential authentication technology at security checkpoints in Omaha's Eppley Airfield to confirm travelers' ID and their flight information in near real-time.

Michael Fowler, TSA's federal security director for Nebraska, said the new technology is better able to identify fraudulent driver's licenses and passports at checkpoints and increases efficiency by automatically verifying passenger identification. It also eliminates the need for most passengers to hand over their boarding passes at checkpoints.

Travelers will still need to check in with their airline in advance and bring their boarding pass to their gate agent to show the airline representative before boarding their flight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594414961252.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Transportation Security Administration is using new credential authentication technology at security checkpoints in Omaha's Eppley Airfield to confirm travelers' ID and their flight information in near real-time.Michael Fowler, TSA's federal security director for Nebraska, said the new technology is better able to identify fraudulent driver's licenses and passports at checkpoints and increases efficiency by automatically verifying passenger identification. It also eliminates the need for most passengers to hand over their boarding passes at checkpoints.Travelers will still need to check in with their airline in advance and bring their boarding pass to their gate agent to show the airline representative before boarding their flight.

New technology at security checkpoints in Omaha airport


On
Monday, January 18, 2021, Leo
Christopher Kelly was arrested on a
federal
warrant by special
agents from the FBI Omaha Field Office’s Cedar Rapids
Resident
Agency. The federal charges include Knowingly Entering or Remaining
in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority, and
Violent Entry with Intent to Disrupt the Orderly Conduct of Official
Business and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds. The charges stem
from the events at the Capitol Building on January 6, 2021.

Kelly
remains in federal custody. He will have his initial appearance in
federal court on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. After Kelly’s
appearance, you will find any additional information at this <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/investigations-regarding-violence-capitol">link</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610991662849.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
On
Monday, January 18, 2021, Leo
Christopher Kelly was arrested on a
federal
warrant by special
agents from the FBI Omaha Field Office’s Cedar Rapids
Resident
Agency. The federal charges include Knowingly Entering or Remaining
in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority, and
Violent Entry with Intent to Disrupt the Orderly Conduct of Official
Business and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds. The charges stem
from the events at the Capitol Building on January 6, 2021.
Kelly
remains in federal custody. He will have his initial appearance in
federal court on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. After Kelly’s
appearance, you will find any additional information at this <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/investigations-regarding-violence-capitol">link</a>.

FBI Omaha: Iowa man arrested for actions at US Capitol

OVERTON, Neb. (AP) - A North Platte man died early Monday in a rollover crash on Interstate 80 near the south-central village of Overton, the Nebraska State Patrol said.

The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Monday, killing 47-year-old Alfred Leon of North Platte, the Omaha World-Herald reported. The patrol said Leon was exiting I-80 near Overton when he lost control of his vehicle and rolled. Investigators said he died at the scene.

Overton is about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) west of Kearney.

OVERTON, Neb. (AP) - A North Platte man died early Monday in a rollover crash on Interstate 80 near the south-central village of Overton, the Nebraska State Patrol said.The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Monday, killing 47-year-old Alfred Leon of North Platte, the Omaha World-Herald reported. The patrol said Leon was exiting I-80 near Overton when he lost control of his vehicle and rolled. Investigators said he died at the scene.Overton is about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) west of Kearney.

Patrol: Man killed in crash in south-central Nebraska

OAKLAND, Neb. -- Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill to provide some relief for meat supply chains by allowing consumers to purchase smaller ownership shares of livestock. Aunbrea Zeleny with the Oakland Meat Processing Plant said&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/107/PDF/Intro/LB324.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 324</a>&nbsp;would help more Nebraskans who have struggled to find meat at grocery stores during the coronavirus pandemic access food from trusted local sources. "The people that aren't able to purchase a $700 quarter, being able to just get that piece of what they need, whether it be the roast, a couple of steaks, some hamburger," Zeleny explained. "This is going to get you to your local farmer's freezer." LB 324 is similar to steps taken by Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon and Wyoming to increase local meat-processor capacity. Industry groups representing large-scale producers warned the measure could compromise food safety because consumers could purchase shares of animals processed at sites where U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors are not required to be present. Johnathan Hladik, policy director at the Center for Rural Affairs said local lockers must follow both state and federal regulations for food safety, which allow processing without on-site inspectors for personal use. He added small businesses preparing meat are seasoned professionals with a lot at stake. "These business owners take their job very seriously, and they know their reputation is on the line," Hladik maintained. "And they are not going to let contaminated meat or unsuitable meat into the market because they know that comes back to them and they know that ends their business." Hladik noted the measure also could boost economic growth especially in rural areas. Zeleny suggested local lockers can play a role in breaking the current bottleneck where farmers are waiting up to two years to get animals processed. "Funding will help us be able to build a new building, and will help us keep feeding our local community and surrounding communities," Zeleny contended. The bill was introduced last week by Sen. Tom Brandt, Plymouth, joined by 19 co-sponsors.

From Nebraska News ConnectionBy Eric GalatasOAKLAND, Neb. -- Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill to provide some relief for meat supply chains by allowing consumers to purchase smaller ownership shares of livestock. Aunbrea Zeleny with the Oakland Meat Processing Plant said&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/107/PDF/Intro/LB324.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 324</a>&nbsp;would help more Nebraskans who have struggled to find meat at grocery stores during the coronavirus pandemic access food from trusted local sources. "The people that aren't able to purchase a $700 quarter, being able to just get that piece of what they need, whether it be the roast, a couple of steaks, some hamburger," Zeleny explained. "This is going to get you to your local farmer's freezer." LB 324 is similar to steps taken by Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon and Wyoming to increase local meat-processor capacity. Industry groups representing large-scale producers warned the measure could compromise food safety because consumers could purchase shares of animals processed at sites where U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors are not required to be present. Johnathan Hladik, policy director at the Center for Rural Affairs said local lockers must follow both state and federal regulations for food safety, which allow processing without on-site inspectors for personal use. He added small businesses preparing meat are seasoned professionals with a lot at stake. "These business owners take their job very seriously, and they know their reputation is on the line," Hladik maintained. "And they are not going to let contaminated meat or unsuitable meat into the market because they know that comes back to them and they know that ends their business." Hladik noted the measure also could boost economic growth especially in rural areas. Zeleny suggested local lockers can play a role in breaking the current bottleneck where farmers are waiting up to two years to get animals processed. "Funding will help us be able to build a new building, and will help us keep feeding our local community and surrounding communities," Zeleny contended. The bill was introduced last week by Sen. Tom Brandt, Plymouth, joined by 19 co-sponsors.

Lawmakers urged to break meat supply-chain logjam

MOUNT STERLING, Ky. (AP) — Nestlé Prepared Foods is recalling more than 762,000 pounds of pepperoni Hot Pockets, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said.

The frozen stuffed sandwiches — shipped to retail stores nationwide — are being recalled because they “may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of glass and hard plastic,” the USDA said Friday.

The problem was discovered when the company received four consumer complaints of extraneous material in pepperoni Hot Pockets, the department said. The company has received one report of a “minor oral injury” associated with consumption of the product, the USDA said.

The recall is for 54-ounce packages containing 12 “Nestlé Hot Pockets Brand Sandwiches: Premium Pepperoni made with pork, chicken and beef pizza garlic buttery crust.” Affected boxes have a “Best before Feb 2022″ date and lot codes of 0318544624, 0319544614, 0320544614 and 0321544614, the department said.

The boxes also have the establishment number “EST. 7721A” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

“Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume it,” the USDA said. “This product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610972441696.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MOUNT STERLING, Ky. (AP) — Nestlé Prepared Foods is recalling more than 762,000 pounds of pepperoni Hot Pockets, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said.The frozen stuffed sandwiches — shipped to retail stores nationwide — are being recalled because they “may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of glass and hard plastic,” the USDA said Friday.The problem was discovered when the company received four consumer complaints of extraneous material in pepperoni Hot Pockets, the department said. The company has received one report of a “minor oral injury” associated with consumption of the product, the USDA said.ADVERTISEMENTThe recall is for 54-ounce packages containing 12 “Nestlé Hot Pockets Brand Sandwiches: Premium Pepperoni made with pork, chicken and beef pizza garlic buttery crust.” Affected boxes have a “Best before Feb 2022″ date and lot codes of 0318544624, 0319544614, 0320544614 and 0321544614, the department said.The boxes also have the establishment number “EST. 7721A” inside the USDA mark of inspection.“Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume it,” the USDA said. “This product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

Nestlé recalls 762,000 pounds of pepperoni Hot Pockets

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Creighton University has received a $25 million donation from an unnamed foundation to create a program at its medical school for students interested in addressing poverty and improving health care in other countries.

Creighton President Rev. Daniel Hendrickson said the program will begin in fall 2022. He said 12 medical students will be selected every year for 10 years to participate and they will remain in the program throughout medical school.

The program will help train Creighton medical students in global care and also is a way to expand the medical expertise of those who provide health care on a daily basis in the low-income nations that will be part of the program. The countries that will be the focus of the program haven't been determined yet.

Each student in the program will visit the same international location three times during their education.

Creighton Board Chairman Mike McCarthy said a doctor can make a significant difference by treating patients in low-income countries, but he can make an even bigger impact by training health care workers in those countries.

"One person can impact the lives of thousands," McCarthy said.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Creighton University has received a $25 million donation from an unnamed foundation to create a program at its medical school for students interested in addressing poverty and improving health care in other countries.Creighton President Rev. Daniel Hendrickson said the program will begin in fall 2022. He said 12 medical students will be selected every year for 10 years to participate and they will remain in the program throughout medical school.The program will help train Creighton medical students in global care and also is a way to expand the medical expertise of those who provide health care on a daily basis in the low-income nations that will be part of the program. The countries that will be the focus of the program haven't been determined yet.Each student in the program will visit the same international location three times during their education.Creighton Board Chairman Mike McCarthy said a doctor can make a significant difference by treating patients in low-income countries, but he can make an even bigger impact by training health care workers in those countries."One person can impact the lives of thousands," McCarthy said.

Creighton University gets $25M donation for new program

One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Friday, January 15 drawing is holding a ticket worth $54,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Friday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $54,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Casey's General Store #1735, 1308 E 39th St, in Kearney. The winning numbers from Friday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 06, 13, 22, 23, 24. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. All Lottery offices will be closed on Monday, January 18 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $4,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 501,942. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 8.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $803 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561728158071.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Friday, January 15 drawing is holding a ticket worth $54,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Friday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $54,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Casey's General Store #1735, 1308 E 39th St, in Kearney. The winning numbers from Friday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 06, 13, 22, 23, 24. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. All Lottery offices will be closed on Monday, January 18 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $4,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 501,942. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 8.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $803 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Winning $54,000 Nebraska Pick 5 ticket sold in Kearney

1.16.2021 NPHS Basketball vs Sidney - LIVESTREAM

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day which is celebrated on January 18, 2021.

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. displayed heroic courage in leading a movement to confront racial injustice in the United States.&nbsp; He practiced and preached that ‘we must meet hate with love.’ &nbsp;Despite brutal opposition, Dr. King remained steadfast in his commitment to peaceful protest.&nbsp; His ethic of nonviolent resistance is a model for Americans as we exercise our First Amendment rights.”

“Dr. King’s tragic death was not in vain, and his legacy continues to grow.&nbsp; It’s fitting that he is remembered with an annual national holiday.&nbsp; As we observe this day, let’s reflect on how we can better serve our neighbors and be agents of peace in our world.”

The Governor has signed a proclamation declaring Monday, January 18, 2021 as “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day” in Nebraska.&nbsp; The proclamation is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fauqrs19rb17j9k4%2F2021%2520Martin%2520Luther%2520King%2520Jr.%2520Day.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Ca3de28cef8b24c46db6e08d8b9a1ed55%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637463452409067667%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=bGQjXVbrT6SkSGAX85fo61OOk6xiHuw1XrgL%2BuPr0uM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

News ReleaseLINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day which is celebrated on January 18, 2021.“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. displayed heroic courage in leading a movement to confront racial injustice in the United States.&nbsp; He practiced and preached that ‘we must meet hate with love.’ &nbsp;Despite brutal opposition, Dr. King remained steadfast in his commitment to peaceful protest.&nbsp; His ethic of nonviolent resistance is a model for Americans as we exercise our First Amendment rights.”“Dr. King’s tragic death was not in vain, and his legacy continues to grow.&nbsp; It’s fitting that he is remembered with an annual national holiday.&nbsp; As we observe this day, let’s reflect on how we can better serve our neighbors and be agents of peace in our world.”The Governor has signed a proclamation declaring Monday, January 18, 2021 as “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day” in Nebraska.&nbsp; The proclamation is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fauqrs19rb17j9k4%2F2021%2520Martin%2520Luther%2520King%2520Jr.%2520Day.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Ca3de28cef8b24c46db6e08d8b9a1ed55%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637463452409067667%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=bGQjXVbrT6SkSGAX85fo61OOk6xiHuw1XrgL%2BuPr0uM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts' Martin Luther King, Jr. Day statement

David E Hunt, 54, North Platte and Brandee D Hipwell, 43, North Platte

Brady A Filyaw, 23, North Platte and Gillian AJ Allen, 20, North Platte

Michael J Sculley, 62, North Platte and Patrice S Foley, 52, North Platte

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610804551420.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>David E Hunt, 54, North Platte and Brandee D Hipwell, 43, North PlatteBrady A Filyaw, 23, North Platte and Gillian AJ Allen, 20, North PlatteMichael J Sculley, 62, North Platte and Patrice S Foley, 52, North Platte

Lincoln County Marriage Licenses 