The North Platte Public Schools Board of Education and administration will have a tough challenge after announcing they will be forced to cut $2,000,000 from the 2021-2022 budget.

According to an NPPSD document,&nbsp;the district is dedicated to providing the highest quality education to each North Platte student from pre-K through grade 12. Officials say it is essential to involve the ideas of both school personnel and community constituency.&nbsp; The NPPS District will be challenged to reduce the 2021 - 2022 budget by $2 million.

The Board of Education will be discussing this topic on January 11, 2021, at the Board of Education meeting.&nbsp; 

An informational Zoom meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, January 7 @ 6:00 p.m., hosted by NPPS Administrators.&nbsp; This meeting will be an informational meeting for parents of Osgood and Lake students and an opportunity to answer any questions.&nbsp;

Please note: In the interest of time, the Zoom meeting on January 7 is for parents of students attending Lake and Osgood Schools.

Parents are always welcome to attend Board meetings.&nbsp; Officials ask that attendees follow all safety guidelines.&nbsp; Personnel will be available to assist with the following safety protocols, maintaining social distancing, and ensuring the proper use of face coverings. &nbsp; We have several rooms available for viewing the Board meeting.&nbsp; During public comment time, personnel will be available to help direct you to speak to the Board in a safe environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Board of Education Budget Reduction Options:

Option #1: Merge Lake/Osgood Elementary into the remaining elementary schools. Cost savings would equal approximately $1.3 million. The remaining balance would come out of Cash Reserves in the amount of $700,000.

Option #2: Use 100% Cash Reserves in the amount $2.0 million.&nbsp; Caution, this will put the district in an ‘at-risk’ financial position in future years.

Option #3: Merge 2020-21 Kindergarten class (current) at Osgood and the 2021-22 Kindergarten class for the 2021-22 school year. Maintain the grades 2,3,4,5 at Lake, reduce administration to .5 FTE

Approximate savings = $300,000-400,000 + $1.7million Cash Reserves&nbsp;

Option #4:&nbsp;2021-22 - - Merge 2020-21 Kindergarten class (current) at Osgood and the 2021-22 Kindergarten class for the 2021-22 school year. Maintain the grades 2,3,4,5 at Lake, reduce administration &nbsp;to .5 FTE

2022-23 - - merge all grade levels (2-5) in 2022-23 = *$1.0 million

Option #5: Madison MS - Adams MS merger

research cost savings and space availability

44 classrooms @ 25 students a room = 1100

Current enrollment at Adams: 586 and Madison is 308 for a total of 894.

Adams/Madison Bus Route Cost: 35,250+23,501= $58,781

Limited cost-saving for personnel as one still needs the same number of staff, just a different location.&nbsp; There would be savings on transportation and utilities.

Option #6: Analyze overall personnel reductions if we do not merge any schools. How many Reduction in Force actions would be necessary to reduce the overall cost?&nbsp;

approximately 25 positions&nbsp; $2 million / $80,000 = 25

approximately 17 positions&nbsp; $1.3 million / $80,000 = 16.25

approximately 13 positions $1 million / $80,000 = 12.5&nbsp;

*The district has been using attrition for the last three years due to the decline in student enrollment. Rather than RIF staff members in the last few years, the District absorbed many elementary teaching positions following the class size guidelines established by the Board

January 7, 2021, BoE Finance Subcommittee Meeting

January 7, 2021 Meeting with Lake/Osgood Families via Zoom Webinar - NPPS Administration @ 6:00 p.m.

January 11, 2021 Board of Education Meeting

January 12-29, 2021 Meeting with Lake/Osgood Families . . . Zoom Webinar. . . TBD

February 2, 2021, BoE Personnel, Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting

February 4, 2021, BoE Finance Subcommittee Meeting

February 8, 2021 Board of Education Meeting

Please submit your ideas <a href="https://www.nppsd.org/vnews/display.v/ART/5ff62c472af43?in_archive=1.">HERE</a>

The North Platte Public Schools Board of Education and administration will have a tough challenge after announcing they will be forced to cut $2,000,000 from the 2021-2022 budget.According to an NPPSD document,&nbsp;the district is dedicated to providing the highest quality education to each North Platte student from pre-K through grade 12. Officials say it is essential to involve the ideas of both school personnel and community constituency.&nbsp; The NPPS District will be challenged to reduce the 2021 - 2022 budget by $2 million.The Board of Education will be discussing this topic on January 11, 2021, at the Board of Education meeting.&nbsp; An informational Zoom meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, January 7 @ 6:00 p.m., hosted by NPPS Administrators.&nbsp; This meeting will be an informational meeting for parents of Osgood and Lake students and an opportunity to answer any questions.&nbsp;Please note: In the interest of time, the Zoom meeting on January 7 is for parents of students attending Lake and Osgood Schools.Parents are always welcome to attend Board meetings.&nbsp; Officials ask that attendees follow all safety guidelines.&nbsp; Personnel will be available to assist with the following safety protocols, maintaining social distancing, and ensuring the proper use of face coverings. &nbsp; We have several rooms available for viewing the Board meeting.&nbsp; During public comment time, personnel will be available to help direct you to speak to the Board in a safe environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Board of Education Budget Reduction Options:Option #1: Merge Lake/Osgood Elementary into the remaining elementary schools. Cost savings would equal approximately $1.3 million. The remaining balance would come out of Cash Reserves in the amount of $700,000.Option #2: Use 100% Cash Reserves in the amount $2.0 million.&nbsp; Caution, this will put the district in an ‘at-risk’ financial position in future years.Option #3: Merge 2020-21 Kindergarten class (current) at Osgood and the 2021-22 Kindergarten class for the 2021-22 school year. Maintain the grades 2,3,4,5 at Lake, reduce administration to .5 FTEApproximate savings = $300,000-400,000 + $1.7million Cash Reserves&nbsp;Option #4:&nbsp;2021-22 - - Merge 2020-21 Kindergarten class (current) at Osgood and the 2021-22 Kindergarten class for the 2021-22 school year. Maintain the grades 2,3,4,5 at Lake, reduce administration &nbsp;to .5 FTEApproximate savings = $300,000-400,000 + $1.7million Cash Reserves&nbsp;2022-23 - - merge all grade levels (2-5) in 2022-23 = *$1.0 million*Replenish the Cash Reserve $1.0 millionOption #5: Madison MS - Adams MS mergerresearch cost savings and space availability44 classrooms @ 25 students a room = 1100Current enrollment at Adams: 586 and Madison is 308 for a total of 894.Adams/Madison Bus Route Cost: 35,250+23,501= $58,781Limited cost-saving for personnel as one still needs the same number of staff, just a different location.&nbsp; There would be savings on transportation and utilities.Option #6: Analyze overall personnel reductions if we do not merge any schools. How many Reduction in Force actions would be necessary to reduce the overall cost?&nbsp;approximately 25 positions&nbsp; $2 million / $80,000 = 25approximately 17 positions&nbsp; $1.3 million / $80,000 = 16.25approximately 13 positions $1 million / $80,000 = 12.5&nbsp;*The district has been using attrition for the last three years due to the decline in student enrollment. Rather than RIF staff members in the last few years, the District absorbed many elementary teaching positions following the class size guidelines established by the BoardOption #7: &nbsp; TBDOption #8: &nbsp; TBDTentative timeline:January 7, 2021, BoE Finance Subcommittee MeetingJanuary 7, 2021 Meeting with Lake/Osgood Families via Zoom Webinar - NPPS Administration @ 6:00 p.m.January 11, 2021 Board of Education MeetingJanuary 12-29, 2021 Meeting with Lake/Osgood Families . . . Zoom Webinar. . . TBDFebruary 2, 2021, BoE Personnel, Curriculum Subcommittee MeetingFebruary 4, 2021, BoE Finance Subcommittee MeetingFebruary 8, 2021 Board of Education MeetingPlease submit your ideas <a href="https://www.nppsd.org/vnews/display.v/ART/5ff62c472af43?in_archive=1.">HERE</a>

North Platte Public Schools to cut $2M from 2021-22 budget

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The number of coronavirus vaccines being distributed per day in Nebraska rebounded this week to the level it was at before the New Year's holiday.

The state said 2,969 vaccines were distributed on Monday, which is the most recent data available. That is up from the weekend low of 361 doses on Sunday and in line with the roughly 3,000 doses per day that were administered last week before New Year's Day.

Nebraska officials have said they expect the pace of vaccine distribution to increase significantly over the next two weeks. So far the state has administered 39,691 of the 104,504 doses of the vaccine it has received.

The state reported 1,448 new cases of the virus and 10 new deaths Tuesday to give the state 171,033 cases and 1,692 deaths linked to COVID-19.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, going from 1,108.43 new cases per day on Dec. 22 to 962.29 new cases per day on Tuesday.

The number of people hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska declined Tuesday to 515 from the previous day's 527. That total has remained relatively steady over the past two weeks, and it is well below the November peak of 987.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The number of coronavirus vaccines being distributed per day in Nebraska rebounded this week to the level it was at before the New Year's holiday.The state said 2,969 vaccines were distributed on Monday, which is the most recent data available. That is up from the weekend low of 361 doses on Sunday and in line with the roughly 3,000 doses per day that were administered last week before New Year's Day.Nebraska officials have said they expect the pace of vaccine distribution to increase significantly over the next two weeks. So far the state has administered 39,691 of the 104,504 doses of the vaccine it has received.The state reported 1,448 new cases of the virus and 10 new deaths Tuesday to give the state 171,033 cases and 1,692 deaths linked to COVID-19.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, going from 1,108.43 new cases per day on Dec. 22 to 962.29 new cases per day on Tuesday.The number of people hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska declined Tuesday to 515 from the previous day's 527. That total has remained relatively steady over the past two weeks, and it is well below the November peak of 987.

Nebraska working to increase pace of vaccinations in state

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Francisco Herrera, 37, of Sterling, Colorado, was sentenced on January 4, 2021, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.&nbsp; Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Herrera to 262 months’ imprisonment. Herrera has at least two prior drug convictions, which classified him under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines as a career offender.&nbsp; This enhanced his sentencing guideline range to 262-327 months.&nbsp; His sentencing range without the enhancement would have been 151-188 months. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

On May 10, 2019, local law enforcement executed a search warrant on a residence in Sidney, Nebraska.&nbsp; During the execution of that search warrant, Herrera’s vehicle was located in the driveway.&nbsp; Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for his vehicle, where approximately ten pounds of methamphetamine were seized.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This case was investigated by the Sidney Police Department.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Francisco Herrera, 37, of Sterling, Colorado, was sentenced on January 4, 2021, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.&nbsp; Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Herrera to 262 months’ imprisonment. Herrera has at least two prior drug convictions, which classified him under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines as a career offender.&nbsp; This enhanced his sentencing guideline range to 262-327 months.&nbsp; His sentencing range without the enhancement would have been 151-188 months. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.On May 10, 2019, local law enforcement executed a search warrant on a residence in Sidney, Nebraska.&nbsp; During the execution of that search warrant, Herrera’s vehicle was located in the driveway.&nbsp; Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for his vehicle, where approximately ten pounds of methamphetamine were seized.&nbsp;&nbsp;This case was investigated by the Sidney Police Department.

Colorado man gets over 21 years in prison for dealing meth in Nebraska

Mid-Plains Community College employees have been honored for providing a combined total of 285 years of full-time service to MPCC.

The awards, based on five-year increments, were presented as part of Welcome Back Week activities on campuses in McCook and North Platte on Tuesday. Recognitions were as follows:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609899497139.png" alt="Welding Instructor Tim Golden receives a certificate from Mid-Plains Community College President Ryan Purdy Tuesday for 40 years of service to MPCC." />
 <figcaption>Welding Instructor Tim Golden receives a certificate from Mid-Plains Community College President Ryan Purdy Tuesday for 40 years of service to MPCC.</figcaption>
 </figure>News ReleaseMid-Plains Community College employees have been honored for providing a combined total of 285 years of full-time service to MPCC.The awards, based on five-year increments, were presented as part of Welcome Back Week activities on campuses in McCook and North Platte on Tuesday. Recognitions were as follows:Five years:Erinn BrownJimi ColeAnna GrayPaul KnopickTamela LaurieDr. Carla LongHugh McCauleyJoy MolcykRenelle MooneyTara NaughtinMary PierceErin SisMichelle SterlingTravis Wiese10 years:Don BarenbergJanelle HigginsDarin MorganScott SmalleyDr. Jody Tomanek15 years:Ritch GalvanAnne Schmit20 years:Carol GarrisonCindy LovetteKelly Rippen35 years:Kevin O'Connor40 years:Tim Golden

MPCC employees recognized for years of service

01.05.2021 NPHS Basketball @ Kearney - LIVESTREAM

As of this morning, 36,253 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to those in Phase 1A priority group, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Phase 1A includes frontline health care workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. First doses have been given to roughly a third of the state's health care population thus far, and continue to be targeted for hospital staff and health care workers providing direct patient care, as well as paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and those who will be vaccinating priority groups in the coming months.

Vaccinations for residents and staff of long-term care facilities began last week, with more than 100 on-site clinics held and additional outreach done by local health departments and community centers.

After shipping delays last week due to winter weather, more than 86,000 vaccine doses were received in Nebraska in the month of December. Of this supply, 63,000 doses are targeted for health care workers and 23,000 for residents and staff of long-term care facilities. In addition, the first shipment of second doses were received.

Additional vaccine shipments are scheduled to arrive this week, including 11,200 Moderna doses targeted for health care workers and 11,700 Pfizer doses designated for the federal pharmacy program to continue vaccination for residents and staff of long-term care facilities.

Planning is ongoing for future phases of the vaccination effort. Phase 1B is projected to begin later this month as supplies are made available. Phase 1B will begin with doses for those aged 75 and older, and be followed by workers in critical industries who are unable to work remotely. Vaccinations for the 75 and older population will be given via clinics led by local health departments, health care providers and pharmacies. DHHS will announce additional details in the weeks to come.

More detail on Phase 1A and 1B priority groups and other information is available by clicking the vaccine information tab on the <a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx">DHHS Coronavirus site</a>.

DHHS has launched a COVID-19 Vaccination dashboard to share how Nebraska's vaccination effort is progressing over time.

It provides a daily total of first and second dose vaccinations given, as well as breakdown of doses given by age, gender, race, and ethnicity. The dashboard also reports the percent of the population aged 16 and older completing COVID-19 vaccination. Thus far, COVID-19 vaccines have only been approved for use in those age 16 and older. &nbsp;

The dashboard also includes a timeline for COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Nebraska, displaying the phases and priority groups as reflected in the state's COVID-19 vaccination plan. Priority groups and timing projections remain tentative and will be adjusted as new federal recommendations are issued and as vaccine shipments are scheduled.

A link to the COVID-19 Vaccination dashboard is at the top of the DHHS COVID-19 Cases dashboard, and is available <a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd/page/page_1/">HERE</a>.

The vaccination dashboard is updated around 7 p.m. CT each evening with data from the prior day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566046288922.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As of this morning, 36,253 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to those in Phase 1A priority group, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).Phase 1A includes frontline health care workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. First doses have been given to roughly a third of the state's health care population thus far, and continue to be targeted for hospital staff and health care workers providing direct patient care, as well as paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and those who will be vaccinating priority groups in the coming months.Vaccinations for residents and staff of long-term care facilities began last week, with more than 100 on-site clinics held and additional outreach done by local health departments and community centers.After shipping delays last week due to winter weather, more than 86,000 vaccine doses were received in Nebraska in the month of December. Of this supply, 63,000 doses are targeted for health care workers and 23,000 for residents and staff of long-term care facilities. In addition, the first shipment of second doses were received.Additional vaccine shipments are scheduled to arrive this week, including 11,200 Moderna doses targeted for health care workers and 11,700 Pfizer doses designated for the federal pharmacy program to continue vaccination for residents and staff of long-term care facilities.Planning is ongoing for future phases of the vaccination effort. Phase 1B is projected to begin later this month as supplies are made available. Phase 1B will begin with doses for those aged 75 and older, and be followed by workers in critical industries who are unable to work remotely. Vaccinations for the 75 and older population will be given via clinics led by local health departments, health care providers and pharmacies. DHHS will announce additional details in the weeks to come.More detail on Phase 1A and 1B priority groups and other information is available by clicking the vaccine information tab on the <a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx">DHHS Coronavirus site</a>.DHHS has launched a COVID-19 Vaccination dashboard to share how Nebraska's vaccination effort is progressing over time.It provides a daily total of first and second dose vaccinations given, as well as breakdown of doses given by age, gender, race, and ethnicity. The dashboard also reports the percent of the population aged 16 and older completing COVID-19 vaccination. Thus far, COVID-19 vaccines have only been approved for use in those age 16 and older. &nbsp;The dashboard also includes a timeline for COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Nebraska, displaying the phases and priority groups as reflected in the state's COVID-19 vaccination plan. Priority groups and timing projections remain tentative and will be adjusted as new federal recommendations are issued and as vaccine shipments are scheduled.A link to the COVID-19 Vaccination dashboard is at the top of the DHHS COVID-19 Cases dashboard, and is available <a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd/page/page_1/">HERE</a>.The vaccination dashboard is updated around 7 p.m. CT each evening with data from the prior day.

Nebraska DHHS launches COVID-19 vaccination dashboard

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials are warning people to watch out for scams related to coronavirus vaccines.

State Attorney General Doug Peterson said Nebraskans should be wary about unsolicited offers to provide the vaccine, especially if they ask for credit card numbers or other personal information. The COVID-19 vaccine is being provided free.

"Rely on your own health care practitioners for accurate information rather than unknown and unverified sources," Peterson said.

The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Nebraska has remained relatively stable over the past two weeks.

The state said 527 people were being treated for the virus in hospitals Monday. That was up from 511 on Sunday, but that total has fluctuated between a low of 503 and a high of 572 over the past two weeks.

The number of virus hospitalizations is now just over half of the November record of 987, but it is still more than double where it was at the start of October.

Nebraska reported 585 new virus cases and 10 deaths Monday to give the state 169,585 cases and 1,682 deaths linked to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials are warning people to watch out for scams related to coronavirus vaccines.State Attorney General Doug Peterson said Nebraskans should be wary about unsolicited offers to provide the vaccine, especially if they ask for credit card numbers or other personal information. The COVID-19 vaccine is being provided free."Rely on your own health care practitioners for accurate information rather than unknown and unverified sources," Peterson said.The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Nebraska has remained relatively stable over the past two weeks.The state said 527 people were being treated for the virus in hospitals Monday. That was up from 511 on Sunday, but that total has fluctuated between a low of 503 and a high of 572 over the past two weeks.The number of virus hospitalizations is now just over half of the November record of 987, but it is still more than double where it was at the start of October.Nebraska reported 585 new virus cases and 10 deaths Monday to give the state 169,585 cases and 1,682 deaths linked to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

Nebraska officials warn about virus vaccine scams

One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Monday, January 4 drawing is holding a ticket worth $94,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Monday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $94,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Village Market, 116 N Commercial Street, in Maywood. The winning numbers from Monday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 08, 10, 19, 21, 23. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.

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

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows 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.

One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Monday, January 4 drawing is holding a ticket worth $94,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Monday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $94,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Village Market, 116 N Commercial Street, in Maywood. The winning numbers from Monday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 08, 10, 19, 21, 23. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows 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.

$94,000 Nebraska Pick 5 winning ticket sold in Maywood

A North Platte man is in the Lancaster County Detention Center, accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

According to online court records, on December 31, Lincoln police were contacted by a 15-year-old girl who alleged that 21-year-old Christian Buck had sexually assaulted her.

Court records say the girl told officers she met Buck via Facebook and had wilfully met with him.

Lincoln police say when Buck and the alleged victim returned to her home, she invited Buck in and they started kissing in her bedroom. The girl claims she attempted to stop Buck, but he refused.

Court records say the girl eventually awoke her mother and police were contacted.&nbsp;

According to court records, police found Buck sleeping in the girl's bed and placed him under arrest.

Buck has been charged in Lancaster County with one count of first-degree sexual assault of a child. He made his preliminary court appearance on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609813723874.png" alt="Christian Buck (Lancaster County Detention Center)" />
 <figcaption>Christian Buck (Lancaster County Detention Center)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Post StaffA North Platte man is in the Lancaster County Detention Center, accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.According to online court records, on December 31, Lincoln police were contacted by a 15-year-old girl who alleged that 21-year-old Christian Buck had sexually assaulted her.Court records say the girl told officers she met Buck via Facebook and had wilfully met with him.Lincoln police say when Buck and the alleged victim returned to her home, she invited Buck in and they started kissing in her bedroom. The girl claims she attempted to stop Buck, but he refused.Court records say the girl eventually awoke her mother and police were contacted.&nbsp;According to court records, police found Buck sleeping in the girl's bed and placed him under arrest.Buck has been charged in Lancaster County with one count of first-degree sexual assault of a child. He made his preliminary court appearance on Monday.

North Platte man accused of sexual assault of minor in Lincoln

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Monolith Materials and Nebraska Public Power District plan to cooperate on renewable energy project that could be one of the largest in the state's history, officials said Monday.

Monolith said it has signed a letter of intent for the utility to provide 2 million megawatt-hours every year, which would be enough to allow Monolith to power a proposed $1 billion expansion near Hallam with 100% renewable energy.

NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent said the utility will seek proposals for wind and solar generation in March and expects to have agreements by Sept. 1, The Lincoln Journal-World&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/business/local/monolith-nppd-sign-huge-renewable-energy-agreement/article_a012b56d-4dfb-556f-9978-bdfe76300836.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter_LJSNebraskaNews" target="_blank">reported</a>.

The utility would prefer the renewable energy projects be in Nebraska but they could be located anywhere in the utility's Southwest Power Pool, he said.

It would require between 500 and 600 megawatts of new solar and wind power to meet Monolith's needs, Kent said, which would be enough to power all the homes in Lincoln for a year.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Monolith Materials and Nebraska Public Power District plan to cooperate on renewable energy project that could be one of the largest in the state's history, officials said Monday.Monolith said it has signed a letter of intent for the utility to provide 2 million megawatt-hours every year, which would be enough to allow Monolith to power a proposed $1 billion expansion near Hallam with 100% renewable energy.NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent said the utility will seek proposals for wind and solar generation in March and expects to have agreements by Sept. 1, The Lincoln Journal-World&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/business/local/monolith-nppd-sign-huge-renewable-energy-agreement/article_a012b56d-4dfb-556f-9978-bdfe76300836.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter_LJSNebraskaNews" target="_blank">reported</a>.The utility would prefer the renewable energy projects be in Nebraska but they could be located anywhere in the utility's Southwest Power Pool, he said.It would require between 500 and 600 megawatts of new solar and wind power to meet Monolith's needs, Kent said, which would be enough to power all the homes in Lincoln for a year.

Monolith, NPPD sign large renewable energy agreement

The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) has started the new year with a new class of recruits training to become State Troopers. The 64th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Camp in NSP history began Monday at the NSP Training Academy in Grand Island.

“These recruits have demonstrated throughout a rigorous hiring process that they are ready to dedicate their lives to serving Nebraskans,” said Captain Greg Miller, NSP Director of Training. “At the training academy, we’ll combine that mindset with exceptional training to equip them all with the skills they need to become a trooper.”

The recruits of Camp 64 will complete 22 weeks of training before graduating on June 18, 2021. The training will include hundreds of hours of classroom instruction and advanced scenarios to prepare the recruits for a career as a Nebraska State Trooper.

Camp 64 is the first of two NSP training camps scheduled for 2021. NSP’s cycle of hosting two training camps per year has resulted in two successful recruiting years in 2019 and 2020. In the first two years of the new cycle, NSP has added 56 troopers across the state.

The State Patrol is currently accepting applications for the next camp, Camp 65, which is scheduled to start in July and graduate in December. To apply, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/become-trooper/nsp-application-process" target="_blank">Become A Trooper</a>&nbsp;page on the NSP website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609811818655.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) has started the new year with a new class of recruits training to become State Troopers. The 64th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Camp in NSP history began Monday at the NSP Training Academy in Grand Island.“These recruits have demonstrated throughout a rigorous hiring process that they are ready to dedicate their lives to serving Nebraskans,” said Captain Greg Miller, NSP Director of Training. “At the training academy, we’ll combine that mindset with exceptional training to equip them all with the skills they need to become a trooper.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609811748300.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The recruits of Camp 64 will complete 22 weeks of training before graduating on June 18, 2021. The training will include hundreds of hours of classroom instruction and advanced scenarios to prepare the recruits for a career as a Nebraska State Trooper.Camp 64 is the first of two NSP training camps scheduled for 2021. NSP’s cycle of hosting two training camps per year has resulted in two successful recruiting years in 2019 and 2020. In the first two years of the new cycle, NSP has added 56 troopers across the state.The State Patrol is currently accepting applications for the next camp, Camp 65, which is scheduled to start in July and graduate in December. To apply, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/become-trooper/nsp-application-process" target="_blank">Become A Trooper</a>&nbsp;page on the NSP website.

NSP begins 64th Basic Recruit Camp

During a briefing at the State Capitol this morning, Governor Pete Ricketts and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services provided an update on the State of Nebraska’s work to deploy coronavirus vaccines.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: Coronavirus Vaccination

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vaccinations have been proceeding expeditiously here in Nebraska.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;National data shows that Nebraska has been in the top third in the nation in terms of how quickly we are getting vaccines to people as we receive it.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the weekend, we launched a new vaccination dashboard, so you can track how our work is proceeding across the state.

Angie Ling: Coronavirus Vaccination

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of today, we have received 63,070 primary doses in the State of Nebraska and 23,400 primary doses to the Federal pharmacy program for long term care facilities. &nbsp;This is a total of 86,470 doses in the month of December.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, our first shipment of Pfizer second doses arrived late last week.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last week, over 100 long term care facilities were vaccinated by the federal pharmacy program and many more by local health departments and community pharmacy partners.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shipments of vaccine product continue to go to Phase 1A providers to include hospitals, community healthcare providers, federally qualified health centers, pharmacies, and local health departments.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The prioritized tiers for phase 1A and phase 1B are located on the DHHS website under vaccine information.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we prepare for Phase 1B, we will be working with the local health departments and community partners to help with vaccinations. &nbsp;Citizens aged 75 and older will be the priority for Phase 1B.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Vaccinations will be accomplished through multiple methods such as community vaccine clinics with the health departments, healthcare providers, and pharmacy partners.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are still finalizing these details and will get the information out as soon as possible. &nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;In most areas, this phase will not start for another 2-3 weeks so we ask for patience as we finalize these details.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will be introducing a website in the coming weeks for citizens to register for vaccinations so they will be told when their priority group is ready to be vaccinated and also assist with scheduling and follow-up reminders.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A reminder that the state will be moving through the phases asynchronously. &nbsp;This means that while we are still focusing on healthcare in one area, another area may be starting on phase 1B populations.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The vaccine dashboard is now available on the DHHS website. &nbsp;You can find it in the same location as the COVID-19 dashboard and toggle between the two different dashboards.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to provide weekly updates and we look forward to our ongoing efforts to get Nebraskans vaccinated.

Video of today’s press conference can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dv0jUZ040a90&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C94b8da9fedc04822842408d8b0f7fda1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637453926446830926%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=DHgRQ%2Fwbt9uejdPRdSxw8BouT45Q2kq7h7P3PrXHqms%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609811474314.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>During a briefing at the State Capitol this morning, Governor Pete Ricketts and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services provided an update on the State of Nebraska’s work to deploy coronavirus vaccines.&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts: Coronavirus Vaccination·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vaccinations have been proceeding expeditiously here in Nebraska.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;National data shows that Nebraska has been in the top third in the nation in terms of how quickly we are getting vaccines to people as we receive it.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the weekend, we launched a new vaccination dashboard, so you can track how our work is proceeding across the state.Angie Ling: Coronavirus Vaccination·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of today, we have received 63,070 primary doses in the State of Nebraska and 23,400 primary doses to the Federal pharmacy program for long term care facilities. &nbsp;This is a total of 86,470 doses in the month of December.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, our first shipment of Pfizer second doses arrived late last week.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last week, over 100 long term care facilities were vaccinated by the federal pharmacy program and many more by local health departments and community pharmacy partners.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shipments of vaccine product continue to go to Phase 1A providers to include hospitals, community healthcare providers, federally qualified health centers, pharmacies, and local health departments.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The prioritized tiers for phase 1A and phase 1B are located on the DHHS website under vaccine information.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we prepare for Phase 1B, we will be working with the local health departments and community partners to help with vaccinations. &nbsp;Citizens aged 75 and older will be the priority for Phase 1B.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Vaccinations will be accomplished through multiple methods such as community vaccine clinics with the health departments, healthcare providers, and pharmacy partners.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are still finalizing these details and will get the information out as soon as possible. &nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;In most areas, this phase will not start for another 2-3 weeks so we ask for patience as we finalize these details.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will be introducing a website in the coming weeks for citizens to register for vaccinations so they will be told when their priority group is ready to be vaccinated and also assist with scheduling and follow-up reminders.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A reminder that the state will be moving through the phases asynchronously. &nbsp;This means that while we are still focusing on healthcare in one area, another area may be starting on phase 1B populations.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The vaccine dashboard is now available on the DHHS website. &nbsp;You can find it in the same location as the COVID-19 dashboard and toggle between the two different dashboards.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to provide weekly updates and we look forward to our ongoing efforts to get Nebraskans vaccinated.Video of today’s press conference can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dv0jUZ040a90&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C94b8da9fedc04822842408d8b0f7fda1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637453926446830926%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=DHgRQ%2Fwbt9uejdPRdSxw8BouT45Q2kq7h7P3PrXHqms%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts, DHHS give update on coronavirus vaccinations

The Cornhusker State is the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family.&nbsp; That’s not just something we say—it’s reflected in national data.&nbsp; On a per-capita basis, Nebraska welcomes more babies into the world each year than almost any other state.&nbsp;

Over the years, Nebraska has worked to protect the sacredness of life from the moment it begins.&nbsp; Our pro-life culture is evident all across Nebraska.&nbsp; We see it in volunteers at crisis pregnancy centers.&nbsp; We see it in families who brave all kinds of weather to participate in pro-life walks and prayer vigils.&nbsp; We see it as we drive down our highways on pro-life billboards and license plates.&nbsp; We see it in the way Nebraskans treat one another with dignity and respect. &nbsp;

This month marks 48 years since the U.S. Supreme Court’s&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;decision, which legalized abortion in all 50 states.&nbsp; Tragically, millions of babies have died since&nbsp;Roe, and more than 800,000 unborn babies continue to be killed by abortions each year.&nbsp; Abortion on demand is a betrayal of our nation’s founding commitment to the self-evident truth that every human being is endowed by their Creator with the inalienable right to life.&nbsp;

In Nebraska, we are working to get back to our founding values.&nbsp; We are a pro-life state.&nbsp; We believe every life has dignity and deserves the opportunity to grow and flourish. &nbsp;That’s why Nebraska’s state law says that it is “the will of the people of the State of Nebraska and the members of the Legislature to provide protection for the life of the unborn child whenever possible.”&nbsp; And we have a long tradition of passing pro-life legislation.

During my time in office, we’ve continued to affirm the dignity of life through a variety of initiatives.

Our fight against the injustice of abortion is ongoing.&nbsp; There are a number of ways you can be involved this month. &nbsp;First, I ask you to join me in praying for the end of abortion in the United States.&nbsp; For the second consecutive year, I am proclaiming a statewide day of prayer on January 22nd, which is the anniversary of&nbsp;Roe v. Wade.&nbsp; Second, take part in the Nebraska Walk for Life on January 16, 2021.&nbsp; It will begin at 10:00 AM on the north steps of the State Capitol.&nbsp; More information is available on the Nebraska Right to Life&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskarighttolife.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F12%2FWalk2021.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C62b245a582914a4dbda108d8b1017f60%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637453967284630429%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=cpKeUSg43AiT9JZYp0l5rzY9JrZiZtV6jfJHzIpGTpo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">website</a>.&nbsp; Third, consider volunteering your time or resources to help the expectant parents and young families in your community.&nbsp; Preparing to give birth and care for a young child is exciting but also daunting. &nbsp;Let’s rally around our moms and dads to provide them with a strong network of support on the journey of parenthood.&nbsp;

Protecting the dignity of life has been, is, and will remain a core value of what is means to be a Nebraskan.&nbsp; If you would like updates on the pro-life priorities in the Legislature in 2021, please write to me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; Throughout the session, I encourage you to stay in touch with your State Senator about pro-life legislation.&nbsp; You can find their contact information at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C62b245a582914a4dbda108d8b1017f60%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637453967284640388%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=%2FTetx8DFuUxR2n3M6gjtcjiLI%2FLNUyXKwAIYuL2RxOg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLegislature.gov</a>.&nbsp; Let’s boldly take action on behalf of the unborn to defend their God-given right to life.

Governor's Weekly ColumnBy Governor Pete RickettsThe Cornhusker State is the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family.&nbsp; That’s not just something we say—it’s reflected in national data.&nbsp; On a per-capita basis, Nebraska welcomes more babies into the world each year than almost any other state.&nbsp;Over the years, Nebraska has worked to protect the sacredness of life from the moment it begins.&nbsp; Our pro-life culture is evident all across Nebraska.&nbsp; We see it in volunteers at crisis pregnancy centers.&nbsp; We see it in families who brave all kinds of weather to participate in pro-life walks and prayer vigils.&nbsp; We see it as we drive down our highways on pro-life billboards and license plates.&nbsp; We see it in the way Nebraskans treat one another with dignity and respect. &nbsp;This month marks 48 years since the U.S. Supreme Court’s&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;decision, which legalized abortion in all 50 states.&nbsp; Tragically, millions of babies have died since&nbsp;Roe, and more than 800,000 unborn babies continue to be killed by abortions each year.&nbsp; Abortion on demand is a betrayal of our nation’s founding commitment to the self-evident truth that every human being is endowed by their Creator with the inalienable right to life.&nbsp;In Nebraska, we are working to get back to our founding values.&nbsp; We are a pro-life state.&nbsp; We believe every life has dignity and deserves the opportunity to grow and flourish. &nbsp;That’s why Nebraska’s state law says that it is “the will of the people of the State of Nebraska and the members of the Legislature to provide protection for the life of the unborn child whenever possible.”&nbsp; And we have a long tradition of passing pro-life legislation.<ul>
 <li>In 1991, Senator Bernice Labedz of Omaha, a Democrat, led the effort to enact a law requiring parental notification before a minor receives an abortion.</li><li>In 2002 and 2004, Lt. Governor Mike Foley, who was a Senator at the time, helped create new laws making fetal homicide and fetal assault a crime.&nbsp;</li><li>In 2010, then-Speaker Mike Flood of Norfolk successfully championed the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act,” making Nebraska the first state in the nation to ban abortion after 20 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;</li><li>In 2011, Senator Lydia Brasch of Bancroft further strengthened laws requiring parental consent before a minor receives an abortion.</li>
 </ul>During my time in office, we’ve continued to affirm the dignity of life through a variety of initiatives.<ul>
 <li>In 2017, Senator Joni Albrecht championed the Compassionate Care for Medically Challenging Pregnancies Act.&nbsp; Tragically, some unborn children are diagnosed with lethal fetal anomalies. &nbsp;The Compassionate Care Act ensures that doctors fully equip women with information on perinatal hospice care at the time of these difficult diagnoses. &nbsp;By doing so, patients and their families gain immediate awareness of resources and support services to help them cope with this heartbreaking challenge.</li><li>In 2018, the Legislature and I worked together to pass a pro-life budget, which ensured that state Title X funding did not fund abortion services, including abortion referrals, at any clinic in Nebraska.</li><li>In 2018, the Legislature approved LB 1040 to provide commemorative certificates to mothers who miscarry prior to the 20th&nbsp;week of pregnancy.&nbsp; This bill affirms the dignity of life and humanely acknowledges the loss that a mother undergoes through miscarriage.</li><li>In 2019, Senator Albrecht of Thurston sponsored a bill to bolster the state’s informed consent protections.&nbsp; It requires doctors to direct women to information on how to reverse the abortion pill when the drug is prescribed.&nbsp;</li><li>Last year, we passed what is perhaps the biggest pro-life bill of the past decade.&nbsp; Senator Suzanne Geist sponsored LB 814 to end the barbaric practice of dismemberment abortion in Nebraska, and I signed it into law in August.</li>
 </ul>Our fight against the injustice of abortion is ongoing.&nbsp; There are a number of ways you can be involved this month. &nbsp;First, I ask you to join me in praying for the end of abortion in the United States.&nbsp; For the second consecutive year, I am proclaiming a statewide day of prayer on January 22nd, which is the anniversary of&nbsp;Roe v. Wade.&nbsp; Second, take part in the Nebraska Walk for Life on January 16, 2021.&nbsp; It will begin at 10:00 AM on the north steps of the State Capitol.&nbsp; More information is available on the Nebraska Right to Life&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskarighttolife.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F12%2FWalk2021.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C62b245a582914a4dbda108d8b1017f60%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637453967284630429%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=cpKeUSg43AiT9JZYp0l5rzY9JrZiZtV6jfJHzIpGTpo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">website</a>.&nbsp; Third, consider volunteering your time or resources to help the expectant parents and young families in your community.&nbsp; Preparing to give birth and care for a young child is exciting but also daunting. &nbsp;Let’s rally around our moms and dads to provide them with a strong network of support on the journey of parenthood.&nbsp;Protecting the dignity of life has been, is, and will remain a core value of what is means to be a Nebraskan.&nbsp; If you would like updates on the pro-life priorities in the Legislature in 2021, please write to me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; Throughout the session, I encourage you to stay in touch with your State Senator about pro-life legislation.&nbsp; You can find their contact information at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C62b245a582914a4dbda108d8b1017f60%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637453967284640388%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=%2FTetx8DFuUxR2n3M6gjtcjiLI%2FLNUyXKwAIYuL2RxOg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLegislature.gov</a>.&nbsp; Let’s boldly take action on behalf of the unborn to defend their God-given right to life.

COLUMN Gov. Ricketts: Protecting the right to life

From the National Weather Service North Platte

From the National Weather Service North Platte<figure>
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Light snow expected Tuesday night into Wednesday

Classic Country Music made its return to the radio airwaves just in time to turn the calendar to 2021. 

Q-Country, 107.3 FM became Q Country “Classics” at 107.3 on Monday, December 28th. 

Listeners will primarily hear Country songs from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and a few from the early 2000’s. Artist’s like George Strait, Reba McEntire, Waylon Jennings, Tanya Tucker, Garth Brooks and more will be the staple of the new format with Eagle Radio. 

Eagle Radio in North Platte also owns and operates Mix 97 One, Flatrock 100.7, FM 98.1/1410 AM, and Z-93.5 Country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609793287560.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Classic Country Music made its return to the radio airwaves just in time to turn the calendar to 2021. Q-Country, 107.3 FM became Q Country “Classics” at 107.3 on Monday, December 28th. Listeners will primarily hear Country songs from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and a few from the early 2000’s. Artist’s like George Strait, Reba McEntire, Waylon Jennings, Tanya Tucker, Garth Brooks and more will be the staple of the new format with Eagle Radio. Eagle Radio in North Platte also owns and operates Mix 97 One, Flatrock 100.7, FM 98.1/1410 AM, and Z-93.5 Country.

Classic country music comes to North Platte radio with Q Country 'Classics'

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Officials who are leading Nebraska's pandemic response said Monday that they expect a large increase in coronavirus vaccinations over the next two weeks after a slowdown over the holidays.

Nebraska has given 36,360 vaccinations so far out of the 94,697 doses in its possession, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd/page/page_1/" target="_blank">new data on the state's tracking portal</a>. Most who have received initial doses at this point are front-line health care workers who were given first priority.

Nebraska began vaccinating people on Dec. 15 but saw sharp drops in daily doses administered on Dec. 25 and the two following days. The numbers rose to roughly 3,000 per day afterward but dropped again to 1,579 on Jan. 1, according to the data.

"Certainly we would like to see more vaccines go out more quickly, but if you look at relative to what's going on in the rest of the country and the holidays and everything, we expect we'll see a pickup in the pace of vaccines," Gov. Pete Ricketts said at a news conference."

Ricketts said the slowdown was compounded by health care workers who took time off for the holidays and weren't available to get vaccinated.

Nebraska is giving first priority to health care workers and people with ties to long-term care facilities, along with elderly residents. Educators and meatpacking employees will follow them.

People who are considered medically vulnerable are also expected to qualify before the general public, but state officials won't define who fits into that group for at least the next few weeks, said Angie Ling, incident commander for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Vaccinations may not be available to the general public until April. Ling said state officials are relying on local health departments to help identify some people who qualify for early doses, and mobile vaccination centers will also be offered.

"There will be multiple ways that people will have access to vaccinations," Ling said.

Nebraska reported 511 people who were hospitalized with the coronavirus as of Sunday night, according to the state's tracking portal. The state has an average of 4,050 staffed hospital beds.

Nebraska has also confirmed 169,000 cases and 1,672 deaths since the pandemic began. About 64% of those who died were at least 75 years old.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Officials who are leading Nebraska's pandemic response said Monday that they expect a large increase in coronavirus vaccinations over the next two weeks after a slowdown over the holidays.Nebraska has given 36,360 vaccinations so far out of the 94,697 doses in its possession, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd/page/page_1/" target="_blank">new data on the state's tracking portal</a>. Most who have received initial doses at this point are front-line health care workers who were given first priority.Nebraska began vaccinating people on Dec. 15 but saw sharp drops in daily doses administered on Dec. 25 and the two following days. The numbers rose to roughly 3,000 per day afterward but dropped again to 1,579 on Jan. 1, according to the data."Certainly we would like to see more vaccines go out more quickly, but if you look at relative to what's going on in the rest of the country and the holidays and everything, we expect we'll see a pickup in the pace of vaccines," Gov. Pete Ricketts said at a news conference."Ricketts said the slowdown was compounded by health care workers who took time off for the holidays and weren't available to get vaccinated.Nebraska is giving first priority to health care workers and people with ties to long-term care facilities, along with elderly residents. Educators and meatpacking employees will follow them.People who are considered medically vulnerable are also expected to qualify before the general public, but state officials won't define who fits into that group for at least the next few weeks, said Angie Ling, incident commander for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.Vaccinations may not be available to the general public until April. Ling said state officials are relying on local health departments to help identify some people who qualify for early doses, and mobile vaccination centers will also be offered."There will be multiple ways that people will have access to vaccinations," Ling said.Nebraska reported 511 people who were hospitalized with the coronavirus as of Sunday night, according to the state's tracking portal. The state has an average of 4,050 staffed hospital beds.Nebraska has also confirmed 169,000 cases and 1,672 deaths since the pandemic began. About 64% of those who died were at least 75 years old.

Nebraska expects ramp-up of vaccinations after slow start

LINCOLN, Neb.-Two big jackpots are up for grabs in the next Mega Millions® and Powerball® drawings. Because of these high jackpots, the Nebraska Lottery reminds customers to play responsibly.

A string of drawings without a jackpot winner have grown the estimated Mega Millions jackpot to its highest level since June. There have been 31 consecutive drawings since September 18 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Tuesday, January 5 drawing to $447 million or $339.6 million with the cash option selected - the 9th largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.

Powerball has also seen its jackpot grow over the last few months. There have been 31 drawings since September 19 without a jackpot winner, growing the estimated jackpot for the Wednesday, January 6 drawing to $410 million or $316.4 million with the cash option selected.

This is the third time Mega Millions and Powerball have simultaneously had jackpots larger than $400 million.

The dual jackpot runs have produced some large Nebraska winners. A $100,000 Powerball Power Play winning ticket for the November 25 drawing was sold at Mega Saver, 4420 South 24th Street in Omaha; another $100,000 Powerball Power Play ticket was sold at Cubby's, 9220 Mormon Bridge Road in Omaha for the December 12 drawing; and a $20,000 Mega Millions with Megaplier winning ticket for the December 22 drawing was sold at Westco, 1120 7th Street in Crawford.

The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in October 2018 when one winner in South Carolina won a $1.537 billion jackpot. The largest Powerball jackpot on record occurred in January 2016 when three winners in California, Florida and Tennessee split a $1.586 billion jackpot.

Because of the high jackpots, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the jackpot is, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million, and the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at problemgambling.nebraska.gov.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $793 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.

LINCOLN, Neb.-Two big jackpots are up for grabs in the next Mega Millions® and Powerball® drawings. Because of these high jackpots, the Nebraska Lottery reminds customers to play responsibly.A string of drawings without a jackpot winner have grown the estimated Mega Millions jackpot to its highest level since June. There have been 31 consecutive drawings since September 18 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Tuesday, January 5 drawing to $447 million or $339.6 million with the cash option selected - the 9th largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.Powerball has also seen its jackpot grow over the last few months. There have been 31 drawings since September 19 without a jackpot winner, growing the estimated jackpot for the Wednesday, January 6 drawing to $410 million or $316.4 million with the cash option selected.This is the third time Mega Millions and Powerball have simultaneously had jackpots larger than $400 million.The dual jackpot runs have produced some large Nebraska winners. A $100,000 Powerball Power Play winning ticket for the November 25 drawing was sold at Mega Saver, 4420 South 24th Street in Omaha; another $100,000 Powerball Power Play ticket was sold at Cubby's, 9220 Mormon Bridge Road in Omaha for the December 12 drawing; and a $20,000 Mega Millions with Megaplier winning ticket for the December 22 drawing was sold at Westco, 1120 7th Street in Crawford.The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in October 2018 when one winner in South Carolina won a $1.537 billion jackpot. The largest Powerball jackpot on record occurred in January 2016 when three winners in California, Florida and Tennessee split a $1.586 billion jackpot.Play ResponsiblyBecause of the high jackpots, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the jackpot is, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million, and the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at problemgambling.nebraska.gov.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $793 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.

Mega Millions® and Powerball® start 2021 with big jackpots

A North Platte man was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a deputy from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (LCSO).

According to LCSO, on January 1 at 8:11 p.m., a deputy observed a vehicle being driven erratically westbound on East 4th Street in North Platte.&nbsp; 

The Deputy initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle pulled over at Fifth and Silber Street.  The driver of the vehicle was identified as twenty-five-year-old Jordan Martinez.  

LCSO says Martinez immediately became belligerent with the deputy who stopped him and reportedly smelled of alcohol, showed signs of impairment and would not cooperate in any manner. 

LCSO says another deputy arrived to assist and Martinez refused to get out of the vehicle.  Eventually, LCSO says Martinez did exit the car and was placed in handcuffs, however, he again refused to do as instructed and began to resist all efforts to place him in the patrol vehicle. 

 A third Deputy arrived and Martinez eventually was restrained further. 

 In the scuffle to restrain Martinez, LCSO says a deputy suffered a dislocated and fractured finger.  The deputy was treated and released from Great Plains Health. 

 While restraining Martinez, Deputies discovered a concealed 9 mm pistol in his waistband.      

Martinez was placed in the Lincoln County Detention Center on suspicion of driving while intoxicated 2nd-offense, carrying a concealed weapon, assault on an officer, assault on an officer with bodily fluid, resisting arrest 2nd-offense, driving under revocation, possession of drug paraphernalia and open container of alcohol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609792796023.jpeg" alt="Jordan Martinez" />
 <figcaption>Jordan Martinez</figcaption>
 </figure>A North Platte man was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a deputy from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (LCSO).According to LCSO, on January 1 at 8:11 p.m., a deputy observed a vehicle being driven erratically westbound on East 4th Street in North Platte.&nbsp; The Deputy initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle pulled over at Fifth and Silber Street. The driver of the vehicle was identified as twenty-five-year-old Jordan Martinez. LCSO says Martinez immediately became belligerent with the deputy who stopped him and reportedly smelled of alcohol, showed signs of impairment and would not cooperate in any manner. LCSO says another deputy arrived to assist and Martinez refused to get out of the vehicle. Eventually, LCSO says Martinez did exit the car and was placed in handcuffs, however, he again refused to do as instructed and began to resist all efforts to place him in the patrol vehicle. A third Deputy arrived and Martinez eventually was restrained further. In the scuffle to restrain Martinez, LCSO says a deputy suffered a dislocated and fractured finger. The deputy was treated and released from Great Plains Health. While restraining Martinez, Deputies discovered a concealed 9 mm pistol in his waistband. Martinez was placed in the Lincoln County Detention Center on suspicion of driving while intoxicated 2nd-offense, carrying a concealed weapon, assault on an officer, assault on an officer with bodily fluid, resisting arrest 2nd-offense, driving under revocation, possession of drug paraphernalia and open container of alcohol.

North Platte man accused of assaulting, injuring deputy during arrest

LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) - An 18-year-old Lexington man was being held without bond after being arraigned Monday in the weekend shooting death of a 15-year-old.

Ramon Gonzalez-Romero was arraigned on charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony, KRVN&nbsp;<a href="https://krvn.com/regional-news/lexington-shooting-victim-identified/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Prosecutors allege Gonzalez-Romero killed Jovanny Gandara early Saturday in northwest Lexington.

Dawson County Judge Jeff Wightman appointed the public defender's office to defend him. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Jan. 25.

Lexington police said Gandara was shot after a physical altercation. Friends took him to Lexington Regional Health Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Police searched a Lexington home Saturday and recovered weapons used in the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609792353563.png" alt="Ramon Gonzalez-Romero (Lexington PD Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Ramon Gonzalez-Romero (Lexington PD Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) - An 18-year-old Lexington man was being held without bond after being arraigned Monday in the weekend shooting death of a 15-year-old.Ramon Gonzalez-Romero was arraigned on charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony, KRVN&nbsp;<a href="https://krvn.com/regional-news/lexington-shooting-victim-identified/" target="_blank">reported</a>.Prosecutors allege Gonzalez-Romero killed Jovanny Gandara early Saturday in northwest Lexington.Dawson County Judge Jeff Wightman appointed the public defender's office to defend him. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Jan. 25.Lexington police said Gandara was shot after a physical altercation. Friends took him to Lexington Regional Health Center, where he was pronounced dead.Police searched a Lexington home Saturday and recovered weapons used in the shooting.

Lexington man arraigned in shooting death of 15-year-old

On January 1st, The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office concluded a nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign thanks in part to a grant provided by the Nebraska Department of Highway Safety. 

During the grant period, which ran from December 18, 2020, to January 1, 2021, Deputies conducted 227 traffic stops and seven motorist assists. Deputies arrested eight drivers for driving under the influence. Other offenses Deputies arrested drivers for were possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, obstructing an officer, assault on an officer, assault on an officer with body fluids, carrying a concealed firearm, resisting arrest and six arrests for Lincoln County Warrants

Deputies issued citations for the following offenses; six Minor in possession of alcohol, forty-six speeding citations, five of which were over 100 miles per hour, and nearly half for drivers traveling 20 miles per hour or faster over the speed limit. Additional citations were written for exhibition of acceleration, reckless driving, driving under suspension, open containers of alcohol, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, expired registration, no insurance and no valid driver’s license.

On January 1st, The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office concluded a nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign thanks in part to a grant provided by the Nebraska Department of Highway Safety. During the grant period, which ran from December 18, 2020, to January 1, 2021, Deputies conducted 227 traffic stops and seven motorist assists. Deputies arrested eight drivers for driving under the influence. Other offenses Deputies arrested drivers for were possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, obstructing an officer, assault on an officer, assault on an officer with body fluids, carrying a concealed firearm, resisting arrest and six arrests for Lincoln County WarrantsDeputies issued citations for the following offenses; six Minor in possession of alcohol, forty-six speeding citations, five of which were over 100 miles per hour, and nearly half for drivers traveling 20 miles per hour or faster over the speed limit. Additional citations were written for exhibition of acceleration, reckless driving, driving under suspension, open containers of alcohol, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, expired registration, no insurance and no valid driver’s license.

LCSO arrests 8 impaired drivers during 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign

A Chadron man has been arrested for possession of multiple controlled substances.&nbsp;

The Chadron Police Department and Chadron Rescue Unit were dispatched to a report of an unresponsive man on the 200 block of Maple Street. 

Chadron officers observed&nbsp;46 year-old Virgil Smyres displaying indications of an opioid overdose. 

NARCAN was administered by Chadron officers.&nbsp;NARCAN is an opioid antagonist used for the complete or partial reversal of an opioid overdose.

Smyres regained consciousness and was transported to Chadron Community Hospital by the Chadron Fire Department.&nbsp;

"The Chadron Police Department obtained a search warrant for residence and located numerous items such as marijuana, THC wax, THC gummies and drug paraphernalia," said Tim Lordino, Chadron Police Chief. "Also located within the residence was suspected oxycodone, which we believe is related to the accidental overdose as well as suspected methamphetamine and LSD."

Officers arrested Smyres for felony possession of a controlled substance; methamphetamine, LSD and oxycodone. Smyres was also arrested for possession of marijuana, less than one-ounce (2nd offence) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Smyres was transported to the Dawes County Jail and bail was set at 10% of $50,000.

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostA Chadron man has been arrested for possession of multiple controlled substances.&nbsp;The Chadron Police Department and Chadron Rescue Unit were dispatched to a report of an unresponsive man on the 200 block of Maple Street. Chadron officers observed&nbsp;46 year-old Virgil Smyres displaying indications of an opioid overdose. NARCAN was administered by Chadron officers.&nbsp;NARCAN is an opioid antagonist used for the complete or partial reversal of an opioid overdose.Smyres regained consciousness and was transported to Chadron Community Hospital by the Chadron Fire Department.&nbsp;"The Chadron Police Department obtained a search warrant for residence and located numerous items such as marijuana, THC wax, THC gummies and drug paraphernalia," said Tim Lordino, Chadron Police Chief. "Also located within the residence was suspected oxycodone, which we believe is related to the accidental overdose as well as suspected methamphetamine and LSD."Officers arrested Smyres for felony possession of a controlled substance; methamphetamine, LSD and oxycodone. Smyres was also arrested for possession of marijuana, less than one-ounce (2nd offence) and possession of drug paraphernalia.Smyres was transported to the Dawes County Jail and bail was set at 10% of $50,000.

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