KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - There appears to be enough water in Nebraska's stretch of the Republican River to satisfy the terms of a water-sharing agreement with Kansas next year.

Todd Siel with the Lower Republican Natural Resources District said he expects the state will be able to meet the terms of the Republican River compact next year without putting additional restrictions on irrigation or pumping additional water into the basin.

Siel&nbsp;<a href="https://kearneyhub.com/news/local/republican-basin-water-resources-enough-to-meet-interstate-compact-requirements-in-2021/article_5dabcad6-261f-11eb-b035-771c9d947387.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Kearney Hub that Harlan County Lake is still mostly full thanks to the extremely wet weather of 2019, and that is a major factor in helping Nebraska comply with the river pact next year.

The Republican River Compact allocates the waters of the basins between the states of Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas.

Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado have fought for decades over water entitlements provided under the compact. The compact has resulted in lawsuits among the states, which regulate access to the water.

The compact signed in 1943 gives Nebraska the rights to 49 percent of the river's water, while Kansas receives 40 percent and Colorado gets 11 percent. The Republican River originates in Colorado, crosses the northwestern tip of Kansas into Nebraska, then runs through Nebraska before re-entering Kansas through its northeastern corner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605492290621.png" alt="Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Denverjeffrey">Jeffrey Beall</a>&nbsp;(Wikimedia Creative Commons)" />
 <figcaption>Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Denverjeffrey">Jeffrey Beall</a>&nbsp;(Wikimedia Creative Commons)</figcaption>
 </figure>KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - There appears to be enough water in Nebraska's stretch of the Republican River to satisfy the terms of a water-sharing agreement with Kansas next year.Todd Siel with the Lower Republican Natural Resources District said he expects the state will be able to meet the terms of the Republican River compact next year without putting additional restrictions on irrigation or pumping additional water into the basin.Siel&nbsp;<a href="https://kearneyhub.com/news/local/republican-basin-water-resources-enough-to-meet-interstate-compact-requirements-in-2021/article_5dabcad6-261f-11eb-b035-771c9d947387.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Kearney Hub that Harlan County Lake is still mostly full thanks to the extremely wet weather of 2019, and that is a major factor in helping Nebraska comply with the river pact next year.The Republican River Compact allocates the waters of the basins between the states of Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas.Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado have fought for decades over water entitlements provided under the compact. The compact has resulted in lawsuits among the states, which regulate access to the water.The compact signed in 1943 gives Nebraska the rights to 49 percent of the river's water, while Kansas receives 40 percent and Colorado gets 11 percent. The Republican River originates in Colorado, crosses the northwestern tip of Kansas into Nebraska, then runs through Nebraska before re-entering Kansas through its northeastern corner.

Nebraska expects to meet Republican River pact with Kansas

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of coronavirus hospitalizations in Nebraska declined for the first time since late last month Saturday, but it remains at a high level.

The state said virus hospitalizations dipped Saturday to 889 from the previous day's record level of 918. That marked the first time the hospitalization figure had declined since Oct. 26 when 427 people were being treated in hospitals, but hospital capacity remains strained across Nebraska.

Nebraska's rate of new virus cases remained the sixth-highest in the nation Saturday as the state reported 1,912 new cases to give it 96,834 cases. Nebraska also reported four new deaths Saturday to increase the total to 779, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>.

Over the past week, one person in every 134 people in Nebraska was diagnosed with COVID-19, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has nearly doubled over the past two weeks from 1,019.29 new cases per day on Oct. 31 to 2,032.71 new cases per day on Saturday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of coronavirus hospitalizations in Nebraska declined for the first time since late last month Saturday, but it remains at a high level.The state said virus hospitalizations dipped Saturday to 889 from the previous day's record level of 918. That marked the first time the hospitalization figure had declined since Oct. 26 when 427 people were being treated in hospitals, but hospital capacity remains strained across Nebraska.Nebraska's rate of new virus cases remained the sixth-highest in the nation Saturday as the state reported 1,912 new cases to give it 96,834 cases. Nebraska also reported four new deaths Saturday to increase the total to 779, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>.Over the past week, one person in every 134 people in Nebraska was diagnosed with COVID-19, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has nearly doubled over the past two weeks from 1,019.29 new cases per day on Oct. 31 to 2,032.71 new cases per day on Saturday.

Nebraska virus hospitalizations dip but remain at high level

Today is Sunday, Nov. 15, the 320th day of 2020. There are 46 days left in the year.

On Nov. 15, 1864, during the Civil War, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh (teh-KUM'-seh) Sherman began their “March to the Sea” from Atlanta; the campaign ended with the capture of Savannah on Dec. 21.

In 1777, the Second Continental Congress approved the Articles of Confederation.

In 1806, explorer Zebulon Pike sighted the mountaintop now known as Pikes Peak in present-day Colorado.

In 1935, the Commonwealth of the Philippines was established as its new president, Manuel L. Quezon (KAY’-zahn), took office.

In 1937, at the U.S. Capitol, members of the House and Senate met in air-conditioned chambers for the first time.

In 1942, the naval Battle of Guadalcanal ended during World War II with a decisive U.S. victory over Japanese forces.

In 1958, actor Tyrone Power, 44, died in Madrid, Spain, while filming “Solomon and Sheba.” (Power’s part was recast with Yul Brynner.)

In 1959, four members of the Clutter family of Holcomb, Kansas, were found murdered in their home. (Ex-convicts Richard Hickock and Perry Smith were later convicted of the killings and hanged in a case made famous by the Truman Capote book “In Cold Blood.”)

In 1966, the flight of Gemini 12, the final mission of the Gemini program, ended successfully as astronauts James A. Lovell and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin Jr. splashed down safely in the Atlantic after spending four days in orbit.

In 1969, a quarter of a million protesters staged a peaceful demonstration in Washington against the Vietnam War.

In 1974, the disaster movie “Earthquake” was released by Universal Pictures in “Sensurround,” which bombarded the audience with low-frequency sound waves during the quake scenes.

In 1984, Stephanie Fae Beauclair, the infant publicly known as “Baby Fae” who had received a baboon’s heart to replace her own congenitally deformed one, died at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California three weeks after the transplant.

In 2007, baseball player Barry Bonds was indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice, charged with lying when he told a federal grand jury that he did not knowingly use performance-enhancing drugs. (Bonds was later convicted on the obstruction of justice count; the conviction was overturned in 2015.)

Ten years ago: A House ethics committee panel began closed-door deliberations on 13 counts of alleged financial and fundraising misconduct by U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., who walked out of the proceeding after pleading unsuccessfully for more time to raise money for a lawyer. (Rangel was convicted the next day of 11 rules violations.) San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey and Texas Rangers closer Neftali Feliz were voted the Rookies of the Year.

Five years ago: World leaders vowed a vigorous response to the Islamic State group’s terror rampage in Paris as they opened a two-day meeting in Turkey, with President Barack Obama calling the violence an “attack on the civilized world” and Russian President Vladimir Putin urging “global efforts” to confront the threat. P.F. Sloan, 70, the troubled songwriter behind such classic 1960s tunes as Johnny Rivers’ “Secret Agent Man” and Barry McGuire’s “Eve of Destruction,” died in Los Angeles.

One year ago: The former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, testified to House impeachment investigators about her removal from the post amid criticism from President Donald Trump’s allies; as she testified, Trump tweeted fresh attacks on her, saying that things “turned bad” everywhere she served before he fired her. Roger Stone, a longtime Trump friend and ally, was convicted of all seven counts in a federal indictment accusing him of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation of whether Trump coordinated with Russia during the 2016 campaign. (As Stone was about to begin serving a 40-month prison sentence, Trump commuted the sentence.) Members of the United Auto Workers union voted to approve a new contract with Ford. The NFL suspended Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns for at least the rest of the season, after Garrett ripped off the helmet of Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph and struck him in the head with it.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor Ed Asner is 91. Singer Petula Clark is 88. Actor Joanna Barnes is 86. Actor Yaphet Kotto is 81. Actor Sam Waterston is 80. Classical conductor Daniel Barenboim is 78. Pop singer Frida (ABBA) is 75. Actor Bob Gunton is 75. Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is 73. Actor Beverly D’Angelo is 69. Director-actor James Widdoes is 67. Rock singer-producer Mitch Easter is 66. News correspondent John Roberts is 64. Former “Jay Leno Show” bandleader Kevin Eubanks is 63. Comedian Judy Gold is 58. Actor Rachel True is 54. Rapper E-40 is 53. Country singer Jack Ingram is 50. Actor Jay Harrington is 49. Actor Jonny Lee Miller is 48. Actor Sydney Tamiia (tuh-MY’-yuh) Poitier-Heartsong is 47. Rock singer-musician Chad Kroeger is 46. Rock musician Jesse Sandoval is 46. Actor Virginie Ledoyen is 44. Actor Sean Murray is 43. Pop singer Ace Young (TV: “American Idol”) is 40. Golfer Lorena Ochoa (lohr-AY’-nah oh-CHOH’-uh) is 39. Hip-hop artist B.o.B is 32. Actor Shailene Woodley is 29. Actor-dancer Emma Dumont is 26.

Today in HistoryToday is Sunday, Nov. 15, the 320th day of 2020. There are 46 days left in the year.Today’s Highlight in History:On Nov. 15, 1864, during the Civil War, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh (teh-KUM'-seh) Sherman began their “March to the Sea” from Atlanta; the campaign ended with the capture of Savannah on Dec. 21.On this date:In 1777, the Second Continental Congress approved the Articles of Confederation.In 1806, explorer Zebulon Pike sighted the mountaintop now known as Pikes Peak in present-day Colorado.In 1935, the Commonwealth of the Philippines was established as its new president, Manuel L. Quezon (KAY’-zahn), took office.In 1937, at the U.S. Capitol, members of the House and Senate met in air-conditioned chambers for the first time.In 1942, the naval Battle of Guadalcanal ended during World War II with a decisive U.S. victory over Japanese forces.In 1958, actor Tyrone Power, 44, died in Madrid, Spain, while filming “Solomon and Sheba.” (Power’s part was recast with Yul Brynner.)In 1959, four members of the Clutter family of Holcomb, Kansas, were found murdered in their home. (Ex-convicts Richard Hickock and Perry Smith were later convicted of the killings and hanged in a case made famous by the Truman Capote book “In Cold Blood.”)In 1966, the flight of Gemini 12, the final mission of the Gemini program, ended successfully as astronauts James A. Lovell and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin Jr. splashed down safely in the Atlantic after spending four days in orbit.In 1969, a quarter of a million protesters staged a peaceful demonstration in Washington against the Vietnam War.In 1974, the disaster movie “Earthquake” was released by Universal Pictures in “Sensurround,” which bombarded the audience with low-frequency sound waves during the quake scenes.In 1984, Stephanie Fae Beauclair, the infant publicly known as “Baby Fae” who had received a baboon’s heart to replace her own congenitally deformed one, died at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California three weeks after the transplant.In 2007, baseball player Barry Bonds was indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice, charged with lying when he told a federal grand jury that he did not knowingly use performance-enhancing drugs. (Bonds was later convicted on the obstruction of justice count; the conviction was overturned in 2015.)Ten years ago: A House ethics committee panel began closed-door deliberations on 13 counts of alleged financial and fundraising misconduct by U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., who walked out of the proceeding after pleading unsuccessfully for more time to raise money for a lawyer. (Rangel was convicted the next day of 11 rules violations.) San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey and Texas Rangers closer Neftali Feliz were voted the Rookies of the Year.Five years ago: World leaders vowed a vigorous response to the Islamic State group’s terror rampage in Paris as they opened a two-day meeting in Turkey, with President Barack Obama calling the violence an “attack on the civilized world” and Russian President Vladimir Putin urging “global efforts” to confront the threat. P.F. Sloan, 70, the troubled songwriter behind such classic 1960s tunes as Johnny Rivers’ “Secret Agent Man” and Barry McGuire’s “Eve of Destruction,” died in Los Angeles.One year ago: The former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, testified to House impeachment investigators about her removal from the post amid criticism from President Donald Trump’s allies; as she testified, Trump tweeted fresh attacks on her, saying that things “turned bad” everywhere she served before he fired her. Roger Stone, a longtime Trump friend and ally, was convicted of all seven counts in a federal indictment accusing him of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation of whether Trump coordinated with Russia during the 2016 campaign. (As Stone was about to begin serving a 40-month prison sentence, Trump commuted the sentence.) Members of the United Auto Workers union voted to approve a new contract with Ford. The NFL suspended Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns for at least the rest of the season, after Garrett ripped off the helmet of Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph and struck him in the head with it.Today’s Birthdays: Actor Ed Asner is 91. Singer Petula Clark is 88. Actor Joanna Barnes is 86. Actor Yaphet Kotto is 81. Actor Sam Waterston is 80. Classical conductor Daniel Barenboim is 78. Pop singer Frida (ABBA) is 75. Actor Bob Gunton is 75. Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is 73. Actor Beverly D’Angelo is 69. Director-actor James Widdoes is 67. Rock singer-producer Mitch Easter is 66. News correspondent John Roberts is 64. Former “Jay Leno Show” bandleader Kevin Eubanks is 63. Comedian Judy Gold is 58. Actor Rachel True is 54. Rapper E-40 is 53. Country singer Jack Ingram is 50. Actor Jay Harrington is 49. Actor Jonny Lee Miller is 48. Actor Sydney Tamiia (tuh-MY’-yuh) Poitier-Heartsong is 47. Rock singer-musician Chad Kroeger is 46. Rock musician Jesse Sandoval is 46. Actor Virginie Ledoyen is 44. Actor Sean Murray is 43. Pop singer Ace Young (TV: “American Idol”) is 40. Golfer Lorena Ochoa (lohr-AY’-nah oh-CHOH’-uh) is 39. Hip-hop artist B.o.B is 32. Actor Shailene Woodley is 29. Actor-dancer Emma Dumont is 26.

Today in History-November 15

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is asking the public to help locate a suspect in a recent theft.

According to LCSO, on November 10, at approximately 2:25 a.m., an unidentified male subject climbed over the fence surrounding the storage units belonging to Halley Hills LLC. 

LCSO says these units are located at the 9100 block of S. Halley Lane, near S. Buffalo Bill Avenue and N. Lake Road. 

Investigators say the male subject checked the security of several of the storage unit doors before causing damage to the doors and siding surrounding the doors of four different storage units. 

 The male suspect was observed on surveillance cameras removing a large amount of property from multiple units.  The value of the property stolen is well over several thousand dollars making this a felony offense.  

Additionally, the damage to the buildings was substantial as well.  Please call LCSO at 308-535-9599 with any information.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is asking the public to help locate a suspect in a recent theft.According to LCSO, on November 10, at approximately 2:25 a.m., an unidentified male subject climbed over the fence surrounding the storage units belonging to Halley Hills LLC. LCSO says these units are located at the 9100 block of S. Halley Lane, near S. Buffalo Bill Avenue and N. Lake Road. Investigators say the male subject checked the security of several of the storage unit doors before causing damage to the doors and siding surrounding the doors of four different storage units. The male suspect was observed on surveillance cameras removing a large amount of property from multiple units. The value of the property stolen is well over several thousand dollars making this a felony offense. Additionally, the damage to the buildings was substantial as well. Please call LCSO at 308-535-9599 with any information.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605450960696.jpeg" alt="LCSO Photo" />
 <figcaption>LCSO Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

LCSO seeking suspect in storage unit break-in

By ERIC OLSON-AP College Football Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Luke McCaffrey had a hand in two touchdowns in his first start, Nebraska's defense made two huge late defensive stops and the Cornhuskers held on to beat Penn State 30-23 for their first win Saturday.

McCaffrey took over for Adrian Martinez, who had started all of his 23 previous games at Nebraska (1-2, 1-2 Big Ten) but turned in flat performances in the Cornhuskers' first two games.

McCaffrey looked good in the first half, but the Huskers generated only three points in the second and Penn State came back from a 21-point deficit to make it close.

"That decision is one of the hardest decisions I've ever made," Nebraska coach Scott Frost said. "I think so much of Adrian Martinez as a person. He's been through a lot with us. He certainly practiced well enough to play so it was a tough decision. I thought considering it was (Luke's) first start he did a lot of good things and there's a lot there to build on."

A Top 10 team to start the season, the Lions (0-4, 0-4) are off to their worst start since Joe Paterno's 2001 team also opened with four straight losses.

Sean Clifford struggled again for Penn State, getting replaced by Will Levis after turning over the ball on two the Lions' first three possessions.

"This year, obviously, we're not making enough plays and the turnovers, it's been challenging to overcome," Lions coach James Franklin said. "We're not consistent in our tackling. This year, with the results, it magnifies everything."

Nebraska led 27-6 at half, but the Lions pulled within 30-23 and had two chances to tie or go ahead in the final 4 minutes.

The Lions turned the ball over on downs after Levis threw four straight incompletions from the 11-yard line. Nebraska went three-and-out, and Levis moved his team to the 9. He threw in desperation under pressure from Ben Stille on fourth down, and the Huskers ran out the clock.

"The state needed it, the team needed it, I needed it," Frost said. "We talked at halftime, and I talked to them frankly, that we've been in this situation before. You need to learn how to win. Winning will help the kids know they can win going forward."

The Huskers led 24-3 early in the second quarter. Zavier Betts took a flip from McCaffrey and ran 45 yards untouched on a jet sweep and then blitzing safety Deontai Williams grabbed Clifford, popped the ball out and picked it up for a 26-yard fumble return.

One of McCaffrey's highlights came late in the first half as defensive lineman Fred Hansard was about to wrap up him up behind the line. McCaffrey switched the ball to his left hand and dumped it off to Marvin Scott III. Instead of taking a sack, Scott picked up 14 yards to convert the third-and-9 and set up Connor Culp's 25-yard field goal as time ran out in the half.

Penn State wasn't out of it, though. Keyvone Lee broke loose for a 31-yard touchdown and the teams traded field goals before Levis connected with Pat Freiermuth for 74 yards to set up Devyn Ford's 5-yard touchdown run that got Penn State within 30-23 early in the fourth quarter.

McCaffrey cooled off in the second half and was 13 of 21 for 152 yards and he ran 13 times for 67.

Penn State: The Lions out-yarded the Huskers 501-298, but turnovers continue to plague them and they're staring at the possibility of an 0-5 start for the first time since the program started in 1887. Clifford threw interceptions on two of his last three series against Maryland last week and was picked off and fumbled on two of the first three series against the Huskers. Like at Nebraska, it looks as if there's been a changing of the guard at quarterback.

Nebraska: McCaffrey capitalized on his opportunity. He brings a spark to the offense, is always a threat to run and showed with his left-handed pass that he's got the knack for making something out of nothing.

Nebraska was on the west sideline for what's believed to be the first time since Bob Devaney moved the Cornhuskers to the east sideline in 1962, according to football program historian Mike Babcock. No reason for the change was immediately disclosed. The home team's sideline typically is on the side of the press box, which is on the west side at Nebraska.

Penn State hosts Iowa on Nov. 21. The Nittany Lions have beaten the Hawkeyes six straight times.

Nebraska hosts Illinois on Nov. 21. The Huskers are 6-1 against the Illini since joining the Big Ten.

By ERIC OLSON-AP College Football Writer LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Luke McCaffrey had a hand in two touchdowns in his first start, Nebraska's defense made two huge late defensive stops and the Cornhuskers held on to beat Penn State 30-23 for their first win Saturday.McCaffrey took over for Adrian Martinez, who had started all of his 23 previous games at Nebraska (1-2, 1-2 Big Ten) but turned in flat performances in the Cornhuskers' first two games.McCaffrey looked good in the first half, but the Huskers generated only three points in the second and Penn State came back from a 21-point deficit to make it close."That decision is one of the hardest decisions I've ever made," Nebraska coach Scott Frost said. "I think so much of Adrian Martinez as a person. He's been through a lot with us. He certainly practiced well enough to play so it was a tough decision. I thought considering it was (Luke's) first start he did a lot of good things and there's a lot there to build on."A Top 10 team to start the season, the Lions (0-4, 0-4) are off to their worst start since Joe Paterno's 2001 team also opened with four straight losses.Sean Clifford struggled again for Penn State, getting replaced by Will Levis after turning over the ball on two the Lions' first three possessions."This year, obviously, we're not making enough plays and the turnovers, it's been challenging to overcome," Lions coach James Franklin said. "We're not consistent in our tackling. This year, with the results, it magnifies everything."Nebraska led 27-6 at half, but the Lions pulled within 30-23 and had two chances to tie or go ahead in the final 4 minutes.The Lions turned the ball over on downs after Levis threw four straight incompletions from the 11-yard line. Nebraska went three-and-out, and Levis moved his team to the 9. He threw in desperation under pressure from Ben Stille on fourth down, and the Huskers ran out the clock."The state needed it, the team needed it, I needed it," Frost said. "We talked at halftime, and I talked to them frankly, that we've been in this situation before. You need to learn how to win. Winning will help the kids know they can win going forward."The Huskers led 24-3 early in the second quarter. Zavier Betts took a flip from McCaffrey and ran 45 yards untouched on a jet sweep and then blitzing safety Deontai Williams grabbed Clifford, popped the ball out and picked it up for a 26-yard fumble return.One of McCaffrey's highlights came late in the first half as defensive lineman Fred Hansard was about to wrap up him up behind the line. McCaffrey switched the ball to his left hand and dumped it off to Marvin Scott III. Instead of taking a sack, Scott picked up 14 yards to convert the third-and-9 and set up Connor Culp's 25-yard field goal as time ran out in the half.Penn State wasn't out of it, though. Keyvone Lee broke loose for a 31-yard touchdown and the teams traded field goals before Levis connected with Pat Freiermuth for 74 yards to set up Devyn Ford's 5-yard touchdown run that got Penn State within 30-23 early in the fourth quarter.McCaffrey cooled off in the second half and was 13 of 21 for 152 yards and he ran 13 times for 67.Levis was 14 of 31 for 219 yards.THE TAKEAWAYPenn State: The Lions out-yarded the Huskers 501-298, but turnovers continue to plague them and they're staring at the possibility of an 0-5 start for the first time since the program started in 1887. Clifford threw interceptions on two of his last three series against Maryland last week and was picked off and fumbled on two of the first three series against the Huskers. Like at Nebraska, it looks as if there's been a changing of the guard at quarterback.Nebraska: McCaffrey capitalized on his opportunity. He brings a spark to the offense, is always a threat to run and showed with his left-handed pass that he's got the knack for making something out of nothing.CHANGING SIDELINESNebraska was on the west sideline for what's believed to be the first time since Bob Devaney moved the Cornhuskers to the east sideline in 1962, according to football program historian Mike Babcock. No reason for the change was immediately disclosed. The home team's sideline typically is on the side of the press box, which is on the west side at Nebraska.UP NEXTPenn State hosts Iowa on Nov. 21. The Nittany Lions have beaten the Hawkeyes six straight times.Nebraska hosts Illinois on Nov. 21. The Huskers are 6-1 against the Illini since joining the Big Ten.

 Nebraska gets past Penn State 30-23 in McCaffrey's 1st start

ELMWOOD, Neb. (AP) - Danny Rice has a good sense of how dangerous the coronavirus can be.

What puzzles him are the people who have curtailed so much of their lives to avoid being infected by the virus.

"I'm not going out and looking to catch it," he said, sitting at a cluttered desk in his auto repair shop in the tiny eastern Nebraska community of Elmwood. "I don't want to catch it. But if I get it, I get it. That's just how I feel."

Plenty of people agree with Rice, and health experts acknowledge those views are powering soaring COVID-19 infection rates, especially in parts of the rural Midwest where the disease is spreading unabated and threatening to overwhelm hospitals.

It's not that people in Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa and elsewhere don't realize their states are leading the nation in new cases per capita. It's that many of them aren't especially concerned.

Wayne County, home to 6,400 people in southern Iowa, has the state's second-highest case rate, yet its public health administrator, Shelley Bickel, says mask-wearing is rare. She finds it particularly appalling when she sees older people, who are at high risk, shopping at a grocery store without one.

"I just want to get on the speaker and say, 'Why don't you have your mask on?' It's just amazing," Bickel said.

Jenna Lovaas, public health director of Jones County, Iowa, said even now that her rural county has the state's highest virus rate, people have opted not to make any changes, such as protecting themselves and others by wearing masks.

"They don't think it's real," she said. "They don't think it's going to be that bad or they just don't want to wear a mask because we've made it a whole political thing at this point."

In part, though, some of those views are hard to fight because of the reality that many people have no symptoms, and most of those who do get sick recover quickly. And treatment advances mean that those who become seriously ill are less likely to die from the virus than when it first emerged in the spring. Even though cases and the death toll are rising, infectious disease experts note that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-76133a0e0258f43751b16b031f3a1684" target="_blank">death rates appear to be falling</a>.

Like most people, Jay Stibbe, 52, of Fargo, North Dakota, said he and his family are respectful of COVID-19 protocols and wear masks where required. However, Stibbe said he doesn't see enough "concrete information" about the virus to stop him from going about his normal life, even though North Dakota leads the nation in the number of virus cases per capita.

"We have an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old, and we certainly believe this is an important time of life to maybe shine a little bit," he said. "We're trying to create as much normalcy as we can. We try not to live in fear. We've traveled. We go out to dinner."

In Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Karen Prohaska, 76, said she generally doesn't wear a mask in her downtown purse and jewelry shop but will put one on at the request of a customer. When customers come into the store with a face covering, she asks if they'd like her to don one as well. Most say no and ask if it's OK for them to remove theirs.

"I hope that I don't get the virus, but I've never really been a germophobe," Prohaska said.

The pandemic hasn't stopped Mary Gerteisen, of Eagle, Nebraska, from visiting her 96-year-old father on weekends to watch football. Gerteisen said she understands the risks, given her father's age and vulnerability, but she also weighed the fact that he's in the early stages of dementia and often believes family members have abandoned him.

"There are times when I think that I do need to take the pandemic more seriously," she said. "But I want to see my dad, and I don't know much longer I have with him. I would love for him to live to 100-some years old, but if he comes down with (the virus), he's lived a good, long life."

Even as virus rates have soared in the Midwest, the Republican governors of Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota have ruled out requiring masks in all public places, though Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds this week required masks for indoor events with more than 25 people and outdoor events of more than 100 people. Iowa schools are exempted, and bars and restaurants are only required to ensure social distancing. Meanwhile, North Dakota's Republican governor, Doug Burgum,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jamestown-coronavirus-pandemic-441e33d27f7ae39e3200ec095cfe7c6e" target="_blank">imposed statewide mask and business restrictions</a>&nbsp;on Friday after resisting doing so for months. The state had only nine free Intensive Care Unit hospital beds as of Friday.

Although doctors and public health officials have criticized the governors for their lack of action, voters in all of the states last week backed Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who has mocked mask wearing and downplayed the seriousness of a pandemic that has killed more than 240,000 people.

That has left Midwest medical professionals wondering how they will reverse a tide of people being treated for the coronavirus if residents of their states still aren't taking the illness seriously.

Suresh Gunasekaran, CEO of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, said they're managing the surge of patients for now but don't know what will happen if the numbers keep rising.

"The real question is where are we going to be in December? Where are we going to be in January?" he asked. "These are the kinds of questions that I think that we as a state have to continue to ask ourselves but more importantly each local community has to ask themselves."

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press ELMWOOD, Neb. (AP) - Danny Rice has a good sense of how dangerous the coronavirus can be.What puzzles him are the people who have curtailed so much of their lives to avoid being infected by the virus."I'm not going out and looking to catch it," he said, sitting at a cluttered desk in his auto repair shop in the tiny eastern Nebraska community of Elmwood. "I don't want to catch it. But if I get it, I get it. That's just how I feel."Plenty of people agree with Rice, and health experts acknowledge those views are powering soaring COVID-19 infection rates, especially in parts of the rural Midwest where the disease is spreading unabated and threatening to overwhelm hospitals.It's not that people in Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa and elsewhere don't realize their states are leading the nation in new cases per capita. It's that many of them aren't especially concerned.Wayne County, home to 6,400 people in southern Iowa, has the state's second-highest case rate, yet its public health administrator, Shelley Bickel, says mask-wearing is rare. She finds it particularly appalling when she sees older people, who are at high risk, shopping at a grocery store without one."I just want to get on the speaker and say, 'Why don't you have your mask on?' It's just amazing," Bickel said.Jenna Lovaas, public health director of Jones County, Iowa, said even now that her rural county has the state's highest virus rate, people have opted not to make any changes, such as protecting themselves and others by wearing masks."They don't think it's real," she said. "They don't think it's going to be that bad or they just don't want to wear a mask because we've made it a whole political thing at this point."In part, though, some of those views are hard to fight because of the reality that many people have no symptoms, and most of those who do get sick recover quickly. And treatment advances mean that those who become seriously ill are less likely to die from the virus than when it first emerged in the spring. Even though cases and the death toll are rising, infectious disease experts note that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-76133a0e0258f43751b16b031f3a1684" target="_blank">death rates appear to be falling</a>.Like most people, Jay Stibbe, 52, of Fargo, North Dakota, said he and his family are respectful of COVID-19 protocols and wear masks where required. However, Stibbe said he doesn't see enough "concrete information" about the virus to stop him from going about his normal life, even though North Dakota leads the nation in the number of virus cases per capita."We have an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old, and we certainly believe this is an important time of life to maybe shine a little bit," he said. "We're trying to create as much normalcy as we can. We try not to live in fear. We've traveled. We go out to dinner."In Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Karen Prohaska, 76, said she generally doesn't wear a mask in her downtown purse and jewelry shop but will put one on at the request of a customer. When customers come into the store with a face covering, she asks if they'd like her to don one as well. Most say no and ask if it's OK for them to remove theirs."I hope that I don't get the virus, but I've never really been a germophobe," Prohaska said.The pandemic hasn't stopped Mary Gerteisen, of Eagle, Nebraska, from visiting her 96-year-old father on weekends to watch football. Gerteisen said she understands the risks, given her father's age and vulnerability, but she also weighed the fact that he's in the early stages of dementia and often believes family members have abandoned him."There are times when I think that I do need to take the pandemic more seriously," she said. "But I want to see my dad, and I don't know much longer I have with him. I would love for him to live to 100-some years old, but if he comes down with (the virus), he's lived a good, long life."Even as virus rates have soared in the Midwest, the Republican governors of Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota have ruled out requiring masks in all public places, though Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds this week required masks for indoor events with more than 25 people and outdoor events of more than 100 people. Iowa schools are exempted, and bars and restaurants are only required to ensure social distancing. Meanwhile, North Dakota's Republican governor, Doug Burgum,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jamestown-coronavirus-pandemic-441e33d27f7ae39e3200ec095cfe7c6e" target="_blank">imposed statewide mask and business restrictions</a>&nbsp;on Friday after resisting doing so for months. The state had only nine free Intensive Care Unit hospital beds as of Friday.Although doctors and public health officials have criticized the governors for their lack of action, voters in all of the states last week backed Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who has mocked mask wearing and downplayed the seriousness of a pandemic that has killed more than 240,000 people.That has left Midwest medical professionals wondering how they will reverse a tide of people being treated for the coronavirus if residents of their states still aren't taking the illness seriously.Suresh Gunasekaran, CEO of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, said they're managing the surge of patients for now but don't know what will happen if the numbers keep rising."The real question is where are we going to be in December? Where are we going to be in January?" he asked. "These are the kinds of questions that I think that we as a state have to continue to ask ourselves but more importantly each local community has to ask themselves."

Surging virus cases get a shrug in many Midwestern towns

The West Central District Health Department continues to report an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in their jurisdiction.

As Great Plains Health and other hospitals across Nebraska near capacity, WCDHD reported another&nbsp;49 new positive cases in their jurisdiction on Friday. 

Officials say one case is from Arthur County, one case is from Hooker County, one case is from Logan County, one case is from McPherson County, two cases are from Thomas County, and 43 cases are from Lincoln County. 

As the number of positive cases rises, so do the number of hospitalizations. As of Friday night, 50 people in the jurisdiction were hospitalized with COVID related complications.

There are currently 1,186 confirmed cases in the WCDHD jurisdiction.&nbsp;

Since March, there have been 1,969 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 752 recoveries and 17 deaths.

For more information, visit the <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation">WCDHD COVID-19 Dashboard.</a>

The West Central District Health Department continues to report an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in their jurisdiction.As Great Plains Health and other hospitals across Nebraska near capacity, WCDHD reported another&nbsp;49 new positive cases in their jurisdiction on Friday. Officials say one case is from Arthur County, one case is from Hooker County, one case is from Logan County, one case is from McPherson County, two cases are from Thomas County, and 43 cases are from Lincoln County. As the number of positive cases rises, so do the number of hospitalizations. As of Friday night, 50 people in the jurisdiction were hospitalized with COVID related complications.There are currently 1,186 confirmed cases in the WCDHD jurisdiction.&nbsp;Since March, there have been 1,969 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 752 recoveries and 17 deaths.For more information, visit the <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation">WCDHD COVID-19 Dashboard.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605360779656.png" alt="" />
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WCDHD reports 49 new confirmed COVID cases on Friday

LINCOLN-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Nebraska will take a phased approach to public health restrictions based on the percentage of staffed hospital beds occupied by coronavirus patients. &nbsp;As soon as the percentage of coronavirus-related hospitalizations increases above certain thresholds, restrictions will be tightened.&nbsp; If the percentage of coronavirus-related hospitalizations declines below the thresholds (on average, over a seven-day period) restrictions will be relaxed.&nbsp; A document outlining each of the five, color-coded phases is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fhmadcuih3j2xlyd%2FColor-Coded%2520%2520Phase%2520Comparison%252011.13.20.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C888aeed67d3a434358be08d88822cff8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637409030388747170%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=nngNQyYMKSp7%2F4HkrqmoLI7gwmW8qKUovKM7w7Ud%2B1Q%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Currently, Nebraska is in the “orange” phase, which is the second most restrictive. &nbsp;

The State is issuing a new Directed Health Measure (DHM) effective statewide as of Monday, November 16th.&nbsp; It temporarily halts elective surgeries that can wait four weeks or longer without substantially changing a patient’s outcome.&nbsp; In addition to the restriction on elective surgeries, the new DHM includes all of the health measures that took effect on November 11, 2020 (see an outline of these changes by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fbcgfg6nkbierlsc%2FOutline%2520of%2520Changes%2520to%2520DHMs%252011.9.20.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C888aeed67d3a434358be08d88822cff8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637409030388757113%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=0BhGksuol4R2J%2Bnrrv6r8u3nc1RBzqYOtg42g8USjs0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>).

Gov. Ricketts: Color-Coded Phases for Health Measures

Gov. Ricketts: Thanksgiving&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Video from this afternoon’s press conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fwdv50jcmyhp022m%2FGov.%2520Press%2520Conference%252011.13.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C888aeed67d3a434358be08d88822cff8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637409030388757113%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=w4kyroqYu%2F9u3rRLS5ZHdQZhawNNdYyqHnusYQ6YJRQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

To see a chart of the restrictions in each colored phase of the State’s coronavirus response,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fhmadcuih3j2xlyd%2FColor-Coded%2520%2520Phase%2520Comparison%252011.13.20.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C888aeed67d3a434358be08d88822cff8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637409030388767084%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=W%2BrlwlDRWjmCwehNHRfYx7ISZKCyxUED5T5KamYvS1g%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605359455800.jpeg" alt="Gov. Ricketts (TV screen) talks about the State’s new, phased approach to the coronavirus pandemic as the Governor’s Director of Strategic Communications Taylor Gage (podium) looks on." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (TV screen) talks about the State’s new, phased approach to the coronavirus pandemic as the Governor’s Director of Strategic Communications Taylor Gage (podium) looks on.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Nebraska will take a phased approach to public health restrictions based on the percentage of staffed hospital beds occupied by coronavirus patients. &nbsp;As soon as the percentage of coronavirus-related hospitalizations increases above certain thresholds, restrictions will be tightened.&nbsp; If the percentage of coronavirus-related hospitalizations declines below the thresholds (on average, over a seven-day period) restrictions will be relaxed.&nbsp; A document outlining each of the five, color-coded phases is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fhmadcuih3j2xlyd%2FColor-Coded%2520%2520Phase%2520Comparison%252011.13.20.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C888aeed67d3a434358be08d88822cff8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637409030388747170%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=nngNQyYMKSp7%2F4HkrqmoLI7gwmW8qKUovKM7w7Ud%2B1Q%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Currently, Nebraska is in the “orange” phase, which is the second most restrictive. &nbsp;The State is issuing a new Directed Health Measure (DHM) effective statewide as of Monday, November 16th.&nbsp; It temporarily halts elective surgeries that can wait four weeks or longer without substantially changing a patient’s outcome.&nbsp; In addition to the restriction on elective surgeries, the new DHM includes all of the health measures that took effect on November 11, 2020 (see an outline of these changes by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fbcgfg6nkbierlsc%2FOutline%2520of%2520Changes%2520to%2520DHMs%252011.9.20.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C888aeed67d3a434358be08d88822cff8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637409030388757113%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=0BhGksuol4R2J%2Bnrrv6r8u3nc1RBzqYOtg42g8USjs0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>).Gov. Ricketts: Color-Coded Phases for Health Measures<ul>
 <li>We’ve been working to slow the spread of the virus while protecting hospital capacity.</li><li>However, coronavirus-related hospitalizations have been growing rapidly each day for weeks. &nbsp;They’ve gone from 200 on September 23rd&nbsp;to over 900 today.&nbsp;</li><li>This has created a very serious situation for our hospitals.</li><li>It’s urgently important for all Nebraskans to take personal responsibility for wearing a mask, washing hands often, staying home when sick, and keeping six feet of social distance.</li><li>Even though we’ve put in new restrictions this week, the situation is changing rapidly enough that I want to give Nebraskans a picture of where things may be going.</li><li>We believe that Nebraska’s hospital system will reach capacity when about 25% of hospital beds are occupied by coronavirus patients.</li><li>That is the point when hospitals may not be able to deliver the standard of care you deserve.</li><li>As I said yesterday, additional restrictions may be necessary to protect our hospital system.</li><li>Today, we are announcing that most elective surgeries will be suspended starting Monday. &nbsp;This will help free up additional hospital beds.</li><li>Additionally, I am announcing a series of thresholds and triggers that will bring new restrictions into play or reduce them depending on hospitalizations.</li><li>Our collective decisions will determine where Nebraska goes from here. &nbsp;It’s on all of us to slow the spread in the coming days.</li><li>Working together, we can flatten the curve and help return Nebraska to a more normal life.</li>
 </ul>Gov. Ricketts: Thanksgiving&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>With Thanksgiving only a couple weeks away, Nebraskans are making plans for the holidays.</li><li>Be advised that if we enter the “red” phase of our coronavirus plan, indoor gatherings will be restricted to 10 people or less.</li><li>I urge all Nebraskans to limit the size of their holiday gatherings to help slow the spread of coronavirus. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Video from this afternoon’s press conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fwdv50jcmyhp022m%2FGov.%2520Press%2520Conference%252011.13.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C888aeed67d3a434358be08d88822cff8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637409030388757113%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=w4kyroqYu%2F9u3rRLS5ZHdQZhawNNdYyqHnusYQ6YJRQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.To see a chart of the restrictions in each colored phase of the State’s coronavirus response,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fhmadcuih3j2xlyd%2FColor-Coded%2520%2520Phase%2520Comparison%252011.13.20.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C888aeed67d3a434358be08d88822cff8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637409030388767084%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=W%2BrlwlDRWjmCwehNHRfYx7ISZKCyxUED5T5KamYvS1g%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts announces phased approach to public health restrictions

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will see tighter coronavirus restrictions in less than two weeks if the number of infected people getting hospitalized continues to increase at its current rate, based on new benchmarks announced Friday.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said he will impose new social-distancing mandates on bars, restaurants and other places where people gather if the number of hospitalized virus patients rises to 25% of the state's overall hospital bed capacity.

As of Thursday night, the state's hospitals held 905 virus patients - about 20% of their current capacity, Ricketts said at a news conference. The number of patients has been growing by about 25 per day, and if that trend continues, Nebraska's hospitals would reach the 25% benchmark in about 11 days.

"This is a very serious situation for our hospitals, and we all need to be a part of slowing down the virus," Ricketts said via a video link livestreamed at the Capitol. Ricketts and his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-public-health-health-pete-ricketts-nebraska-0dcb6a3ddc8f4b87591f37e15a86ff44" target="_blank">were exposed to the virus</a>&nbsp;earlier this week during an outdoor dinner with friends.

The new potential restrictions would prohibit extracurricular activities for students below high school level, limit bars to carry-out and delivery services and cap all indoor gatherings at 10 people, among other measures. Elective surgeries such as hip and knee replacements would also have to be postponed.

If the number of hospitalized patients rises above the new threshold for even one day, the tighter restrictions would remain in place until the seven-day average of patients drops back to a safer level.

Ricketts warned Thursday that he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-nebraska-coronavirus-pandemic-32c654e0133be1d26eaf6bb343022e79" target="_blank">order restrictions very similar to the ones that he put into effect in earlier this year</a>&nbsp;if the state's current trajectory continues.

Top doctors at Nebraska's largest hospital sounded a similar alarm Friday in a virtual news conference, but stressed that they've been preparing for more patients and that their facilities are still safe. Although beds are quickly filling, they said they still have an adequate supply of ventilators.

"With the staff we have, Nebraska is still in good hands," said Dr. Harris Frankel, chief medical officer of Nebraska Medicine.

Because hospitalizations tend to lag behind new coronavirus cases, Frankel said it's unlikely that Nebraska will be able to stem the current increases in patients over the next week.

"But we can change the trajectory through the end of November," he said.

The doctors stopped short of calling for a statewide mask mandate - a step that Ricketts, a Republican, has repeatedly refused to take - but urged residents to wear one voluntarily while in close, confined contact with other people.

"That will do an enormous amount of good," said Dr. Cary Ward, chief medical officer of CHI Health.

Frankel said: "I think there is a likely to be a higher rate of participation when something is mandated."

Nebraska confirmed 2,611 new virus cases on Thursday, bringing the total number to 92,553 since the pandemic began, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">state's online tracking portal</a>. The number of active hospitalizations has risen sharply over the last few weeks, and 756 people in Nebraska have died from the virus since the pandemic began.

The state's hospitals still have 25% of their beds available, 27% of their intensive care unit beds and 70% of their ventilators.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will see tighter coronavirus restrictions in less than two weeks if the number of infected people getting hospitalized continues to increase at its current rate, based on new benchmarks announced Friday.Gov. Pete Ricketts said he will impose new social-distancing mandates on bars, restaurants and other places where people gather if the number of hospitalized virus patients rises to 25% of the state's overall hospital bed capacity.As of Thursday night, the state's hospitals held 905 virus patients - about 20% of their current capacity, Ricketts said at a news conference. The number of patients has been growing by about 25 per day, and if that trend continues, Nebraska's hospitals would reach the 25% benchmark in about 11 days."This is a very serious situation for our hospitals, and we all need to be a part of slowing down the virus," Ricketts said via a video link livestreamed at the Capitol. Ricketts and his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-public-health-health-pete-ricketts-nebraska-0dcb6a3ddc8f4b87591f37e15a86ff44" target="_blank">were exposed to the virus</a>&nbsp;earlier this week during an outdoor dinner with friends.The new potential restrictions would prohibit extracurricular activities for students below high school level, limit bars to carry-out and delivery services and cap all indoor gatherings at 10 people, among other measures. Elective surgeries such as hip and knee replacements would also have to be postponed.If the number of hospitalized patients rises above the new threshold for even one day, the tighter restrictions would remain in place until the seven-day average of patients drops back to a safer level.Ricketts warned Thursday that he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-nebraska-coronavirus-pandemic-32c654e0133be1d26eaf6bb343022e79" target="_blank">order restrictions very similar to the ones that he put into effect in earlier this year</a>&nbsp;if the state's current trajectory continues.Top doctors at Nebraska's largest hospital sounded a similar alarm Friday in a virtual news conference, but stressed that they've been preparing for more patients and that their facilities are still safe. Although beds are quickly filling, they said they still have an adequate supply of ventilators."With the staff we have, Nebraska is still in good hands," said Dr. Harris Frankel, chief medical officer of Nebraska Medicine.Because hospitalizations tend to lag behind new coronavirus cases, Frankel said it's unlikely that Nebraska will be able to stem the current increases in patients over the next week."But we can change the trajectory through the end of November," he said.The doctors stopped short of calling for a statewide mask mandate - a step that Ricketts, a Republican, has repeatedly refused to take - but urged residents to wear one voluntarily while in close, confined contact with other people."That will do an enormous amount of good," said Dr. Cary Ward, chief medical officer of CHI Health.Frankel said: "I think there is a likely to be a higher rate of participation when something is mandated."Nebraska confirmed 2,611 new virus cases on Thursday, bringing the total number to 92,553 since the pandemic began, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">state's online tracking portal</a>. The number of active hospitalizations has risen sharply over the last few weeks, and 756 people in Nebraska have died from the virus since the pandemic began.The state's hospitals still have 25% of their beds available, 27% of their intensive care unit beds and 70% of their ventilators.For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

New restrictions coming soon in Nebraska if trends continue

A North Platte Community College women’s basketball player has been named NPCC’s Business Student of the Month for November.

Amber Wolever is originally from Brush, Colo. She graduated from Brush High School in 2019 and is currently studying Agribusiness at NPCC. This is her second year on the Knights Women’s Basketball Team.

“Words can’t express how deserving Amber is in receiving this recognition,” said Angie Chittick, business and office technology instructor. “Amber has had to deal with so much adversity in her young life that she is such an inspiration. She has been resolute in this unprecedented semester. Amber’s character, perseverance, attitude, work ethic and academic ability are exemplary. It has been a privilege getting to work with Amber, and I wish her the best in achieving all her goals and dreams.”

Wolever decided to follow in her sister’s footsteps in attending NPCC. Her sister played volleyball at the college.

“Everyone has always been very welcoming and made me feel at home at NPCC,” Wolever said. “NPCC and the faculty have given me the opportunity to play basketball and get a good education as well as make lifelong friends along the way.”

Wolever is on track to graduate in 2021. After that, she plans to continue her education and become a veterinary technician.

Outside of basketball, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Her parents are Craig and Kim Wolever.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605291473979.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A North Platte Community College women’s basketball player has been named NPCC’s Business Student of the Month for November.Amber Wolever is originally from Brush, Colo. She graduated from Brush High School in 2019 and is currently studying Agribusiness at NPCC. This is her second year on the Knights Women’s Basketball Team.“Words can’t express how deserving Amber is in receiving this recognition,” said Angie Chittick, business and office technology instructor. “Amber has had to deal with so much adversity in her young life that she is such an inspiration. She has been resolute in this unprecedented semester. Amber’s character, perseverance, attitude, work ethic and academic ability are exemplary. It has been a privilege getting to work with Amber, and I wish her the best in achieving all her goals and dreams.”Wolever decided to follow in her sister’s footsteps in attending NPCC. Her sister played volleyball at the college.“Everyone has always been very welcoming and made me feel at home at NPCC,” Wolever said. “NPCC and the faculty have given me the opportunity to play basketball and get a good education as well as make lifelong friends along the way.”Wolever is on track to graduate in 2021. After that, she plans to continue her education and become a veterinary technician.Outside of basketball, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Her parents are Craig and Kim Wolever.

Wolever named NPCC Business Student of the Month

The North Platte Public Library is announcing its current policies and procedures, effective November 16, 2020.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday-Friday: 9:00AM – 6:00PM

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday and Sunday: Library is closed.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;The Library’s meeting room occupancy is limited to 25% of the rated occupancy or a maximum of 19 people. All meetings must be approved by the Library Director.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;The Creation Station (makerspace) continues to be open for certification and training. However, due to the small size of this room, everyone in the Creation Station must wear a face mask. Small group makerspace workshops are cancelled through December 31, 2020. The Creation Station room capacity is now limited to fifteen percent (15%) or three (3) people. Please call the library at 308-535-8036 X3320 to make an appointment to certify/train on a piece of equipment or schedule open build time.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;All&nbsp;in-person Library programming has been cancelled through December 31, 2020. We&nbsp;encourage all parents to consider watching our online programming for pre-school age children on the Library’s Facebook page.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All persons visiting the library are required to use hand sanitizer before entering the main area of the library. This is for the safety of all citizens to limit contamination of library materials, computer keyboards, and library surfaces from the Coronavirus. Face masks and/or face shields are strongly encouraged and recommended.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There continues to be a maximum time limit of two (2) hours in the library facility. Patrons using computers in the Library’s Technology Learning (TLC) Center have a once a day maximum time limit of 60 minutes. If you need additional time (for employment applications, educational coursework, filing taxes, and similar), please communicate that to the Library Staff member in the TLC.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All library staff are required to wear masks when working with the public or working in a public area; and may be further protected as their comfort level dictates.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The second-floor library collections and services, including Computer Services, are available.&nbsp;Please note that due to social distancing guidelines, computer availability and technology assistance is limited.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Social Distancing of six feet or more is encouraged and recommended whenever/wherever possible. Face masks and/or face shields are strongly recommended.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Book Drop is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. All returned items and donations must be returned in the book drop and go through a 72-hour quarantine process.

The North Platte Public Library reserves the right to modify (stricter or loosen) these provisions of service based on Health Care Directives from the West Central District Health Department and/or City of North Platte Administration.

You are using the library at your own risk. The North Platte Public Library is not responsible if you contract coronavirus or any other communicable disease. We are taking all precautions to protect our staff and our patrons.

News Release NP Public LibraryThe North Platte Public Library is announcing its current policies and procedures, effective November 16, 2020.HOURS OF OPERATION·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday-Friday: 9:00AM – 6:00PM·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday and Sunday: Library is closed.RESTRICTIONS/MODIFICATIONS·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;The Library’s meeting room occupancy is limited to 25% of the rated occupancy or a maximum of 19 people. All meetings must be approved by the Library Director.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;The Creation Station (makerspace) continues to be open for certification and training. However, due to the small size of this room, everyone in the Creation Station must wear a face mask. Small group makerspace workshops are cancelled through December 31, 2020. The Creation Station room capacity is now limited to fifteen percent (15%) or three (3) people. Please call the library at 308-535-8036 X3320 to make an appointment to certify/train on a piece of equipment or schedule open build time.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;All&nbsp;in-person Library programming has been cancelled through December 31, 2020. We&nbsp;encourage all parents to consider watching our online programming for pre-school age children on the Library’s Facebook page.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All persons visiting the library are required to use hand sanitizer before entering the main area of the library. This is for the safety of all citizens to limit contamination of library materials, computer keyboards, and library surfaces from the Coronavirus. Face masks and/or face shields are strongly encouraged and recommended.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There continues to be a maximum time limit of two (2) hours in the library facility. Patrons using computers in the Library’s Technology Learning (TLC) Center have a once a day maximum time limit of 60 minutes. If you need additional time (for employment applications, educational coursework, filing taxes, and similar), please communicate that to the Library Staff member in the TLC.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All library staff are required to wear masks when working with the public or working in a public area; and may be further protected as their comfort level dictates.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The second-floor library collections and services, including Computer Services, are available.&nbsp;Please note that due to social distancing guidelines, computer availability and technology assistance is limited.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Social Distancing of six feet or more is encouraged and recommended whenever/wherever possible. Face masks and/or face shields are strongly recommended.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Book Drop is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. All returned items and donations must be returned in the book drop and go through a 72-hour quarantine process.The North Platte Public Library reserves the right to modify (stricter or loosen) these provisions of service based on Health Care Directives from the West Central District Health Department and/or City of North Platte Administration.You are using the library at your own risk. The North Platte Public Library is not responsible if you contract coronavirus or any other communicable disease. We are taking all precautions to protect our staff and our patrons.

North Platte Public Library announces changes to hours, policies 

North Platte Community College softball players Morganne Brown, of Milliken, Colo., and Jordan Young, of Johnstown, Colo., load a pickup bed with donated cases of water. The team has been collecting water, Gatorade, Powerade, granola bars and fruit snacks for the fire departments battling wildfires in Colorado.

So far, 170 cases of water have been received. The team is hoping to have 300 cases to deliver next weekend. Those interested in helping with the drive can contact any softball player, or Higgins at (515) 419-5801 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:higginsj@mpcc.edu" target="_blank">higginsj@mpcc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605284237133.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Community College softball players Morganne Brown, of Milliken, Colo., and Jordan Young, of Johnstown, Colo., load a pickup bed with donated cases of water. The team has been collecting water, Gatorade, Powerade, granola bars and fruit snacks for the fire departments battling wildfires in Colorado.So far, 170 cases of water have been received. The team is hoping to have 300 cases to deliver next weekend. Those interested in helping with the drive can contact any softball player, or Higgins at (515) 419-5801 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:higginsj@mpcc.edu" target="_blank">higginsj@mpcc.edu</a>.

NPCC softball team still seeking water for firefighters

With the rising cases of COVID-19, the North Platte Community Playhouse is canceling upcoming showings of Movies at the Fox.

The Playhouse had planned to start movies back up this weekend, but with the large increase in positive cases and the fact that the Community Risk Dial moved to "Extreme," organizers felt that the safety of the community should come first.

You can stay up to date with future events at the North Platte Community Playhouse by visiting northplattecommunityplayhouse.com.

With the rising cases of COVID-19, the North Platte Community Playhouse is canceling upcoming showings of Movies at the Fox.The Playhouse had planned to start movies back up this weekend, but with the large increase in positive cases and the fact that the Community Risk Dial moved to "Extreme," organizers felt that the safety of the community should come first.You can stay up to date with future events at the North Platte Community Playhouse by visiting northplattecommunityplayhouse.com.

Movies at the Fox canceled due to COVID concerns

The COVID-19 Community Risk Dial has been moved into the red or severe level by the West Central District Health Department.

According to WCDHD,&nbsp; the risk dial moved from a 3.12 up to a 3.65 this week, which moved
to the severe risk level. There were changes in the following
variables that contributed to movement in the dial:

Officials say we had an increase in the following:

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


While in the Severe Risk category,
physical distance of 6 feet or greater, wearing face coverings when
outside the home, frequent handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer),
staying home if you are having flu-like or COVID-like symptoms,
disinfecting high touch surfaces, and having at-risk and vulnerable
people remain home are recommended as the greatest tools in reducing
the spread of COVID-19. 

For more information on recommendations for
the various risk categories of the WCDHD Community Risk Dial, please
visit the <a href="https://wcdhd.org/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">COVID-19 Risk Dial page on our website.</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605226182131.png" alt="As of November 12, 2020" />
 <figcaption>As of November 12, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>The COVID-19 Community Risk Dial has been moved into the red or severe level by the West Central District Health Department.According to WCDHD,&nbsp; the risk dial moved from a 3.12 up to a 3.65 this week, which moved
to the severe risk level. There were changes in the following
variables that contributed to movement in the dial:Officials say we had an increase in the following:<ul>
 <li>Measure ID R0: Positivity Rate
	(Overall)
	</li><li>Measure ID R4: Average Daily
	Hospitalization
	</li><li>Measure ID R5: ICU Availability
	</li><li>Measure ID R6: Ventilator
	Availability
	</li><li>Measure ID R9: Testing Turnaround
	Time
</li>
 </ul>The COVID-19 Risk Dial provides
recommended guidance to help prevent and control the spread of
COVID-19. 
While in the Severe Risk category,
physical distance of 6 feet or greater, wearing face coverings when
outside the home, frequent handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer),
staying home if you are having flu-like or COVID-like symptoms,
disinfecting high touch surfaces, and having at-risk and vulnerable
people remain home are recommended as the greatest tools in reducing
the spread of COVID-19. For more information on recommendations for
the various risk categories of the WCDHD Community Risk Dial, please
visit the <a href="https://wcdhd.org/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">COVID-19 Risk Dial page on our website.</a>View the WCDHD COVID-19 Dashboard <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation">HERE</a>

WCDHD moves risk dial into Red level as cases continue to climb

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts threatened Thursday to reimpose the same social-distancing restrictions that forced some businesses to close this spring if the record number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continues to rise, but he remained opposed to a statewide mask mandate.

Ricketts said he's concerned that the sharp increase in cases over the last month will soon overwhelm the state's hospitals, a chaotic situation that would almost certainly lead to more deaths.

"If we see hospitalizations continue to increase, we will be taking additional restrictive measures," he said at a news conference via a video link, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-public-health-health-pete-ricketts-nebraska-0dcb6a3ddc8f4b87591f37e15a86ff44" target="_blank">he and Nebraska first lady Susanne Shore were exposed to the virus</a>&nbsp;earlier this week.

Ricketts, a Republican, never issued a formal stay-at-home order as most other states did, but his "directed health measures" earlier this year had a similar effect.

Public gatherings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3cb2249439728b35e064de257d084faf" target="_blank">were limited to 10 people</a>. Salons, tattoo parlors and nearly all bars were forced to close. Schools, daycares, gyms and libraries had to cap the number of people in a room at one time. Restaurants were restricted to take-out or delivery service only, and all but the very smallest church services, weddings, funerals, and sporting events were canceled.

"All of those options are on the table," Ricketts said as he implored residents to follow the state's voluntary guidelines, which encourage mask-wearing, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing.

Ricketts said he's still opposed to a statewide mask mandate, arguing previously that it breeds resentment among residents and may be difficult to enforce.

His dire warning came as Nebraska reported more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases for the second day in a row Wednesday and the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 remains at record levels in the state.

The state said 2,209 new virus cases and one death were reported Wednesday to give the state 89,942 cases and 731 deaths. And the number of people hospitalized with the virus increased to set another new record at 885.

The surge in cases has significantly increased demand for testing. At sites run by the state's main testing service, TestNebraska, the wait to get a test increased to 48 hours this week at most sites in Omaha and Lincoln. Officials with the state Department of Health and Human Services said testing capacity was increased in those cities recently to help meet the demand.

The state continues to have the sixth-highest rate of infection, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, and over the past week, one person in every 137 people in Nebraska was diagnosed with COVID-19.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has more than doubled over the past two weeks, going from 852.43 new cases per day on Oct. 28 to 1,953.29 new cases per day on Wednesday.

For most people, the new virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Ricketts has spent the last several days underscoring the pandemic's seriousness with stories from residents who were hospitalized with the virus. Steve Schrader, of Omaha, spent 37 days in the hospital and 19 days on a respirator after contracting the virus. His wife, Ann Schrader, called the experience "gut-wrenching, to say the least."

"It's Russian roulette," she said. "People who get it don't know if they'll have slight symptoms, no symptoms, or end up on a ventilator."

Steve Schrader said he initially believed his symptoms were allergies, but his condition quickly worsened. He said he has mostly recovered but still worries about the virus's impact on his health.

"We're still learning what (the virus) does to us and what the long-term issues are," he said.

Even though Ricketts has already reinstated some restrictions, Nebraska's top public health official urged residents to start acting as they did in the spring, when the state's coronavirus caseload was more manageable.

"Please, we need to slow this down," said Dr. Gary Anthone, Nebraska's chief medical officer. "We have to do what we did back in the spring. We have to limit our gatherings, we have to wear masks, and have to wash our hands."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605223691841.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts threatened Thursday to reimpose the same social-distancing restrictions that forced some businesses to close this spring if the record number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continues to rise, but he remained opposed to a statewide mask mandate.Ricketts said he's concerned that the sharp increase in cases over the last month will soon overwhelm the state's hospitals, a chaotic situation that would almost certainly lead to more deaths."If we see hospitalizations continue to increase, we will be taking additional restrictive measures," he said at a news conference via a video link, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-public-health-health-pete-ricketts-nebraska-0dcb6a3ddc8f4b87591f37e15a86ff44" target="_blank">he and Nebraska first lady Susanne Shore were exposed to the virus</a>&nbsp;earlier this week.Ricketts, a Republican, never issued a formal stay-at-home order as most other states did, but his "directed health measures" earlier this year had a similar effect.Public gatherings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3cb2249439728b35e064de257d084faf" target="_blank">were limited to 10 people</a>. Salons, tattoo parlors and nearly all bars were forced to close. Schools, daycares, gyms and libraries had to cap the number of people in a room at one time. Restaurants were restricted to take-out or delivery service only, and all but the very smallest church services, weddings, funerals, and sporting events were canceled."All of those options are on the table," Ricketts said as he implored residents to follow the state's voluntary guidelines, which encourage mask-wearing, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing.Ricketts said he's still opposed to a statewide mask mandate, arguing previously that it breeds resentment among residents and may be difficult to enforce.His dire warning came as Nebraska reported more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases for the second day in a row Wednesday and the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 remains at record levels in the state.The state said 2,209 new virus cases and one death were reported Wednesday to give the state 89,942 cases and 731 deaths. And the number of people hospitalized with the virus increased to set another new record at 885.The surge in cases has significantly increased demand for testing. At sites run by the state's main testing service, TestNebraska, the wait to get a test increased to 48 hours this week at most sites in Omaha and Lincoln. Officials with the state Department of Health and Human Services said testing capacity was increased in those cities recently to help meet the demand.The state continues to have the sixth-highest rate of infection, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, and over the past week, one person in every 137 people in Nebraska was diagnosed with COVID-19.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has more than doubled over the past two weeks, going from 852.43 new cases per day on Oct. 28 to 1,953.29 new cases per day on Wednesday.For most people, the new virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.Ricketts has spent the last several days underscoring the pandemic's seriousness with stories from residents who were hospitalized with the virus. Steve Schrader, of Omaha, spent 37 days in the hospital and 19 days on a respirator after contracting the virus. His wife, Ann Schrader, called the experience "gut-wrenching, to say the least.""It's Russian roulette," she said. "People who get it don't know if they'll have slight symptoms, no symptoms, or end up on a ventilator."Steve Schrader said he initially believed his symptoms were allergies, but his condition quickly worsened. He said he has mostly recovered but still worries about the virus's impact on his health."We're still learning what (the virus) does to us and what the long-term issues are," he said.Even though Ricketts has already reinstated some restrictions, Nebraska's top public health official urged residents to start acting as they did in the spring, when the state's coronavirus caseload was more manageable."Please, we need to slow this down," said Dr. Gary Anthone, Nebraska's chief medical officer. "We have to do what we did back in the spring. We have to limit our gatherings, we have to wear masks, and have to wash our hands."

Ricketts warns he may reimpose spring virus restrictions

To support our staff, administration, students, health care providers, and community, NPPS will provide an extended break for the week of November 23, 2020.&nbsp; All schools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, extending the Thanksgiving break for one full week.&nbsp; This closure does include all activities and events that were scheduled for the week.&nbsp; Schools will resume on Monday, November 30, 2020, at regularly scheduled times.

Over the past several weeks, North Platte Public Schools and the North Platte community have seen an uptick in COVID-19 quarantines and positive cases. &nbsp; This, coupled with Governor Pete Ricketts' latest ask to protect our hospitals, NPPS has followed suit in closing our schools to allow for a deep cleaning of all facilities and a much needed mental health break for staff and students. "NPPS is completing its 13th week of in-person and remote learning for all students. The teachers, principals, and support staff have been superheroes during these challenging times. The district continuously monitors the challenges, stresses, and emotional well-being of our staff," stated Dr. Ron Hanson, NPPS, Superintendent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News Release NPPSDTo support our staff, administration, students, health care providers, and community, NPPS will provide an extended break for the week of November 23, 2020.&nbsp; All schools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, extending the Thanksgiving break for one full week.&nbsp; This closure does include all activities and events that were scheduled for the week.&nbsp; Schools will resume on Monday, November 30, 2020, at regularly scheduled times.Over the past several weeks, North Platte Public Schools and the North Platte community have seen an uptick in COVID-19 quarantines and positive cases. &nbsp; This, coupled with Governor Pete Ricketts' latest ask to protect our hospitals, NPPS has followed suit in closing our schools to allow for a deep cleaning of all facilities and a much needed mental health break for staff and students. "NPPS is completing its 13th week of in-person and remote learning for all students. The teachers, principals, and support staff have been superheroes during these challenging times. The district continuously monitors the challenges, stresses, and emotional well-being of our staff," stated Dr. Ron Hanson, NPPS, Superintendent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte Public Schools extend Thanksgiving break to full week


As
hospitalizations due to COVID-19 continue to rise across the nation
and with Nebraska seeing an all-time high in hospitalizations,
hospitals across the state are nearing capacity. Great Plains Health
is no exception. 


“To
date, we have not exceeded capacity, but that could change very
quickly,” said Mel McNea, Great Plains Health chief executive
officer. “Hospital capacity fluctuates based on several factors
that, at times, vary by the hour.” Currently, Great Plains Health
has approximately 76 staffed beds and nearly 30 of those beds are
occupied by COVID-19 patients. 


“Mel
McNea, our CEO, is administrator-on-call this week, which means that
he is evaluating every case, every day to ensure we are still able to
provide safe care to our region,” said Megan McGown, marketing
manager. “Hospital leadership is assessing services to match care
demands, bed availability and staffing.” 


“Much
like hospitals across the state, we are about as full as we can get
and still serve the needs of the region,” said McNea. “This is a
fluid situation with staff availability, varying acuity of patients
and the resources needed to care for COVID patients, treat traumas
and continuing to care for sick patients. The capacity issue is not
unique to Great Plains Health. Across Nebraska, there are only 26
percent of beds available and that number is shrinking quickly.”

“We
need every member of our community to help change the course of this
disease,” said McNea. “We are pleading with you all to do the
actions that we know work: wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid
gatherings, stay home when you are sick and maintain a six-foot
social distance from others.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605223017076.png" alt="Photo: Pixabay.com" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Pixabay.com</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release GPH
As
hospitalizations due to COVID-19 continue to rise across the nation
and with Nebraska seeing an all-time high in hospitalizations,
hospitals across the state are nearing capacity. Great Plains Health
is no exception. 
“To
date, we have not exceeded capacity, but that could change very
quickly,” said Mel McNea, Great Plains Health chief executive
officer. “Hospital capacity fluctuates based on several factors
that, at times, vary by the hour.” Currently, Great Plains Health
has approximately 76 staffed beds and nearly 30 of those beds are
occupied by COVID-19 patients. 
“Mel
McNea, our CEO, is administrator-on-call this week, which means that
he is evaluating every case, every day to ensure we are still able to
provide safe care to our region,” said Megan McGown, marketing
manager. “Hospital leadership is assessing services to match care
demands, bed availability and staffing.” 
“Much
like hospitals across the state, we are about as full as we can get
and still serve the needs of the region,” said McNea. “This is a
fluid situation with staff availability, varying acuity of patients
and the resources needed to care for COVID patients, treat traumas
and continuing to care for sick patients. The capacity issue is not
unique to Great Plains Health. Across Nebraska, there are only 26
percent of beds available and that number is shrinking quickly.”“We
need every member of our community to help change the course of this
disease,” said McNea. “We are pleading with you all to do the
actions that we know work: wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid
gatherings, stay home when you are sick and maintain a six-foot
social distance from others.”

Great Plains Health, Nebraska hospitals nearing capacity as COVID hospitalizations rise

A North Platte woman has been accused of striking a man with a vehicle during a disagreement over some license plates.

According to North Platte police, on November 11, at 10:58 a.m., officers responded to the 1200 Block of East 4th Street on the report of a disturbance. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605179387970.jpeg" alt="Amanda Vanlengen" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Vanlengen</figcaption>
 </figure>A North Platte woman has been accused of striking a man with a vehicle during a disagreement over some license plates.According to North Platte police, on November 11, at 10:58 a.m., officers responded to the 1200 Block of East 4th Street on the report of a disturbance. Police say upon arrival, officers spoke with the alleged victim. Police say the victim indicated that he observed a car in the parking lot with license plates that were previously stolen from his girlfriend. The victim reported that he confronted the driver of the vehicle about the stolen license plates and the vehicle attempted to leave the area. According to police, it was reported that as the vehicle was leaving, it struck the victim before fleeing the scene. Officers were able to locate the vehicle shortly after the incident was reported and conducted a traffic stop. Officers made contact with the driver, 30-year-old Amanda Vanlengen. Police say officers were able to establish probable cause and Vanlengen was placed under arrest on suspicion of 2nd-degree assault and possession of stolen property. Vanlengen was incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center. The victim suffered minor injuries during the incident.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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