OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A group of infectious disease experts is urging Nebraskans to remain vigilant about social distancing as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in the state continue to rise.

Six scientists and physicians from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and its hospital partner, Nebraska Medicine, said the state is entering a dangerous period this fall as coronavirus cases increase, cooler weather drives more activities indoors and influenza season approaches. And Nebraska officials have eliminated most restrictions related to the coronavirus in favor of voluntary guidelines.

"We're at record numbers and going up, so we know we need to do more in terms of restricting those opportunities that allow the virus to spread," said Dr. James Lawler.

The doctors urged Nebraskans to wear masks, avoid large gatherings of people, stay home if they are sick and try to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others when in public,&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/unmc-experts-warn-nebraskans-of-potential-perfect-storm-as-coronavirus-cases-rise/article_dd1d840a-af90-57ec-a8b5-e131475b5074.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">according</a>&nbsp;to the Omaha World-Herald. Local rules require masks in Omaha and Lincoln but there is no statewide mask mandate in Nebraska.

The state reported 452 new cases of coronavirus and two new deaths Monday, bringing to 48,259 cases of COVID-19 and 503 deaths since the pandemic began.

The number of people hospitalized with the virus grew to a new record of 271 - well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27.

Nebraska's rate of infection ranked 11th-highest among states, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska has risen over the past two weeks from 12.58% on Sept. 21 to 13.1% on Monday.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has also increased over the past two weeks from 392.57 new cases per day on Sept. 21 to 534.86 new cases per day on Monday.

Nebraska officials said that even with the recent rise in cases roughly 30% of the state's intensive care beds and 79% of the ventilators remain available.

Gov. Pete Ricketts has said that officials are working with hospitals statewide to make sure they aren't overwhelmed with virus cases. He says the hospital statistics show the state's medical facilities still have capacity to treat more patients.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A group of infectious disease experts is urging Nebraskans to remain vigilant about social distancing as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in the state continue to rise.Six scientists and physicians from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and its hospital partner, Nebraska Medicine, said the state is entering a dangerous period this fall as coronavirus cases increase, cooler weather drives more activities indoors and influenza season approaches. And Nebraska officials have eliminated most restrictions related to the coronavirus in favor of voluntary guidelines."We're at record numbers and going up, so we know we need to do more in terms of restricting those opportunities that allow the virus to spread," said Dr. James Lawler.The doctors urged Nebraskans to wear masks, avoid large gatherings of people, stay home if they are sick and try to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others when in public,&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/unmc-experts-warn-nebraskans-of-potential-perfect-storm-as-coronavirus-cases-rise/article_dd1d840a-af90-57ec-a8b5-e131475b5074.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">according</a>&nbsp;to the Omaha World-Herald. Local rules require masks in Omaha and Lincoln but there is no statewide mask mandate in Nebraska.The state reported 452 new cases of coronavirus and two new deaths Monday, bringing to 48,259 cases of COVID-19 and 503 deaths since the pandemic began.The number of people hospitalized with the virus grew to a new record of 271 - well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27.Nebraska's rate of infection ranked 11th-highest among states, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska has risen over the past two weeks from 12.58% on Sept. 21 to 13.1% on Monday.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has also increased over the past two weeks from 392.57 new cases per day on Sept. 21 to 534.86 new cases per day on Monday.Nebraska officials said that even with the recent rise in cases roughly 30% of the state's intensive care beds and 79% of the ventilators remain available.Gov. Pete Ricketts has said that officials are working with hospitals statewide to make sure they aren't overwhelmed with virus cases. He says the hospital statistics show the state's medical facilities still have capacity to treat more patients.

Doctors urge Nebraskans to take virus precautions seriously

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - State regulators on Tuesday ordered the Nebraska Republican Party to temporarily halt robocalls aimed at a GOP candidate who is challenging one of the party's incumbent state lawmakers.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission issued the complaint against the state GOP and one of its contractors, Remington Research Group of Kansas City, Missouri.

The complaint alleges that the groups made robocalls without disclosing the phone number and address of the person operating the auto-dialing service, as required by state law. It also contends that neither group registered with the commission or filed a script of the call, as required.

The complaint came after legislative candidate Janet Palmtag filed a complaint with the commission last week, alleging that the GOP aired ads falsely claiming that she was lying about her endorsements.

Palmtag is looking to unseat fellow Republican state Sen. Julie Slama, to represent Legislative District 1 in southeast Nebraska. The officially nonpartisan race has turned unusually nasty.

Slama was appointed to the seat by Gov. Pete Ricketts in 2018, and is endorsed by the governor. Palmtag has won endorsements from other Republicans, including former Gov. Dave Heineman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588277437676.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - State regulators on Tuesday ordered the Nebraska Republican Party to temporarily halt robocalls aimed at a GOP candidate who is challenging one of the party's incumbent state lawmakers.The Nebraska Public Service Commission issued the complaint against the state GOP and one of its contractors, Remington Research Group of Kansas City, Missouri.The complaint alleges that the groups made robocalls without disclosing the phone number and address of the person operating the auto-dialing service, as required by state law. It also contends that neither group registered with the commission or filed a script of the call, as required.The complaint came after legislative candidate Janet Palmtag filed a complaint with the commission last week, alleging that the GOP aired ads falsely claiming that she was lying about her endorsements.Palmtag is looking to unseat fellow Republican state Sen. Julie Slama, to represent Legislative District 1 in southeast Nebraska. The officially nonpartisan race has turned unusually nasty.Slama was appointed to the seat by Gov. Pete Ricketts in 2018, and is endorsed by the governor. Palmtag has won endorsements from other Republicans, including former Gov. Dave Heineman.

State commission orders Nebraska GOP to stop robocalls

10.6.2020 NPHS Volleyball @ Kearney Catholic LIVESTREAM

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Enrolling in dual credit classes at Mid-Plains Community College is more affordable than ever.

MPCC is offering a $10 per credit hour discount for the spring semester. That makes the cost of tuition and fees $102 per credit hour – down from the previous rate of $112 per credit hour.

Dual credit courses count toward both high school and college credit simultaneously. They offer time and cost savings while providing students with a head start on a higher education.

The discount for the classes is possible thanks to funds appropriated by the Nebraska Legislature to promote dual credit enrollment.

“We see this as a great opportunity that will allow more students to take advantage of the many benefits of dual credit,” said Paul Knopick, MPCC area director of Early Entry and Program Development. “By lowering the cost of dual credit, we hope to help students make their college goals a reality. These funds will help more students achieve those goals and, ideally, continue on to college after high school.”

Students enrolled in dual credit classes this semester will also benefit from the discounted rate. They will receive $10 back for every credit hour they are taking. For example, those taking a three-credit hour class will receive a $30 credit on their student account that can be applied toward dual credit classes in the spring.

Any unused funds in student accounts after the spring enrollment period, approximately the end of January, will be refunded by check.

Students currently taking dual credit classes can register for spring courses Oct. 12. New students can register for spring classes during the open enrollment period that begins Oct. 19.

More information about dual credit and the opportunities it provides can be found on the Mid-Plains website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/become-a-student/high-school-student" target="_blank">mpcc.edu/become-a-student/high-school-student</a>.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Enrolling in dual credit classes at Mid-Plains Community College is more affordable than ever.MPCC is offering a $10 per credit hour discount for the spring semester. That makes the cost of tuition and fees $102 per credit hour – down from the previous rate of $112 per credit hour.Dual credit courses count toward both high school and college credit simultaneously. They offer time and cost savings while providing students with a head start on a higher education.The discount for the classes is possible thanks to funds appropriated by the Nebraska Legislature to promote dual credit enrollment.“We see this as a great opportunity that will allow more students to take advantage of the many benefits of dual credit,” said Paul Knopick, MPCC area director of Early Entry and Program Development. “By lowering the cost of dual credit, we hope to help students make their college goals a reality. These funds will help more students achieve those goals and, ideally, continue on to college after high school.”Students enrolled in dual credit classes this semester will also benefit from the discounted rate. They will receive $10 back for every credit hour they are taking. For example, those taking a three-credit hour class will receive a $30 credit on their student account that can be applied toward dual credit classes in the spring.Any unused funds in student accounts after the spring enrollment period, approximately the end of January, will be refunded by check.Students currently taking dual credit classes can register for spring courses Oct. 12. New students can register for spring classes during the open enrollment period that begins Oct. 19.More information about dual credit and the opportunities it provides can be found on the Mid-Plains website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/become-a-student/high-school-student" target="_blank">mpcc.edu/become-a-student/high-school-student</a>.

MPCC offers discounted rate for dual credit classes

Scientists and physicians from UNMC and Nebraska Medicine provide advice to the community in light of an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Nebraska.

Scientists and physicians from UNMC and Nebraska Medicine provide advice to the community in light of an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Nebraska.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaMed%2Fvideos%2F802001537239267%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

UNMC/Nebraska Medicine experts give advice as virus cases rise


On October 6th from 4:00 pm -7:00 pm registrants of the
Doggy Dash are invited stop by NebraskaLand National Bank (121 N
Dewey Location) and pick up their Doggy Dash shirts and medals.
Simply drive thru the parking lot and our volunteers will bring your
Doggy Dash goodies right to your car. No need to even leave your
vehicle.  


Also on October
6th from 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm, if you mention the Community
Connections Fundraiser at the Raising Canes drive-thru, Cane’s will
donate 15% of sales to Community Connections. 


<a></a>
Thank you to all our sponsors who supported this year’s Doggy Dash.
Especially our “Top Dog” sponsor, Nebraskaland National Bank. 
Our gold level sponsors which include Adams Bank &amp; Trust,
Westfield Small Animal Clinic, and Smart Marketing. Our silver level
sponsors include First National Bank, Elks Lodge #985, Walmart
Distribution Center, Great Plains Foot and Ankle Specialists, and
Raising Canes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601939271055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release
On October 6th from 4:00 pm -7:00 pm registrants of the
Doggy Dash are invited stop by NebraskaLand National Bank (121 N
Dewey Location) and pick up their Doggy Dash shirts and medals.
Simply drive thru the parking lot and our volunteers will bring your
Doggy Dash goodies right to your car. No need to even leave your
vehicle. 
Also on October
6th from 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm, if you mention the Community
Connections Fundraiser at the Raising Canes drive-thru, Cane’s will
donate 15% of sales to Community Connections. 
<a></a>
Thank you to all our sponsors who supported this year’s Doggy Dash.
Especially our “Top Dog” sponsor, Nebraskaland National Bank. 
Our gold level sponsors which include Adams Bank &amp; Trust,
Westfield Small Animal Clinic, and Smart Marketing. Our silver level
sponsors include First National Bank, Elks Lodge #985, Walmart
Distribution Center, Great Plains Foot and Ankle Specialists, and
Raising Canes.

'Doggy Dash' registrants can pick up shirts Tuesday

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Jacob Hueftle, 30, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, and Hidden Hills Outfitters, LLC (HHO) were sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon for conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and the Migratory Bird Act.&nbsp; The Lacey Act prohibits the trafficking in interstate commerce "tainted" (i.e., taken in violation of a law or regulation) wildlife, fish, or indigenous plants.&nbsp; The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits, among other things, the shooting and killing of hawks, falcons, and other migratory birds.<a></a>

Hueftle and HHO each admitted to one felony conspiracy count involving the illegal transport, purchase, and sale of wildlife in interstate commerce.&nbsp; Hueftle was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After his release from prison, Hueftle will begin a three-year term of supervised release.&nbsp; As part of his term of supervised release, and pursuant to the plea agreement, Hueftle will not be permitted to&nbsp;hunt, trap, guide, outfit, or otherwise engage in any activities associated with the hunting, trapping, guiding, or outfitting business for fifteen (15) years.&nbsp; Senior Judge Bataillon ordered Hueftle and HHO to pay $214,375 in restitution.&nbsp;Hueftle was also ordered to forfeit or abandon his interest in a .308 caliber DPMS Panther Arms LR-308 scoped rifle, four trophy mule deer and pronghorn taxidermy mounts, and various optics, electronic game cameras, and other hunting equipment used during the commission of the conspiracy.

An investigation determined that between September 2012 and April 2018, Jacob Hueftle, HHO, and other conspirators provided guiding and outfitting services to hunting clients for the unlawful taking of no less than 97 big game animals or wild turkeys in violation of Nebraska State Law including 30 white-tailed deer, 34 mule deer, six pronghorn, and 27 wild turkey.&nbsp; HHO contracted hunting clients residing almost exclusively outside the state of Nebraska including at least 118 clients from 21 states outside of Nebraska.&nbsp; HHO provided guiding and hunting services to contracted hunting clients for $2,500 to $7,000 depending upon the target species.

The investigation determined that&nbsp;Hueftle and&nbsp;other HHO associates intentionally established and maintained bait sites at or near client hunting locations for the purpose of taking big game or turkey.&nbsp; Law enforcement determined that approximately 80 percent of the archery white-tailed deer clients killed their deer within a baited area and that approximately one-half of HHO rifle white-tailed deer hunting clients hunted and killed their deer within a baited area.&nbsp; Other illegal hunting activity included hunting mule deer within the Nebraska Mule Deer Conservation Area, altering hunting permits, taking turkey in excess of established bag limits, and taking mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, and wild turkey with rifles or other prohibited weapons.

It was also determined&nbsp;Hueftle&nbsp;and other HHO associates routinely killed non-game migratory birds with a rifle, including various native species of hawks or falcons such as red-tailed hawks and American kestrels, by shooting the birds while perched upon fence lines or electrical power lines.

The sentencing hearing today is part of the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by owners, guides, and clients of Hidden Hills Outfitters.&nbsp; To date, 31 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced and ordered to pay a total of $570,453 in fines and restitution for underlying violations related to deer taken within baited areas; deer, pronghorn, and wild turkeys taken with weapons or firearms prohibited during their respective hunting seasons; deer taken during closed season hours, from the road, or without a valid permit; and mule deer taken within the Mule Deer Conservation Area. &nbsp;

"Today's sentencing is a testament to the commitment of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Nebraska Game and Parks to protect the wildlife resources of Nebraska," said Dan Coil, Acting Special Agent in Charge, for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, Interior Region 5. "This investigation was a great example of the agencies working together to apprehend those profiting from the illegal take of wildlife at the expense of us all."&nbsp;

The operation was a joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division.

News Release US Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Jacob Hueftle, 30, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, and Hidden Hills Outfitters, LLC (HHO) were sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon for conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and the Migratory Bird Act.&nbsp; The Lacey Act prohibits the trafficking in interstate commerce "tainted" (i.e., taken in violation of a law or regulation) wildlife, fish, or indigenous plants.&nbsp; The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits, among other things, the shooting and killing of hawks, falcons, and other migratory birds.<a></a>Hueftle and HHO each admitted to one felony conspiracy count involving the illegal transport, purchase, and sale of wildlife in interstate commerce.&nbsp; Hueftle was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After his release from prison, Hueftle will begin a three-year term of supervised release.&nbsp; As part of his term of supervised release, and pursuant to the plea agreement, Hueftle will not be permitted to&nbsp;hunt, trap, guide, outfit, or otherwise engage in any activities associated with the hunting, trapping, guiding, or outfitting business for fifteen (15) years.&nbsp; Senior Judge Bataillon ordered Hueftle and HHO to pay $214,375 in restitution.&nbsp;Hueftle was also ordered to forfeit or abandon his interest in a .308 caliber DPMS Panther Arms LR-308 scoped rifle, four trophy mule deer and pronghorn taxidermy mounts, and various optics, electronic game cameras, and other hunting equipment used during the commission of the conspiracy.An investigation determined that between September 2012 and April 2018, Jacob Hueftle, HHO, and other conspirators provided guiding and outfitting services to hunting clients for the unlawful taking of no less than 97 big game animals or wild turkeys in violation of Nebraska State Law including 30 white-tailed deer, 34 mule deer, six pronghorn, and 27 wild turkey.&nbsp; HHO contracted hunting clients residing almost exclusively outside the state of Nebraska including at least 118 clients from 21 states outside of Nebraska.&nbsp; HHO provided guiding and hunting services to contracted hunting clients for $2,500 to $7,000 depending upon the target species.The investigation determined that&nbsp;Hueftle and&nbsp;other HHO associates intentionally established and maintained bait sites at or near client hunting locations for the purpose of taking big game or turkey.&nbsp; Law enforcement determined that approximately 80 percent of the archery white-tailed deer clients killed their deer within a baited area and that approximately one-half of HHO rifle white-tailed deer hunting clients hunted and killed their deer within a baited area.&nbsp; Other illegal hunting activity included hunting mule deer within the Nebraska Mule Deer Conservation Area, altering hunting permits, taking turkey in excess of established bag limits, and taking mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, and wild turkey with rifles or other prohibited weapons.It was also determined&nbsp;Hueftle&nbsp;and other HHO associates routinely killed non-game migratory birds with a rifle, including various native species of hawks or falcons such as red-tailed hawks and American kestrels, by shooting the birds while perched upon fence lines or electrical power lines.The sentencing hearing today is part of the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by owners, guides, and clients of Hidden Hills Outfitters.&nbsp; To date, 31 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced and ordered to pay a total of $570,453 in fines and restitution for underlying violations related to deer taken within baited areas; deer, pronghorn, and wild turkeys taken with weapons or firearms prohibited during their respective hunting seasons; deer taken during closed season hours, from the road, or without a valid permit; and mule deer taken within the Mule Deer Conservation Area. &nbsp;"Today's sentencing is a testament to the commitment of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Nebraska Game and Parks to protect the wildlife resources of Nebraska," said Dan Coil, Acting Special Agent in Charge, for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, Interior Region 5. "This investigation was a great example of the agencies working together to apprehend those profiting from the illegal take of wildlife at the expense of us all."&nbsp;The operation was a joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division.

Broken Bow man sentenced for wildlife violations

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The number of deaths linked to the coronavirus has topped 500 in Nebraska, and more people are hospitalized with the virus than ever before.

The state reported four new deaths and 404 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday to give Nebraska 501 deaths and 47,807 cases of the virus since the pandemic began.

The number of hospitalizations for the virus jumped to 249 on Saturday and remained at that level on Sunday. Previously, the number of people being treated in Nebraska hospitals peaked at 232 on May 27, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker.</a>

But even with the high number of hospitalizations, Nebraska said 33% of the state's intensive care beds and 78% of the ventilators remained available.

Last month, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-ricketts-lincoln-virus-outbreak-archive-nebraska-e280640ba95931e6020e21a974b11396" target="_blank">eliminated</a>&nbsp;nearly all of the state's social-distancing restrictions in favor of voluntary guidelines. Ricketts has said the hospital statistics show the state's medical facilities have not been overwhelmed with virus cases.

On Monday, Ricketts said his administration was working daily with hospitals throughout Nebraska to ensure that they don't fill beyond their capacity. But he said he doesn't foresee and big changes to the state's approach to the pandemic.

"We're always willing to make adjustments to our plans based upon conditions," he said. "Right now, we're continuing to manage it."

Nebraska continues to report a high rate of virus cases. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska has risen over the past two weeks from 11.86% on Sept. 20 to 13.49% on Sunday, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The number of deaths linked to the coronavirus has topped 500 in Nebraska, and more people are hospitalized with the virus than ever before.The state reported four new deaths and 404 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday to give Nebraska 501 deaths and 47,807 cases of the virus since the pandemic began.The number of hospitalizations for the virus jumped to 249 on Saturday and remained at that level on Sunday. Previously, the number of people being treated in Nebraska hospitals peaked at 232 on May 27, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker.</a>But even with the high number of hospitalizations, Nebraska said 33% of the state's intensive care beds and 78% of the ventilators remained available.Last month, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-ricketts-lincoln-virus-outbreak-archive-nebraska-e280640ba95931e6020e21a974b11396" target="_blank">eliminated</a>&nbsp;nearly all of the state's social-distancing restrictions in favor of voluntary guidelines. Ricketts has said the hospital statistics show the state's medical facilities have not been overwhelmed with virus cases.On Monday, Ricketts said his administration was working daily with hospitals throughout Nebraska to ensure that they don't fill beyond their capacity. But he said he doesn't foresee and big changes to the state's approach to the pandemic."We're always willing to make adjustments to our plans based upon conditions," he said. "Right now, we're continuing to manage it."Nebraska continues to report a high rate of virus cases. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska has risen over the past two weeks from 11.86% on Sept. 20 to 13.49% on Sunday, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University.

Nebraska virus hospitalizations hit new high over weekend

Last week, I proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month in Nebraska to recognize the great work of our state’s innovators, builders, and creators. &nbsp;While most people recognize agriculture as Nebraska’s top industry, it’s also important to recognize that manufacturing is our second-largest economic sector.&nbsp;

Manufacturing is a big part of growing great opportunities in the Good Life.&nbsp; According to the National Association of Manufacturers, Nebraska’s total output from manufacturing was over $14 billion in 2018.&nbsp; That represents 11.5% of the gross state product.&nbsp; Manufacturing employment in the state is around 100,000, or ten percent of our state’s total nonfarm employment.&nbsp; From medical equipment to administer future coronavirus vaccines to ag processing, Nebraska’s manufacturers are making premium products that build a great quality of life for people around the world.

In the midst of the pandemic, Nebraska’s manufacturers are doing extraordinary things in the life of our nation.&nbsp; This includes helping to deliver a coronavirus vaccine.&nbsp; Through a partnership with the federal government, Becton Dickinson (BD) is investing $70 million to boost its manufacturing capacity in the state.&nbsp; BD is making use of the extra capacity to produce 50 million needles and syringes by December to support coronavirus vaccination in the United States.

Nebraska’s manufacturers are also helping to feed the world.&nbsp; Nebraska is the Silicon Valley of irrigation technology.&nbsp; The vast majority of the world’s center pivot irrigation systems are made here in Nebraska by companies like Lindsay, Reinke, T-L Irrigation, and Valmont. &nbsp;At the beginning of the year, Valmont signed a major agreement to manufacture center pivots for the nation of Kazakhstan in central Asia.&nbsp; Its high-tech machinery is expected to increase crop productivity and lower agricultural costs by fifty percent in Kazakhstan.

Nebraska continues to be a desirable home for food manufacturers.&nbsp; In September, Scoular celebrated the grand opening of its $50-million Petsource facility in Seward to manufacture ingredients for pet food.&nbsp;&nbsp;Petsource is bringing 100 jobs to the Seward community and will be sourced with Nebraska beef, creating opportunities for our state’s ranchers.&nbsp; In South Sioux City last month, Ingredion cut ribbon on a 195,000 square-foot manufacturing facility. &nbsp;The former soy processing plant will be used to extract proteins from peas to make wellness ingredients.&nbsp; Additionally, Hormel Foods has announced that it will open a new manufacturing plant in Papillion, bringing 200 jobs to the area.&nbsp; In August, Vireo broke ground on a $15-million facility in Plattsmouth that will create up to 200 jobs in Cass County.&nbsp; Vireo has had great success commercializing inventions and technologies developed at UNMC.&nbsp; Its manufacturing expertise is helping turn Nebraska brainpower into immune support supplements.

Nebraska’s manufacturers are even helping to take space exploration to new heights.&nbsp; Royal Engineered Composites in Minden is supporting NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, which began on July 30th.&nbsp; As part of the mission, NASA is scheduled to land a rover on Mars in February 2021.&nbsp; Royal Engineered Composites is manufacturing components for NASA’s Atlas V rocket to keep the payload cool on the launch platform.

While Nebraska’s manufacturers are designing and building some cool stuff, they’re also creating great-paying jobs for Nebraskans.&nbsp; On average, manufacturing jobs in the state have an annual compensation of over $66,000.&nbsp; These jobs put food on the table and gas in the tank. &nbsp;They help families to own their own homes and afford healthcare costs. &nbsp;They make it appealing for young Nebraskans to stay in our state after graduation.&nbsp; And they offer the rewarding opportunity to use cutting-edge technologies to create needed products. &nbsp;

Not only do manufacturers bring jobs to our state, they’re also actively equipping the next generation to excel in these careers.&nbsp; The State launched the Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) in 2015 to give our state’s students exposure to in-demand careers early on in their education.&nbsp; DYTI fosters partnerships between local employers and schools to promote hands-on career exploration and skills development for middle school students.&nbsp; Through DYTI, Nebraska manufacturers like MetalQuest in Hebron, Reinke in Deshler, Orthman in Lexington, and Cyclonaire in York are providing opportunities for middle school students to get involved in manufacturing.&nbsp; Aside from the influence of parents and friends, students’ experiences are the greatest factor in their choice of career.&nbsp; It’s important to give kids exposure to great career paths early on in life. &nbsp;

Manufacturers across Nebraska, such as CLAAS in Omaha, Aulick Industries in Scottsbluff, and Behlen in Columbus, also partner with high schools and colleges to offer Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) to students.&nbsp; Youth RAs allow high school students to gain on-the-job experience while earning college credits.&nbsp; For high school graduates, RAs offer the opportunity to earn while learning.&nbsp; All RA programs include a classroom learning component, and many employers will pay the way for apprentices who later wish to attain a degree.&nbsp; This arrangement allows them to make money right out of high school and limits their college student debt.&nbsp; As we ramp up these programs, manufacturers will be able to find top-notch talent right in their own backyards.

Nebraska’s manufacturers have been incredibly resilient during 2020.&nbsp; They’ve done excellent work to rearrange physical spaces to keep teammates socially distanced and healthy on the job.&nbsp; They instituted a number of protocols, like face coverings and temperature checks, to ensure healthy workplaces.&nbsp; Many of them have even shifted production to make items urgently needed during the pandemic.&nbsp; For example, Green Plains in York redirected its resources from ethanol production in order to manufacture industrial alcohol for hand santizers.&nbsp; This innovative spirit is helping to get Nebraska growing following the disruptions of coronavirus.

If you’d like to learn more about Nebraska manufacturing, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; At the State, we’re committed to giving our manufacturers the tools they need to build a great future for Nebraskans.

Governor's Weekly ColumnBy Governor Pete RickettsLast week, I proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month in Nebraska to recognize the great work of our state’s innovators, builders, and creators. &nbsp;While most people recognize agriculture as Nebraska’s top industry, it’s also important to recognize that manufacturing is our second-largest economic sector.&nbsp;Manufacturing is a big part of growing great opportunities in the Good Life.&nbsp; According to the National Association of Manufacturers, Nebraska’s total output from manufacturing was over $14 billion in 2018.&nbsp; That represents 11.5% of the gross state product.&nbsp; Manufacturing employment in the state is around 100,000, or ten percent of our state’s total nonfarm employment.&nbsp; From medical equipment to administer future coronavirus vaccines to ag processing, Nebraska’s manufacturers are making premium products that build a great quality of life for people around the world.In the midst of the pandemic, Nebraska’s manufacturers are doing extraordinary things in the life of our nation.&nbsp; This includes helping to deliver a coronavirus vaccine.&nbsp; Through a partnership with the federal government, Becton Dickinson (BD) is investing $70 million to boost its manufacturing capacity in the state.&nbsp; BD is making use of the extra capacity to produce 50 million needles and syringes by December to support coronavirus vaccination in the United States.Nebraska’s manufacturers are also helping to feed the world.&nbsp; Nebraska is the Silicon Valley of irrigation technology.&nbsp; The vast majority of the world’s center pivot irrigation systems are made here in Nebraska by companies like Lindsay, Reinke, T-L Irrigation, and Valmont. &nbsp;At the beginning of the year, Valmont signed a major agreement to manufacture center pivots for the nation of Kazakhstan in central Asia.&nbsp; Its high-tech machinery is expected to increase crop productivity and lower agricultural costs by fifty percent in Kazakhstan.Nebraska continues to be a desirable home for food manufacturers.&nbsp; In September, Scoular celebrated the grand opening of its $50-million Petsource facility in Seward to manufacture ingredients for pet food.&nbsp;&nbsp;Petsource is bringing 100 jobs to the Seward community and will be sourced with Nebraska beef, creating opportunities for our state’s ranchers.&nbsp; In South Sioux City last month, Ingredion cut ribbon on a 195,000 square-foot manufacturing facility. &nbsp;The former soy processing plant will be used to extract proteins from peas to make wellness ingredients.&nbsp; Additionally, Hormel Foods has announced that it will open a new manufacturing plant in Papillion, bringing 200 jobs to the area.&nbsp; In August, Vireo broke ground on a $15-million facility in Plattsmouth that will create up to 200 jobs in Cass County.&nbsp; Vireo has had great success commercializing inventions and technologies developed at UNMC.&nbsp; Its manufacturing expertise is helping turn Nebraska brainpower into immune support supplements.Nebraska’s manufacturers are even helping to take space exploration to new heights.&nbsp; Royal Engineered Composites in Minden is supporting NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, which began on July 30th.&nbsp; As part of the mission, NASA is scheduled to land a rover on Mars in February 2021.&nbsp; Royal Engineered Composites is manufacturing components for NASA’s Atlas V rocket to keep the payload cool on the launch platform.While Nebraska’s manufacturers are designing and building some cool stuff, they’re also creating great-paying jobs for Nebraskans.&nbsp; On average, manufacturing jobs in the state have an annual compensation of over $66,000.&nbsp; These jobs put food on the table and gas in the tank. &nbsp;They help families to own their own homes and afford healthcare costs. &nbsp;They make it appealing for young Nebraskans to stay in our state after graduation.&nbsp; And they offer the rewarding opportunity to use cutting-edge technologies to create needed products. &nbsp;Not only do manufacturers bring jobs to our state, they’re also actively equipping the next generation to excel in these careers.&nbsp; The State launched the Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) in 2015 to give our state’s students exposure to in-demand careers early on in their education.&nbsp; DYTI fosters partnerships between local employers and schools to promote hands-on career exploration and skills development for middle school students.&nbsp; Through DYTI, Nebraska manufacturers like MetalQuest in Hebron, Reinke in Deshler, Orthman in Lexington, and Cyclonaire in York are providing opportunities for middle school students to get involved in manufacturing.&nbsp; Aside from the influence of parents and friends, students’ experiences are the greatest factor in their choice of career.&nbsp; It’s important to give kids exposure to great career paths early on in life. &nbsp;Manufacturers across Nebraska, such as CLAAS in Omaha, Aulick Industries in Scottsbluff, and Behlen in Columbus, also partner with high schools and colleges to offer Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) to students.&nbsp; Youth RAs allow high school students to gain on-the-job experience while earning college credits.&nbsp; For high school graduates, RAs offer the opportunity to earn while learning.&nbsp; All RA programs include a classroom learning component, and many employers will pay the way for apprentices who later wish to attain a degree.&nbsp; This arrangement allows them to make money right out of high school and limits their college student debt.&nbsp; As we ramp up these programs, manufacturers will be able to find top-notch talent right in their own backyards.Nebraska’s manufacturers have been incredibly resilient during 2020.&nbsp; They’ve done excellent work to rearrange physical spaces to keep teammates socially distanced and healthy on the job.&nbsp; They instituted a number of protocols, like face coverings and temperature checks, to ensure healthy workplaces.&nbsp; Many of them have even shifted production to make items urgently needed during the pandemic.&nbsp; For example, Green Plains in York redirected its resources from ethanol production in order to manufacture industrial alcohol for hand santizers.&nbsp; This innovative spirit is helping to get Nebraska growing following the disruptions of coronavirus.If you’d like to learn more about Nebraska manufacturing, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; At the State, we’re committed to giving our manufacturers the tools they need to build a great future for Nebraskans.

COLUMN Gov. Ricketts: Made in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Some of the biggest conservative names in Nebraska politics lined up Monday against ballot measures to legalize casinos, which they argue would fuel an increase in gambling addictions and related social problems.

Voters will decide next month whether to allow casinos at state-licensed race tracks in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Columbus and South Sioux City. In-person, early voting for the general election started Monday.

Opponents of the legalization measure drew vocal support from Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, former Gov. Kay Orr, former Nebraska football coach U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne, and a handful of state lawmakers.

"We feel that these initiatives are certain to damage that quality of living," Osborne said. He said the people affected most "will be the family, spouses and children of those have a gambling problem."

Backers argue that the three measures, which would legalize, tax and regulate the industry, would create jobs and a new source of state tax revenue.

Opponents tried to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-ricketts-medical-marijuana-archive-nebraska-marijuana-b70ec858d83bc54f2756fca22517d948" target="_blank">keep the issue off the ballot</a>&nbsp;with a lawsuit in September, but the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that the question can go to voters.

Ricketts said Nebraskans are generally prudent, fiscally responsible and take care of their families, and "casino gambling is opposed to all of those values."

He pointed to the high-profile cases of former state Sen. Brenda Council, a lawyer who pleaded guilty in 2012 to misdemeanor charges, lost her reelection bid and was disbarred after she admitted to using campaign money to gamble at casinos. Ricketts also cited a Lincoln pharmacist who was sentenced to prison in 2016 for defrauding the Medicaid system out of $14.4 million so he could gamble.

"We already fight gambling addition here in our state," Ricketts said. "This will make it so much worse."

Backers counter that Nebraska already has gambling-related problems because of the legal casinos in neighboring Iowa, just a short drive from Omaha across the Missouri River. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska recently opened a casino in Carter Lake, a town that's technically a part of Iowa but is located on the western side of the Missouri River and surrounded by Omaha.

A call to the pro-casino group Keep the Money in Nebraska wasn't immediately returned Monday.

Supporters also say casinos will create jobs and help the state's struggling horse-racing industry. The main group behind the ballot campaign is Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, which has worked on other job-creation projects in Nebraska and Iowa.

Pat Loontjer, executive director of the anti-casino group Gambling with the Good Life, said she expects to be outspent by gambling supporters but still plan to campaign against it. The group successfully derailed similar ballot measures in the early 2000s.

Nate Grasz, policy director of the Nebraska Family Alliance, said he's concerned that casinos will exploit low-income residents, who make up a large portion of the industry's customer base.

"We cannot protect the poor and vulnerable in our state while simultaneously inviting in an industry that relies on blatantly exploiting the poor and the vulnerable," he said.

Former Republican Govs. Dave Heineman and Mike Johanns and Democratic Gov. Bob Kerrey have also voiced opposition to casino gambling.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Some of the biggest conservative names in Nebraska politics lined up Monday against ballot measures to legalize casinos, which they argue would fuel an increase in gambling addictions and related social problems.Voters will decide next month whether to allow casinos at state-licensed race tracks in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Columbus and South Sioux City. In-person, early voting for the general election started Monday.Opponents of the legalization measure drew vocal support from Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, former Gov. Kay Orr, former Nebraska football coach U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne, and a handful of state lawmakers."We feel that these initiatives are certain to damage that quality of living," Osborne said. He said the people affected most "will be the family, spouses and children of those have a gambling problem."Backers argue that the three measures, which would legalize, tax and regulate the industry, would create jobs and a new source of state tax revenue.Opponents tried to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-ricketts-medical-marijuana-archive-nebraska-marijuana-b70ec858d83bc54f2756fca22517d948" target="_blank">keep the issue off the ballot</a>&nbsp;with a lawsuit in September, but the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that the question can go to voters.Ricketts said Nebraskans are generally prudent, fiscally responsible and take care of their families, and "casino gambling is opposed to all of those values."He pointed to the high-profile cases of former state Sen. Brenda Council, a lawyer who pleaded guilty in 2012 to misdemeanor charges, lost her reelection bid and was disbarred after she admitted to using campaign money to gamble at casinos. Ricketts also cited a Lincoln pharmacist who was sentenced to prison in 2016 for defrauding the Medicaid system out of $14.4 million so he could gamble."We already fight gambling addition here in our state," Ricketts said. "This will make it so much worse."Backers counter that Nebraska already has gambling-related problems because of the legal casinos in neighboring Iowa, just a short drive from Omaha across the Missouri River. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska recently opened a casino in Carter Lake, a town that's technically a part of Iowa but is located on the western side of the Missouri River and surrounded by Omaha.A call to the pro-casino group Keep the Money in Nebraska wasn't immediately returned Monday.Supporters also say casinos will create jobs and help the state's struggling horse-racing industry. The main group behind the ballot campaign is Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, which has worked on other job-creation projects in Nebraska and Iowa.Pat Loontjer, executive director of the anti-casino group Gambling with the Good Life, said she expects to be outspent by gambling supporters but still plan to campaign against it. The group successfully derailed similar ballot measures in the early 2000s.Nate Grasz, policy director of the Nebraska Family Alliance, said he's concerned that casinos will exploit low-income residents, who make up a large portion of the industry's customer base."We cannot protect the poor and vulnerable in our state while simultaneously inviting in an industry that relies on blatantly exploiting the poor and the vulnerable," he said.Former Republican Govs. Dave Heineman and Mike Johanns and Democratic Gov. Bob Kerrey have also voiced opposition to casino gambling.

Big-name conservatives rally against Nebraska casino measure

KEARNEY, Neb.-Renee Corder of Kearney won $200,000 playing the Ultimate Bonus Crossword Scratch game from the Nebraska Lottery.

Corder purchased her winning ticket at Casey’s General Store #2038 at 2710 W 24th St. in Kearney.

Corder claimed her prize on October 2 at the Nebraska Lottery’s Lincoln offices, the day after she scratched off the winning ticket.

“I was scratching while on the phone with my dad,” Corder said. “He asked, ‘What’s that noise?’ I joked that I was scratching off a $200,000 winner.”

While talking to her dad, Corder realized she’d won. At first she thought she’d won $500, then $1,000, then $5,000 until she realized she’d won the top prize.

Corder and her husband Jeromy said they’ll be paying off some of their debts with the money.

“We are blessed,” she said. “The lord blessed us.”

A $20 Scratch game, Ultimate Bonus Crossword offers players a chance to win prizes from a free $20 ticket to $200,000. The chances of winning $200,000 are one in 90,000, while the odds of winning any prize are one in three.

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.

KEARNEY, Neb.-Renee Corder of Kearney won $200,000 playing the Ultimate Bonus Crossword Scratch game from the Nebraska Lottery.Corder purchased her winning ticket at Casey’s General Store #2038 at 2710 W 24th St. in Kearney.Corder claimed her prize on October 2 at the Nebraska Lottery’s Lincoln offices, the day after she scratched off the winning ticket.“I was scratching while on the phone with my dad,” Corder said. “He asked, ‘What’s that noise?’ I joked that I was scratching off a $200,000 winner.”While talking to her dad, Corder realized she’d won. At first she thought she’d won $500, then $1,000, then $5,000 until she realized she’d won the top prize.Corder and her husband Jeromy said they’ll be paying off some of their debts with the money.“We are blessed,” she said. “The lord blessed us.”A $20 Scratch game, Ultimate Bonus Crossword offers players a chance to win prizes from a free $20 ticket to $200,000. The chances of winning $200,000 are one in 90,000, while the odds of winning any prize are one in three.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.

Kearney woman wins $200K on Nebraska Lottery scratch game

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Nebraskaland Days announces 2021 (2020 redux) concert lineups

OMAHA-As the world watches, new information about COVID-19 is coming to light.

The Great Plains Institutional Development Award&nbsp;(IDeA) Clinical &amp; Translational Research (CTR) Network headquartered at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has received a $180,000 grant to participate in a national effort to collect and share data on COVID-19-related patient outcomes for use in research.

The funding from the&nbsp;National Institutes of General Medical Sciences&nbsp;will support data transfer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ncats.nih.gov/n3c" target="_blank">National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C)</a>&nbsp;Data Enclave -- a registry of COVID-19-related information from patients across the country. The enclave will enable researchers with data use agreements from UNMC and&nbsp;seven other IDeA-CTR networks --&nbsp;with support&nbsp;totaling more than $1.4 million --&nbsp;&nbsp;to track the disease in patients across the country.

N3C will help scientists develop insight into potential risk factors, protective factors and long-term health consequences. Currently, 57 sites across the country will share data&nbsp;from electronic health records of individuals (identity of individuals will not be included) tested for COVID-19, including demographics, symptoms, laboratory test results, procedures, medications, medical conditions, physical measurements and more.

Matthew Rizzo, MD, Frances &amp; Edgar Reynolds Chair and professor in the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences, in collaboration with James McClay, MD, said he and his team rapidly responded to the challenge recently last week by being the first in the region to contribute to the enclave. Dr. McClay is principal investigator of UNMC’s research data warehouse and director of the Biomedical Informatics Core of the Great Plains IDeA-CTR.

“Being nimble, pivoting quickly and marshalling resources to face down COVID helped create this gold mine for all kinds of answers for all kinds of questions,” Dr. Rizzo said. “Some of the questions we want to answer are what treatments work, what are the long-term side effects, is there a greater rate of cognitive problems, who’s at greater risk, will the virus have consequences down the road? It’s unprecedented to get so many networks together quickly so we can pool data to help figure out what is going on with this disease and the pandemic.”

By aggregated counts of anticipated positive COVID-19 patients, the N3C Data Enclave is anticipated to be one of the world’s largest collections of data on COVID-19 patients by the end of October.

Dr. Rizzo said the registry also ensures that the data represents the diversity of the country so researchers can understand and address geographic and population disparities during the pandemic. In addition, this approach, he said, creates a robust framework to gain knowledge to face challenges beyond COVID-19.

“There are many opportunities in the future,” Dr Rizzo said. “We could apply this national strategy for gathering information on COVID to gain comprehensive information on critical areas such as mind and brain health and many medical disorders. The exciting thing is that we now have a robust framework to gain new knowledge to face down future health challenges beyond COVID.”

OMAHA-As the world watches, new information about COVID-19 is coming to light.The Great Plains Institutional Development Award&nbsp;(IDeA) Clinical &amp; Translational Research (CTR) Network headquartered at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has received a $180,000 grant to participate in a national effort to collect and share data on COVID-19-related patient outcomes for use in research.The funding from the&nbsp;National Institutes of General Medical Sciences&nbsp;will support data transfer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ncats.nih.gov/n3c" target="_blank">National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C)</a>&nbsp;Data Enclave -- a registry of COVID-19-related information from patients across the country. The enclave will enable researchers with data use agreements from UNMC and&nbsp;seven other IDeA-CTR networks --&nbsp;with support&nbsp;totaling more than $1.4 million --&nbsp;&nbsp;to track the disease in patients across the country.N3C will help scientists develop insight into potential risk factors, protective factors and long-term health consequences. Currently, 57 sites across the country will share data&nbsp;from electronic health records of individuals (identity of individuals will not be included) tested for COVID-19, including demographics, symptoms, laboratory test results, procedures, medications, medical conditions, physical measurements and more.Matthew Rizzo, MD, Frances &amp; Edgar Reynolds Chair and professor in the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences, in collaboration with James McClay, MD, said he and his team rapidly responded to the challenge recently last week by being the first in the region to contribute to the enclave. Dr. McClay is principal investigator of UNMC’s research data warehouse and director of the Biomedical Informatics Core of the Great Plains IDeA-CTR.“Being nimble, pivoting quickly and marshalling resources to face down COVID helped create this gold mine for all kinds of answers for all kinds of questions,” Dr. Rizzo said. “Some of the questions we want to answer are what treatments work, what are the long-term side effects, is there a greater rate of cognitive problems, who’s at greater risk, will the virus have consequences down the road? It’s unprecedented to get so many networks together quickly so we can pool data to help figure out what is going on with this disease and the pandemic.”By aggregated counts of anticipated positive COVID-19 patients, the N3C Data Enclave is anticipated to be one of the world’s largest collections of data on COVID-19 patients by the end of October.Dr. Rizzo said the registry also ensures that the data represents the diversity of the country so researchers can understand and address geographic and population disparities during the pandemic. In addition, this approach, he said, creates a robust framework to gain knowledge to face challenges beyond COVID-19.“There are many opportunities in the future,” Dr Rizzo said. “We could apply this national strategy for gathering information on COVID to gain comprehensive information on critical areas such as mind and brain health and many medical disorders. The exciting thing is that we now have a robust framework to gain new knowledge to face down future health challenges beyond COVID.”

UNMC COVID-19 registry grant to provide gold mine of information

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The number of deaths linked to the coronavirus has topped 500 in Nebraska, and more people are hospitalized with the virus than ever before.The state reported four new deaths and 404 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday to give Nebraska 501 deaths and 47,807 cases of the virus since the pandemic began.The number of hospitalizations for the virus jumped to 249 on Saturday and remained at that level on Sunday. Previously, the number of people being treated in Nebraska hospitals peaked at 232 on May 27, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker.</a>But even with the high number of hospitalizations, Nebraska said 33% of the state's intensive care beds and 78% of the ventilators remained available.Last month, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-ricketts-lincoln-virus-outbreak-archive-nebraska-e280640ba95931e6020e21a974b11396" target="_blank">eliminated</a>&nbsp;nearly all of the state's social-distancing restrictions in favor of voluntary guidelines. Ricketts has said the hospital statistics show the state's medical facilities have not been overwhelmed with virus cases.Nebraska continues to report a high rate of virus cases. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska has risen over the past two weeks from 11.86% on Sept. 20 to 13.49% on Sunday, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University.

North Platte City Council Agenda (October 6, 2020)

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A political action committee that supports candidates for the Nebraska Public Power District's board is being scrutinized because it received a start-up loan from a group backed by several rural public power districts.

Several ratepayers and two NPPD board members have questioned whether the $7,500 loan the Nebraskans for Reliable and Affordable Electricity group received was proper. The Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission is looking into the matter after several people filed complaints about the loan from the Nebraska Electric Generation and Transmission cooperative that is funded by several public utilities, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/nppd-directors-ratepayers-question-donation-from-electric-co-op-to-political-committee/article_1b079581-9639-5d83-bcb6-3a042aeb335a.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Kate High, a Lincoln woman who filed a complaint, said she doesn't believe money utility customers pay to a public utility should be directed to a political campaign.

"I can't get my electricity any other place - I'm locked into this," High said. "That's my light bill money they are using to make campaign contributions to someone I may or may not support."

But the general manager of the utility cooperative, Darin Bloomquist, said the loan complied with state law. Bloomquist said once the money from the utilities was paid to the cooperative, it became private money that could be used for political purposes. Bloomquist also serves as an assistant treasurer for the political action committee.

"Once the payment is remitted to me, it is no longer public funds," Bloomquist said. "We are a private company rendering a service, and this is totally within our purview."

Still, NPPD board member Gary Thompson of Clatonia said he doesn't think the payment was appropriate.

"I believe it's illegal to use public funds for the promotion of any candidate or issue," Thompson said. "You just don't do that. While (Nebraska Electric Generation and Transmission) is a private entity, they are using - exclusively - public funds to promote specific candidates."

The Nebraskans for Reliable and Affordable Electricity political action committee says it backs candidates who support using a variety of different fuels to generate electricity, not just wind and solar power. The group said on its website that it was created to counter the "tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-state money" spent in support of candidates who favor expanding wind and solar generation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601845818366.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A political action committee that supports candidates for the Nebraska Public Power District's board is being scrutinized because it received a start-up loan from a group backed by several rural public power districts.Several ratepayers and two NPPD board members have questioned whether the $7,500 loan the Nebraskans for Reliable and Affordable Electricity group received was proper. The Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission is looking into the matter after several people filed complaints about the loan from the Nebraska Electric Generation and Transmission cooperative that is funded by several public utilities, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/nppd-directors-ratepayers-question-donation-from-electric-co-op-to-political-committee/article_1b079581-9639-5d83-bcb6-3a042aeb335a.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>.Kate High, a Lincoln woman who filed a complaint, said she doesn't believe money utility customers pay to a public utility should be directed to a political campaign."I can't get my electricity any other place - I'm locked into this," High said. "That's my light bill money they are using to make campaign contributions to someone I may or may not support."But the general manager of the utility cooperative, Darin Bloomquist, said the loan complied with state law. Bloomquist said once the money from the utilities was paid to the cooperative, it became private money that could be used for political purposes. Bloomquist also serves as an assistant treasurer for the political action committee."Once the payment is remitted to me, it is no longer public funds," Bloomquist said. "We are a private company rendering a service, and this is totally within our purview."Still, NPPD board member Gary Thompson of Clatonia said he doesn't think the payment was appropriate."I believe it's illegal to use public funds for the promotion of any candidate or issue," Thompson said. "You just don't do that. While (Nebraska Electric Generation and Transmission) is a private entity, they are using - exclusively - public funds to promote specific candidates."The Nebraskans for Reliable and Affordable Electricity political action committee says it backs candidates who support using a variety of different fuels to generate electricity, not just wind and solar power. The group said on its website that it was created to counter the "tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-state money" spent in support of candidates who favor expanding wind and solar generation.

Political group that got money from Nebraska utility co-op scrutinized

LINCOLN, Neb. – Rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds and state park and recreation area lakes across the state by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. These stockings will enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter.

Stocking schedules can change on short notice for a variety of reasons. The following is a tentative stocking schedule, including quantities:

Week of Oct. 5 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek, Royal – 200 trout; Grabel Pond No. 1, Fort Robinson SP – 1,200; Grabel Pond No. 3, Fort Robinson SP – 400; Laing Lake, Alliance – 1,500; Bridgeport SRA northwest lake – 700; Lake Carter P. Johnson, Fort Robinson SP – 2,500

Week of Oct. 13 –&nbsp;Crystal Cove Lake, South Sioux City – 4,500; Bridgeport SRA northwest lake – 700; North Morrill Pond – 2,000; Middle Morrill Pond – 450; South Morrill Pond – 400; Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900; Hitchcock Park Pond, Omaha – 450; Towl Park Pond, Omaha – 300; Holdrege City Lake – 2,000; Fort Kearny SRA Lake No. 6 – 1,200; Curtis golf course pond – 150; Oxford City Lake – 300; Humphrey Pond, Ogallala – 600; TaHaZouka Park Lake, Norfolk – 1,500; Pawnee Park west pond, Columbus – 1,500; Niobrara SP Pond, 1,000; Grove Lake WMA, Royal – 1,500; Standing Bear Lake, Omaha – 3,000; Lake Halleck, Papillion – 1,200; Fremont Lakes SRA No. 2, Fremont, 5,000

Week of Oct. 19 –&nbsp;Steinhart Park Pond, Nebraska City – 800; Weeping Water Park Pond – 1,500; Central Nebraska Veterans Home pond, Kearney – 300; Gracie Creek, Burwell – 1,000; Bessey Pond, Halsey – 600; Auble Pond, Ord – 1,500; Heartwell Park Lake, Hastings – 810; Such’s Lake, Grand Island – 585; Bowling Lake, Lincoln – 400; Holmes Lake, Lincoln – 3,000; CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP – 1,500; Optimist Lake, Auburn – 800; Stanton Lake, Fall City – 200; Pawnee City Lake – 300; Humboldt City Park Lake – 600; Melham Park Lake, Broken Bow – 875; Ansley City Pond – 1,000; David City Park Pond – 600; Lake Helen, Gothenburg – 2,000; Windmill SRA Lake No. 2, Gibbon – 600; Plum Creek Park Lake, Lexington – 750; Birdwood WMA, North Platte – 4,000; Benson Park Pond, Omaha – 1,050; Fontenelle Park Pond, Omaha – 1,200; Standing Bear Lake, Omaha – 3,500

Week of Nov. 2 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200

Week of Nov. 9 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Crystal Springs Park middle lake, Fairbury – 1,200

Week of Nov. 16 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200

Week of Nov. 23 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200

Week of Nov. 30 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200

Week of Dec. 7 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Standing Bear Lake – 3,750; Holmes Lake – 3,000; Bowling Lake – 400; Birdwood WMA – 4,000

Week of Dec. 14 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; CenturyLink Lake – 3,500; Standing Bear Lake – 3,750

Week of Dec. 21 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200

Week of Dec. 28 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200

The following rainbow trout stockings took place in September:

Week of Sept. 1 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Ponca SP Pond – 1,500; Lake Ogallala, 4,000; Grove Lake WMA sandpit, Royal – 50

Week of Sept. 7 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Keller Park SRA No. 4, Brown County – 200; Keller Park SRA No. 5, Brown County – 400

Week of Sept. 14 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Minnechaduza Creek, Valentine – 500

Week of Sept. 21 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Elm Creek, Webster County – 500

Week of Sept. 28 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Bridgeport SRA middle lake – 2,000; White River, Fort Robinson SP – 1,000; Gilbert-Baker WMA Pond, Harrison – 600

Fishing for trout is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with a hook baited with a worm will work well. Add a split shot a couple of feet above the hook and a bobber a couple of feet above the split shot. Spinners, salmon eggs, dough baits and artificial flies also can catch trout.

If you are just getting into fishing and want more details, a helpful resource is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDIuMjgxMjM1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ob3d0b2Zpc2gvIn0.oX9TzugObBiJ0Ox9iNcKVygICddbM0PmRj2BU0FpeMs/s/497221905/br/86335504271-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/howtofish</a>. For information on Fish Stocking, including the dates pf upcoming trout stocking,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDIuMjgxMjM1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoc3RvY2tpbmdyZXBvcnRzLyJ9.jDISO_Io1tsHOhINatAbe64VU7BllRZVxXFGJbTOPPg/s/497221905/br/86335504271-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishstockingreports</a>.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDIuMjgxMjM1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaW5nLyJ9.OMj4VzYNBwXWiIEP_CJ9-ddi-6F4LGebpDCEUlyl4s8/s/497221905/br/86335504271-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishing</a>&nbsp;for more information on fishing in Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601830014622.png" alt="Photo: Nebraska Game and Parks" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Nebraska Game and Parks</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. – Rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds and state park and recreation area lakes across the state by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. These stockings will enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter.Stocking schedules can change on short notice for a variety of reasons. The following is a tentative stocking schedule, including quantities:Week of Oct. 5 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek, Royal – 200 trout; Grabel Pond No. 1, Fort Robinson SP – 1,200; Grabel Pond No. 3, Fort Robinson SP – 400; Laing Lake, Alliance – 1,500; Bridgeport SRA northwest lake – 700; Lake Carter P. Johnson, Fort Robinson SP – 2,500Week of Oct. 13 –&nbsp;Crystal Cove Lake, South Sioux City – 4,500; Bridgeport SRA northwest lake – 700; North Morrill Pond – 2,000; Middle Morrill Pond – 450; South Morrill Pond – 400; Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900; Hitchcock Park Pond, Omaha – 450; Towl Park Pond, Omaha – 300; Holdrege City Lake – 2,000; Fort Kearny SRA Lake No. 6 – 1,200; Curtis golf course pond – 150; Oxford City Lake – 300; Humphrey Pond, Ogallala – 600; TaHaZouka Park Lake, Norfolk – 1,500; Pawnee Park west pond, Columbus – 1,500; Niobrara SP Pond, 1,000; Grove Lake WMA, Royal – 1,500; Standing Bear Lake, Omaha – 3,000; Lake Halleck, Papillion – 1,200; Fremont Lakes SRA No. 2, Fremont, 5,000Week of Oct. 19 –&nbsp;Steinhart Park Pond, Nebraska City – 800; Weeping Water Park Pond – 1,500; Central Nebraska Veterans Home pond, Kearney – 300; Gracie Creek, Burwell – 1,000; Bessey Pond, Halsey – 600; Auble Pond, Ord – 1,500; Heartwell Park Lake, Hastings – 810; Such’s Lake, Grand Island – 585; Bowling Lake, Lincoln – 400; Holmes Lake, Lincoln – 3,000; CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP – 1,500; Optimist Lake, Auburn – 800; Stanton Lake, Fall City – 200; Pawnee City Lake – 300; Humboldt City Park Lake – 600; Melham Park Lake, Broken Bow – 875; Ansley City Pond – 1,000; David City Park Pond – 600; Lake Helen, Gothenburg – 2,000; Windmill SRA Lake No. 2, Gibbon – 600; Plum Creek Park Lake, Lexington – 750; Birdwood WMA, North Platte – 4,000; Benson Park Pond, Omaha – 1,050; Fontenelle Park Pond, Omaha – 1,200; Standing Bear Lake, Omaha – 3,500Week of Nov. 2 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200Week of Nov. 9 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Crystal Springs Park middle lake, Fairbury – 1,200Week of Nov. 16 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200Week of Nov. 23 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200Week of Nov. 30 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200Week of Dec. 7 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Standing Bear Lake – 3,750; Holmes Lake – 3,000; Bowling Lake – 400; Birdwood WMA – 4,000Week of Dec. 14 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; CenturyLink Lake – 3,500; Standing Bear Lake – 3,750Week of Dec. 21 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200Week of Dec. 28 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200The following rainbow trout stockings took place in September:Week of Sept. 1 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Ponca SP Pond – 1,500; Lake Ogallala, 4,000; Grove Lake WMA sandpit, Royal – 50Week of Sept. 7 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Keller Park SRA No. 4, Brown County – 200; Keller Park SRA No. 5, Brown County – 400Week of Sept. 14 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Minnechaduza Creek, Valentine – 500Week of Sept. 21 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Elm Creek, Webster County – 500Week of Sept. 28 –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek – 200; Bridgeport SRA middle lake – 2,000; White River, Fort Robinson SP – 1,000; Gilbert-Baker WMA Pond, Harrison – 600Fishing for trout is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with a hook baited with a worm will work well. Add a split shot a couple of feet above the hook and a bobber a couple of feet above the split shot. Spinners, salmon eggs, dough baits and artificial flies also can catch trout.If you are just getting into fishing and want more details, a helpful resource is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDIuMjgxMjM1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ob3d0b2Zpc2gvIn0.oX9TzugObBiJ0Ox9iNcKVygICddbM0PmRj2BU0FpeMs/s/497221905/br/86335504271-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/howtofish</a>. For information on Fish Stocking, including the dates pf upcoming trout stocking,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDIuMjgxMjM1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoc3RvY2tpbmdyZXBvcnRzLyJ9.jDISO_Io1tsHOhINatAbe64VU7BllRZVxXFGJbTOPPg/s/497221905/br/86335504271-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishstockingreports</a>.Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDIuMjgxMjM1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaW5nLyJ9.OMj4VzYNBwXWiIEP_CJ9-ddi-6F4LGebpDCEUlyl4s8/s/497221905/br/86335504271-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishing</a>&nbsp;for more information on fishing in Nebraska.

Rainbow trout stockings scheduled this fall across Nebraska

From the National Weather Service<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601829787889.png" alt="" />
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Fire Weather Watch in effect Monday afternoon 

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering special antlerless deer hunting opportunities within Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks, as well as Schramm Park State Recreation Area.

Successful applicants will be issued a special access permit that allows them to hunt antlerless deer in designated areas on certain dates using specific equipment. Successful applicants and interested alternates must attend an orientation session in order to receive the access permit.

Applications, limited to one per person, will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Oct. 31. If more applications are received than can be accommodated, a drawing will be held Nov. 5.

Hunters may obtain an application at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDIuMjgxMTcyNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9kZWVyLyJ9.EnkFydMVsvGXFgXBxk826CfwpYX1mIr2iV1yDZOYNwA/s/497221905/br/86327311886-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/deer</a>&nbsp;or by calling Mahoney State Park at 402-944-2523, ext. 7122, Platte River State Park at 402-234-2217, Schramm Education Center at 402-332-3901 or the Lincoln district Game and Parks office at 402-471-5431. Individual, mentor and buddy applications are available.

Legal equipment at Mahoney and Platte River state parks are archery and muzzleloaders. The legal equipment at Schramm Park is archery.

In addition to the appropriate deer permit and habitat stamp, hunters must have the access permit, as well as a park entry permit for each vehicle entering the park.

The following are the hunting opportunities, with park, legal equipment and dates:

Mahoney, Platte River – archery, Nov. 30 - Dec. 3, Dec. 7-10 and Dec. 14-17

Mahoney, Platte River – muzzleloader, Jan. 4-7 and Jan. 11-14

Schramm Park – archery, Nov. 30 - Dec. 3, Dec. 7-10, Dec. 14-17, Jan. 4-7 and Jan. 11-14

Successful applicants will be assigned a hunting period at a park, according to their preference. Hunting sites for the disabled hunters will be available at Mahoney.

Only antlerless deer will be allowed for harvest. Appropriate deer permits for archery hunters are: statewide archery, antlerless-only Season Choice Wahoo or statewide youth. Muzzleloader hunters must have either an antlerless-only Season Choice Wahoo or a statewide youth permit. Some permits are limited and may sell out prior to these park hunts.

Orientation sessions will be Nov. 24 at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center for archers and Dec. 15 for muzzleloaders. Both begin at 7 p.m. Please wear a mask. For more information, contact the Lincoln district office or the parks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601829570624.png" alt="Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/denverjeffrey/">Jeffrey Beall</a>&nbsp;(Flickr Creative Commons) " />
 <figcaption>Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/denverjeffrey/">Jeffrey Beall</a>&nbsp;(Flickr Creative Commons) </figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering special antlerless deer hunting opportunities within Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks, as well as Schramm Park State Recreation Area.Successful applicants will be issued a special access permit that allows them to hunt antlerless deer in designated areas on certain dates using specific equipment. Successful applicants and interested alternates must attend an orientation session in order to receive the access permit.Applications, limited to one per person, will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Oct. 31. If more applications are received than can be accommodated, a drawing will be held Nov. 5.Hunters may obtain an application at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDIuMjgxMTcyNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9kZWVyLyJ9.EnkFydMVsvGXFgXBxk826CfwpYX1mIr2iV1yDZOYNwA/s/497221905/br/86327311886-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/deer</a>&nbsp;or by calling Mahoney State Park at 402-944-2523, ext. 7122, Platte River State Park at 402-234-2217, Schramm Education Center at 402-332-3901 or the Lincoln district Game and Parks office at 402-471-5431. Individual, mentor and buddy applications are available.Legal equipment at Mahoney and Platte River state parks are archery and muzzleloaders. The legal equipment at Schramm Park is archery.In addition to the appropriate deer permit and habitat stamp, hunters must have the access permit, as well as a park entry permit for each vehicle entering the park.The following are the hunting opportunities, with park, legal equipment and dates:Mahoney, Platte River – archery, Nov. 30 - Dec. 3, Dec. 7-10 and Dec. 14-17Mahoney, Platte River – muzzleloader, Jan. 4-7 and Jan. 11-14Schramm Park – archery, Nov. 30 - Dec. 3, Dec. 7-10, Dec. 14-17, Jan. 4-7 and Jan. 11-14Successful applicants will be assigned a hunting period at a park, according to their preference. Hunting sites for the disabled hunters will be available at Mahoney.Only antlerless deer will be allowed for harvest. Appropriate deer permits for archery hunters are: statewide archery, antlerless-only Season Choice Wahoo or statewide youth. Muzzleloader hunters must have either an antlerless-only Season Choice Wahoo or a statewide youth permit. Some permits are limited and may sell out prior to these park hunts.Orientation sessions will be Nov. 24 at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center for archers and Dec. 15 for muzzleloaders. Both begin at 7 p.m. Please wear a mask. For more information, contact the Lincoln district office or the parks.

Special antlerless deer hunts at Mahoney SP, Platte River SP, Schramm Park SRA

Today is Sunday, Oct. 4, the 278th day of 2020. There are 88 days left in the year.

On Oct. 4, 1957, the Space Age began as the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, into orbit.

In 1861, during the Civil War, the United States Navy authorized construction of the first ironclad ship, the USS Monitor.

In 1940, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini conferred at Brenner Pass in the Alps.

In 1951, the MGM movie musical “An American in Paris,” starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron (ka-ROHN'), had its U.S. premiere in New York.

In 1957, James R. Hoffa was elected president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The family comedy series “Leave It to Beaver” premiered on CBS.

In 1965, Pope Paul VI, making the first-ever papal visit to the Western Hemisphere, addressed the U.N. General Assembly, where he urged delegates to adopt as their solemn oath: “No more war, war never again.”

In 1970, rock singer Janis Joplin, 27, was found dead in her Hollywood hotel room.

In 1990, for the first time in nearly six decades, German lawmakers met in the Reichstag for the first meeting of reunified Germany’s parliament.

In 1991, 26 nations, including the United States, signed the Madrid Protocol, which imposed a 50-year ban on oil exploration and mining in Antarctica.

In 2001, a Russian airliner flying from Israel to Siberia was accidentally downed by a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile over the Black Sea, killing all 78 people aboard. Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants hit his 70th home run to tie Mark McGwire’s 1998 record in a 10-2 victory over the Houston Astros.

In 2002, “American Taliban” John Walker Lindh received a 20-year sentence after a sobbing plea for forgiveness before a federal judge in Alexandria, Virginia. He was released from prison in May, 2019. In a federal court in Boston, a laughing Richard Reid pleaded guilty to trying to blow up a trans-Atlantic flight with explosives in his shoes (the British citizen was later sentenced to life in prison).

In 2004, the SpaceShipOne rocket plane broke through Earth’s atmosphere to the edge of space for the second time in five days, capturing the $10 million Ansari X prize aimed at opening the final frontier to tourists. Pioneering astronaut Gordon Cooper died in Ventura, California, at age 77.

In 2017, President Donald Trump visited hospital bedsides and a police base in Las Vegas in the aftermath of the shooting rampage three nights earlier that left 58 people dead.

Ten years ago: The Supreme Court began a new era with three women serving together for the first time as Elena Kagan took her place at the end of the bench. The Nobel Prize in medicine went to Robert Edwards of Britain, whose work led to the first test tube baby. The Europeans reclaimed the Ryder Cup, winning 14 1/2-13 1/2.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama paid tribute to firefighters who had died in the line of duty and cited the sacrifices they’d made in service to a grateful nation during an annual memorial service at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Pope Francis opened a divisive meeting of the world’s bishops on family issues by forcefully asserting that marriage was an indissoluble bond between man and woman, but saying the church had to “seek out and care for hurting couples with the balm of acceptance and mercy.”

One year ago: The impeachment probe reached directly into the White House as House Democrats subpoenaed officials about contacts with Ukraine; President Donald Trump signaled that his administration would not cooperate. Faced with months of pro-democracy protests that had spiraled into violence, Hong Kong’s government invoked emergency powers to ban masks from public gatherings. Security forces in central Baghdad opened fire directly at hundreds of anti-government demonstrators, killing at least 17 protesters and injuring dozens. Bernie Sanders was discharged from a Las Vegas hospital; his presidential campaign confirmed that Sanders had a heart attack earlier in the week. Diahann Carroll died in Los Angeles at the age of 84 after a bout with breast cancer; she’d been the first Black woman to star as a non-servant in her own television show with the series “Julia,” which ran from 1968 to 1973.

Today’s Birthdays: Country singer Leroy Van Dyke is 91. Actor Felicia Farr is 88. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Sam Huff is 86. Author Roy Blount Jr. is 79. Author Anne Rice is 79. Actor Lori Saunders (TV: “Petticoat Junction”) is 79. Baseball Hall of Famer Tony La Russa is 76. Actor Clifton Davis is 75. The former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, is 74. Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is 74. Actor Susan Sarandon is 74. Blues musician Duke Robillard is 72. Playwright Lee Blessing is 71. Actor Armand Assante is 71. Actor Alan Rosenberg is 70. Actor Christoph Waltz is 64. Actor Bill Fagerbakke is 63. Music producer Russell Simmons is 63. Actor Kyra Schon (Film: “Night of the Living Dead”) is 63. Actor-singer Wendy Makkena is 62. Musician Chris Lowe (The Pet Shop Boys) is 61. Country musician Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard (Sawyer Brown) is 60. Actor David W. Harper is 59. Singer Jon Secada is 59. TV personality John Melendez is 55. Actor-comedian Jerry Minor is 53. Actor Liev Schreiber is 53. Actor Abraham Benrubi is 51. Country singer-musician Heidi Newfield is 50. Singer-guitarist M. Ward (She &amp; Him) is 47. Actor Alicia Silverstone is 44. Actor Dana Davis is 42. Rock musician Robbie Bennett (The War on Drugs) is 42. Actor Phillip Glasser is 42. Rock singer-musician Marc Roberge (O.A.R.) is 42. Actor Brandon Barash is 41. Actor Rachael Leigh Cook is 41. Actor Tim Peper is 40. Actor Jimmy Workman is 40. Bassist Cubbie Fink is 38. Rhythm-and-blues singer Jessica Benson (3lw) is 33. Actor Michael Charles Roman is 33. Actor Melissa Benoist is 32. NBA All-Star Derrick Rose is 32. Actor Dakota Johnson is 31. Figure skater Kimmie Meisner is 31. Actor Leigh-Anne Pinnock (Little Mix) is 29. Actor Ryan Scott Lee is 24.

Today in HistoryToday is Sunday, Oct. 4, the 278th day of 2020. There are 88 days left in the year.Today’s Highlights in History:On Oct. 4, 1957, the Space Age began as the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, into orbit.On this date:In 1861, during the Civil War, the United States Navy authorized construction of the first ironclad ship, the USS Monitor.In 1940, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini conferred at Brenner Pass in the Alps.In 1951, the MGM movie musical “An American in Paris,” starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron (ka-ROHN'), had its U.S. premiere in New York.In 1957, James R. Hoffa was elected president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The family comedy series “Leave It to Beaver” premiered on CBS.In 1965, Pope Paul VI, making the first-ever papal visit to the Western Hemisphere, addressed the U.N. General Assembly, where he urged delegates to adopt as their solemn oath: “No more war, war never again.”In 1970, rock singer Janis Joplin, 27, was found dead in her Hollywood hotel room.In 1990, for the first time in nearly six decades, German lawmakers met in the Reichstag for the first meeting of reunified Germany’s parliament.In 1991, 26 nations, including the United States, signed the Madrid Protocol, which imposed a 50-year ban on oil exploration and mining in Antarctica.In 2001, a Russian airliner flying from Israel to Siberia was accidentally downed by a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile over the Black Sea, killing all 78 people aboard. Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants hit his 70th home run to tie Mark McGwire’s 1998 record in a 10-2 victory over the Houston Astros.In 2002, “American Taliban” John Walker Lindh received a 20-year sentence after a sobbing plea for forgiveness before a federal judge in Alexandria, Virginia. He was released from prison in May, 2019. In a federal court in Boston, a laughing Richard Reid pleaded guilty to trying to blow up a trans-Atlantic flight with explosives in his shoes (the British citizen was later sentenced to life in prison).In 2004, the SpaceShipOne rocket plane broke through Earth’s atmosphere to the edge of space for the second time in five days, capturing the $10 million Ansari X prize aimed at opening the final frontier to tourists. Pioneering astronaut Gordon Cooper died in Ventura, California, at age 77.In 2017, President Donald Trump visited hospital bedsides and a police base in Las Vegas in the aftermath of the shooting rampage three nights earlier that left 58 people dead.Ten years ago: The Supreme Court began a new era with three women serving together for the first time as Elena Kagan took her place at the end of the bench. The Nobel Prize in medicine went to Robert Edwards of Britain, whose work led to the first test tube baby. The Europeans reclaimed the Ryder Cup, winning 14 1/2-13 1/2.Five years ago: President Barack Obama paid tribute to firefighters who had died in the line of duty and cited the sacrifices they’d made in service to a grateful nation during an annual memorial service at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Pope Francis opened a divisive meeting of the world’s bishops on family issues by forcefully asserting that marriage was an indissoluble bond between man and woman, but saying the church had to “seek out and care for hurting couples with the balm of acceptance and mercy.”One year ago: The impeachment probe reached directly into the White House as House Democrats subpoenaed officials about contacts with Ukraine; President Donald Trump signaled that his administration would not cooperate. Faced with months of pro-democracy protests that had spiraled into violence, Hong Kong’s government invoked emergency powers to ban masks from public gatherings. Security forces in central Baghdad opened fire directly at hundreds of anti-government demonstrators, killing at least 17 protesters and injuring dozens. Bernie Sanders was discharged from a Las Vegas hospital; his presidential campaign confirmed that Sanders had a heart attack earlier in the week. Diahann Carroll died in Los Angeles at the age of 84 after a bout with breast cancer; she’d been the first Black woman to star as a non-servant in her own television show with the series “Julia,” which ran from 1968 to 1973.Today’s Birthdays: Country singer Leroy Van Dyke is 91. Actor Felicia Farr is 88. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Sam Huff is 86. Author Roy Blount Jr. is 79. Author Anne Rice is 79. Actor Lori Saunders (TV: “Petticoat Junction”) is 79. Baseball Hall of Famer Tony La Russa is 76. Actor Clifton Davis is 75. The former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, is 74. Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is 74. Actor Susan Sarandon is 74. Blues musician Duke Robillard is 72. Playwright Lee Blessing is 71. Actor Armand Assante is 71. Actor Alan Rosenberg is 70. Actor Christoph Waltz is 64. Actor Bill Fagerbakke is 63. Music producer Russell Simmons is 63. Actor Kyra Schon (Film: “Night of the Living Dead”) is 63. Actor-singer Wendy Makkena is 62. Musician Chris Lowe (The Pet Shop Boys) is 61. Country musician Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard (Sawyer Brown) is 60. Actor David W. Harper is 59. Singer Jon Secada is 59. TV personality John Melendez is 55. Actor-comedian Jerry Minor is 53. Actor Liev Schreiber is 53. Actor Abraham Benrubi is 51. Country singer-musician Heidi Newfield is 50. Singer-guitarist M. Ward (She &amp; Him) is 47. Actor Alicia Silverstone is 44. Actor Dana Davis is 42. Rock musician Robbie Bennett (The War on Drugs) is 42. Actor Phillip Glasser is 42. Rock singer-musician Marc Roberge (O.A.R.) is 42. Actor Brandon Barash is 41. Actor Rachael Leigh Cook is 41. Actor Tim Peper is 40. Actor Jimmy Workman is 40. Bassist Cubbie Fink is 38. Rhythm-and-blues singer Jessica Benson (3lw) is 33. Actor Michael Charles Roman is 33. Actor Melissa Benoist is 32. NBA All-Star Derrick Rose is 32. Actor Dakota Johnson is 31. Figure skater Kimmie Meisner is 31. Actor Leigh-Anne Pinnock (Little Mix) is 29. Actor Ryan Scott Lee is 24.

Today in History-October 4

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts in accordance with a proclamation from President Donald J. Trump announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday.

Flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, October 4, 2020. The President's proclamation can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2Fproclamation-fire-prevention-week-2020%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cfdece46bba914025383108d867e6de3b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637373588585757974&amp;sdata=OLPnaRERZzKJFE51b6H%2BDrl3xlgF9pP5LzDBZkqy4N0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts in accordance with a proclamation from President Donald J. Trump announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday.Flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, October 4, 2020. The President's proclamation can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2Fproclamation-fire-prevention-week-2020%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cfdece46bba914025383108d867e6de3b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637373588585757974&amp;sdata=OLPnaRERZzKJFE51b6H%2BDrl3xlgF9pP5LzDBZkqy4N0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.

Flags to flay at half-staff for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday

Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on October 5,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:00 A.M.

Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on October 5,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:15 A.M.

2.	Approve
minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting

Recess
as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and convene as the
Lincoln County Board of Equalization.

4.	9:15
A.M.	Discuss and consider the following:

NOTICE
OF HEARING AND AGENDAMonday,
October 5, 2020Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on October 5,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:00 A.M.Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on October 5,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:15 A.M.1.	Open
with prayer2.	Approve
minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting	held
September 28, 20203.	Consider
the following:<ul>
 <li>Claims
	&amp; Treasurer’s Receipts
	</li><li>Authorizing
	the Chairman to sign the Annual Report submitted by the Lincoln
	County Department of Roads
	</li><li>Authorizing
	the Chairman to sign the Special Designated Liquor license submitted
	by Good Life on the Bricks for a reception to be held at Creekside
	Event Center on October 24, 2020
	</li><li>Receive
	and order filed fee report submitted by the County Clerk
</li>
 </ul>Recess
as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and convene as the
Lincoln County Board of Equalization.4.	9:15
A.M.	Discuss and consider the following:<ul>
 <li>Approve
	minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting
</li>
 </ul>held
on September 28, 2020<ul>
 <li>Certificates
	of correction and refund as submitted by the County Assessor	
	</li><li>Motor
	vehicle tax exemption applications as submitted by the County
	Treasurer
	</li><li>Notice
	of valuation changes as submitted by the Lincoln County Assessor
</li>
 </ul>Adjourn
or recess to time certain as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization
and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.5.	9:30
A.M.	Discuss and consider entering into an agreement with The Shelco 
	Construction,
LLC dba Shelco Asphalt and Paving for Project LCDOR –C56-19036.	9:40
A.M.	Discuss and consider adoption of a Resolution which approves the

	Depository
(any bank, capital stock financial institution, or qualifying mutual
finance	Institution
in Lincoln County, Nebraska) securing deposits in excess or the
amount	authorized
in Neb. Reb. Stat. § 77-2318 as provided in Neb. Rev. Stat. §
77-2318.01	(Reissue
2018). Depositories will be allowed to secure deposits as provided
in Neb. 	Rev.Stat. § 77-2398 (Supplement 2019).Hear
concerns from Elected Officials, Department Heads, and their
representative								Rebecca
J. Rossell								Lincoln
County Clerk