NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) says US Highway 30 from Maxwell to Brady is open.

According to NDOT,&nbsp;Highway 30 from Reference Post 191+08 to Reference Post 200+91 is open to normal traffic with ongoing construction. 

Paulsen, Inc., of Cozad, Nebraska, has the $6,035,196 contract. Work includes grading, concrete repair, concrete overlay, asphalt milling, asphalt surfacing, and seeding, according to NDOT. 

NDOT will continue utilizing flaggers and a pilot car during November 2020, with work resuming in the Spring of 2021. 

The anticipated completion is in Summer 2021. 

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down. 

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) says US Highway 30 from Maxwell to Brady is open.According to NDOT,&nbsp;Highway 30 from Reference Post 191+08 to Reference Post 200+91 is open to normal traffic with ongoing construction. Paulsen, Inc., of Cozad, Nebraska, has the $6,035,196 contract. Work includes grading, concrete repair, concrete overlay, asphalt milling, asphalt surfacing, and seeding, according to NDOT. NDOT will continue utilizing flaggers and a pilot car during November 2020, with work resuming in the Spring of 2021. The anticipated completion is in Summer 2021. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Highway 30 from Maxwell to Brady open to normal traffic

Halloween is typically a relaxed day for America's kids to fill their coffers with candy. Children and adults often don their favorite wacky attire for a day of comic relief. 

America needs a day of some kind of relief and maybe Halloween will provide some insanity or terror relief. Because nothing about Halloween is as scary as what America and the world has been experiencing. 

We have buried over 220,000 Americans from Covid-19. Over eight million have been sick. Nursing homes and Intensive Care Units have become horror wards. The projections for more sickness and death scare most Americans. We are afraid to go to church, out to eat, and to the grocery store. The airplane, hotel and restaurant industries are in peril as many have already closed or are on the verge of closing. Over 12 Million Americans are now unemployed and many in financial devastation because of Covid-19. 

 Congress continues to haggle over what and how much the government can further indebt our nation to keep us afloat for the present. With an approximate 28 trillion-dollar deficit and growing when will America file for bankruptcy? What will it take to keep Social Security and Medicare going? More taxes for a broader range of Americans and increased payroll taxes are on the near horizon, most Americans fear. It's more than a little scary. 

On top of Covid-19, job loss, business failures and increasing poverty Americans are masked fatigued. Children are tired of being home from school. Adults miss the comaraderie and social dynamics of their workmates. Working at home first felt good and welcomed but has become old for many Americans. The thought of this going on for another six months or even a year or longer is more than scary - it's terrifying. 

On top of all this we have a major election in front of us. Americans are terrified about the election. We are frightened about who will be elected. Trump being reelected terrifies millions while millions are terrified Joe Biden will be elected. We are horrified of what may come as the result of this election and what either of the candidates may bring to America the next four years.

We are further scared by each other. The hostility of Americans toward people with different views is out of hand. Hurting people, cursing people, destroying property are not hallmark qualities of a civilized society. We have sadly stopped being civil in America. Rude and crude are no longer shy in this nation. Pushing, shoving and outright fighting with people is becoming too normal. This is not what the average American wants and is disdained by most of us. Let's face it, people who act this way scare most Americans.

It's Halloween time in America and there is plenty of fright to go around. The best treat we can give our country is treating each other the way we would like to be treated. 

Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=glenn+mollette&amp;ref=nb_sb_noss_2">HERE</a> for Books By Glenn Mollette. Read his latest book Uncommon Sense

Music by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealers

Contact him at GMollette@aol.com. Learn more at www.glennmollette.com Like his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GlennMollette/">Facebook</a> page.

Dr. Glenn Mollette is a graduate of numerous schools including Georgetown College, Southern and Lexington Seminaries in Kentucky. He is the author of 12 books including Uncommon Sense. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603123207309.jpeg" alt="Dr. Glenn Mollette" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Glenn Mollette</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Glenn Mollette Halloween is typically a relaxed day for America's kids to fill their coffers with candy. Children and adults often don their favorite wacky attire for a day of comic relief. America needs a day of some kind of relief and maybe Halloween will provide some insanity or terror relief. Because nothing about Halloween is as scary as what America and the world has been experiencing. We have buried over 220,000 Americans from Covid-19. Over eight million have been sick. Nursing homes and Intensive Care Units have become horror wards. The projections for more sickness and death scare most Americans. We are afraid to go to church, out to eat, and to the grocery store. The airplane, hotel and restaurant industries are in peril as many have already closed or are on the verge of closing. Over 12 Million Americans are now unemployed and many in financial devastation because of Covid-19. Congress continues to haggle over what and how much the government can further indebt our nation to keep us afloat for the present. With an approximate 28 trillion-dollar deficit and growing when will America file for bankruptcy? What will it take to keep Social Security and Medicare going? More taxes for a broader range of Americans and increased payroll taxes are on the near horizon, most Americans fear. It's more than a little scary. On top of Covid-19, job loss, business failures and increasing poverty Americans are masked fatigued. Children are tired of being home from school. Adults miss the comaraderie and social dynamics of their workmates. Working at home first felt good and welcomed but has become old for many Americans. The thought of this going on for another six months or even a year or longer is more than scary - it's terrifying. On top of all this we have a major election in front of us. Americans are terrified about the election. We are frightened about who will be elected. Trump being reelected terrifies millions while millions are terrified Joe Biden will be elected. We are horrified of what may come as the result of this election and what either of the candidates may bring to America the next four years.We are further scared by each other. The hostility of Americans toward people with different views is out of hand. Hurting people, cursing people, destroying property are not hallmark qualities of a civilized society. We have sadly stopped being civil in America. Rude and crude are no longer shy in this nation. Pushing, shoving and outright fighting with people is becoming too normal. This is not what the average American wants and is disdained by most of us. Let's face it, people who act this way scare most Americans.It's Halloween time in America and there is plenty of fright to go around. The best treat we can give our country is treating each other the way we would like to be treated. Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=glenn+mollette&amp;ref=nb_sb_noss_2">HERE</a> for Books By Glenn Mollette. Read his latest book Uncommon SenseMusic by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealersContact him at GMollette@aol.com. Learn more at www.glennmollette.com Like his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GlennMollette/">Facebook</a> page.About Dr. Glenn Mollette Dr. Glenn Mollette is a graduate of numerous schools including Georgetown College, Southern and Lexington Seminaries in Kentucky. He is the author of 12 books including Uncommon Sense. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

COLUMN Dr. Mollette: Halloween is coming and Americans are scared

Scotty talks with Alisha from the Mid-Plains United Way about their upcoming Community Feed. Have a listen!

Scotty talks with Alisha from the Mid-Plains United Way about their upcoming Community Feed. Have a listen!<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Food for a great cause with the Mid-Plains United Way" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/bv2tr-efca6e?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: Food for a great cause with the Mid-Plains United Way

Today is Monday, Oct. 19, the 293rd day of 2020. There are 73 days left in the year.

On Oct. 19, 1781, British troops under Gen. Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, as the American Revolution neared its end.

In 1765, the Stamp Act Congress, meeting in New York, adopted a declaration of rights and liberties, which the British Parliament ignored.

In 1812, French forces under Napoleon Bonaparte began their retreat from Moscow.

In 1944, the U.S. Navy began accepting Black women into WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).

In 1960, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested during a sit-down protest at a lunch counter in Atlanta. (Sent to prison for a parole violation over a traffic offense, King was released after three days following an appeal by Robert F. Kennedy.)

In 1977, the supersonic Concorde made its first landing in New York City.

In 1987, the stock market crashed as the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 508 points, or 22.6 percent in value (its biggest daily percentage loss), to close at 1,738.74 in what came to be known as “Black Monday.”

In 1994, 22 people were killed as a terrorist bomb shattered a bus in the heart of Tel Aviv’s shopping district.

In 2001, U.S. special forces began operations on the ground in Afghanistan, opening a significant new phase of the assault against the Taliban and al-Qaida.

In 2002, in York, Pa., former mayor Charlie Robertson was acquitted and two other men were convicted in the shotgun slaying of Lillie Belle Allen, a young Black woman, during race riots that tore the city apart in 1969.

In 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified Mother Teresa during a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square.

In 2005, a defiant Saddam Hussein pleaded innocent to charges of premeditated murder and torture as his trial opened under heavy security in the former headquarters of his Baath Party in Baghdad.

In 2014, Peyton Manning broke Brett Favre’s NFL record of 508 career touchdown passes as he threw four TD passes in Denver’s 42-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. (The record would later be broken by Drew Brees and Tom Brady.)

Ten years ago: The Pentagon directed the military to accept openly gay recruits for the first time in the nation’s history. Hosam Smadi, a Jordanian man caught in an FBI sting trying to blow up a Dallas skyscraper, was sentenced to 24 years in prison after telling the court he was ashamed of his actions and renouncing al-Qaida. “Happy Days” patriarch Tom Bosley died in Rancho Mirage, California, at age 83.

Five years ago: Canadians voted for a sharp change in their government as the Liberals led by Justin Trudeau, the son of a former prime minister, won a landslide victory to end Conservative Stephen Harper’s near decade in office. Ahmed Mohamed, the Texas teenager arrested after a homemade clock he’d brought to school was mistaken for a bomb, capped a whirlwind month with a visit to the White House, where he met with President Barack Obama for “Astronomy Night.” The Toronto Blue Jays roughed up Johnny Cueto for an 11-8 victory over the Royals that cut Kansas City’s AL Championship series lead to 2-1.

One year ago: The Houston Astros advanced to the World Series for the second time in three years, defeating the New York Yankees 6-4 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. (The Astros would lose the World Series to the Washington Nationals in seven games.) At a rally in New York, Bernie Sanders resumed his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, weeks after being sidelined by a heart attack. In the wake of stinging criticism, President Donald Trump reversed his plan to hold the next Group of Seven world leaders’ meeting at his Doral, Florida, golf resort.

Today’s Birthdays: Author John le Carre (luh kah-RAY’) is 89. Actor Tony Lo Bianco is 84. Artist Peter Max is 83. Author and critic Renata Adler is 83. Actor Michael Gambon is 80. Actor John Lithgow (LIHTH’-goh) is 75. Feminist activist Patricia Ireland is 75. Singer Jeannie C. Riley is 75. Rock singer-musician Patrick Simmons (The Doobie Brothers) is 72. Actor Annie Golden is 69. Talk show host Charlie Chase is 68. Rock singer-musician Karl Wallinger (World Party) is 63. Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele is 62. Singer Jennifer Holliday is 60. Retired boxer Evander Holyfield is 58. Host Ty Pennington (TV: “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”) is 56. Rock singer-musician Todd Park Mohr (Big Head Todd and the Monsters) is 55. Actor Jon Favreau is 54. Amy Carter is 53. “South Park” co-creator Trey Parker is 51. Comedian Chris Kattan is 50. Rock singer Pras Michel (The Fugees) is 48. Actor Omar Gooding is 44. Country singer Cyndi Thomson is 44. Writer-director Jason Reitman is 43. Actor Benjamin Salisbury is 40. Actor Gillian Jacobs is 38. Actor Rebecca Ferguson is 37. Rock singer Zac Barnett (American Authors) is 34. Singer-actor Ciara Renee (TV: “Legends of Tomorrow”) is 30. Actor Hunter King is 27.

Today in HistoryToday is Monday, Oct. 19, the 293rd day of 2020. There are 73 days left in the year.Today’s Highlight in History:On Oct. 19, 1781, British troops under Gen. Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, as the American Revolution neared its end.On this date:In 1765, the Stamp Act Congress, meeting in New York, adopted a declaration of rights and liberties, which the British Parliament ignored.In 1812, French forces under Napoleon Bonaparte began their retreat from Moscow.In 1944, the U.S. Navy began accepting Black women into WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).In 1960, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested during a sit-down protest at a lunch counter in Atlanta. (Sent to prison for a parole violation over a traffic offense, King was released after three days following an appeal by Robert F. Kennedy.)In 1977, the supersonic Concorde made its first landing in New York City.In 1987, the stock market crashed as the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 508 points, or 22.6 percent in value (its biggest daily percentage loss), to close at 1,738.74 in what came to be known as “Black Monday.”In 1994, 22 people were killed as a terrorist bomb shattered a bus in the heart of Tel Aviv’s shopping district.In 2001, U.S. special forces began operations on the ground in Afghanistan, opening a significant new phase of the assault against the Taliban and al-Qaida.In 2002, in York, Pa., former mayor Charlie Robertson was acquitted and two other men were convicted in the shotgun slaying of Lillie Belle Allen, a young Black woman, during race riots that tore the city apart in 1969.In 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified Mother Teresa during a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square.In 2005, a defiant Saddam Hussein pleaded innocent to charges of premeditated murder and torture as his trial opened under heavy security in the former headquarters of his Baath Party in Baghdad.In 2014, Peyton Manning broke Brett Favre’s NFL record of 508 career touchdown passes as he threw four TD passes in Denver’s 42-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. (The record would later be broken by Drew Brees and Tom Brady.)Ten years ago: The Pentagon directed the military to accept openly gay recruits for the first time in the nation’s history. Hosam Smadi, a Jordanian man caught in an FBI sting trying to blow up a Dallas skyscraper, was sentenced to 24 years in prison after telling the court he was ashamed of his actions and renouncing al-Qaida. “Happy Days” patriarch Tom Bosley died in Rancho Mirage, California, at age 83.Five years ago: Canadians voted for a sharp change in their government as the Liberals led by Justin Trudeau, the son of a former prime minister, won a landslide victory to end Conservative Stephen Harper’s near decade in office. Ahmed Mohamed, the Texas teenager arrested after a homemade clock he’d brought to school was mistaken for a bomb, capped a whirlwind month with a visit to the White House, where he met with President Barack Obama for “Astronomy Night.” The Toronto Blue Jays roughed up Johnny Cueto for an 11-8 victory over the Royals that cut Kansas City’s AL Championship series lead to 2-1.One year ago: The Houston Astros advanced to the World Series for the second time in three years, defeating the New York Yankees 6-4 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. (The Astros would lose the World Series to the Washington Nationals in seven games.) At a rally in New York, Bernie Sanders resumed his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, weeks after being sidelined by a heart attack. In the wake of stinging criticism, President Donald Trump reversed his plan to hold the next Group of Seven world leaders’ meeting at his Doral, Florida, golf resort.Today’s Birthdays: Author John le Carre (luh kah-RAY’) is 89. Actor Tony Lo Bianco is 84. Artist Peter Max is 83. Author and critic Renata Adler is 83. Actor Michael Gambon is 80. Actor John Lithgow (LIHTH’-goh) is 75. Feminist activist Patricia Ireland is 75. Singer Jeannie C. Riley is 75. Rock singer-musician Patrick Simmons (The Doobie Brothers) is 72. Actor Annie Golden is 69. Talk show host Charlie Chase is 68. Rock singer-musician Karl Wallinger (World Party) is 63. Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele is 62. Singer Jennifer Holliday is 60. Retired boxer Evander Holyfield is 58. Host Ty Pennington (TV: “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”) is 56. Rock singer-musician Todd Park Mohr (Big Head Todd and the Monsters) is 55. Actor Jon Favreau is 54. Amy Carter is 53. “South Park” co-creator Trey Parker is 51. Comedian Chris Kattan is 50. Rock singer Pras Michel (The Fugees) is 48. Actor Omar Gooding is 44. Country singer Cyndi Thomson is 44. Writer-director Jason Reitman is 43. Actor Benjamin Salisbury is 40. Actor Gillian Jacobs is 38. Actor Rebecca Ferguson is 37. Rock singer Zac Barnett (American Authors) is 34. Singer-actor Ciara Renee (TV: “Legends of Tomorrow”) is 30. Actor Hunter King is 27.

Today in History-October 19

Nebraska Tourism Conference held virtually this week

LINCOLN, Neb.-&nbsp;Nebraska tourism industry professionals will gather virtually this week for the 2020 Nebraska Tourism Conference. From October 20-22, attendees will hear from a variety of speakers on topics such as editorial impacts and inspiration, benefits of diversity and inclusion and the future of tourism. All sessions are free. “We’re bummed we can’t see everyone in person this year, but the virtual sessions we’ve put together include important and relevant topics for the climate of the tourism industry now,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “Whether you’re an owner of a small business or attraction, or a convention and visitors bureau, we encourage you to join this week.” Nebraska Tourism will be giving away a free 2021 Nebraska Tourism Conference registration each webinar. Winners will be randomly selected during the live sessions. The 2021 conference will be held in Grand Island. Registration is still open and each session can be registered for individually at the links provided below. Sessions will be recorded and sent out to those who registered for them at the end of the conference. Conference schedule on Tuesday, October 20, 2020: 9:30 a.m. CST&nbsp; Conference Welcome + A Roadmap for Success - Nebraska Tourism’s New 5-Year&nbsp;Strategic Plan&nbsp; John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission; Jennifer Simmons, Brand + Lever <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=87e5e2634e&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Register Here</a> 1:30 p.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Consumer Sentiment Roller Coaster: Where are we headed now? Erin Francis- Cummings, Destination Analysts <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e348598d1f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Register Here</a> 3:30 p.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska Travel Association (NETA) Meeting <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3d4337462b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Join meeting at 3:30 p.m. here</a> Conference schedule on Wednesday, October 21, 2020: 9:30 a.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Making Room at the Table: The Benefits of Diversity &amp; Inclusion Franklin Thompson, Omaha Human Rights &amp; Relations and UNO College of Education <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=216a96a3fd&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Register Here</a> 1:30 p.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Editorial Impacts &amp; Inspiration for 2021 Amber Steffens, TURNER PR; Whitt Kelly, TURNER PR <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d2cabdad50&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Register Here</a> 3:30 p.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Sports Nebraska Meeting <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6108b5218f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Join meeting at 3:30 p.m. here</a> Nebraska Festivals &amp; Events Meeting <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=197576d4ef&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Join meeting at 3:30 p.m. here</a> Nebraska Byways Meeting <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c1c12c5ae0&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Join meeting at 3:30 p.m. here</a> Conference schedule on Thursday, October 22, 2020: 9:30 a.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Commissioner Networking Session Each commissioner will have a separate zoom meeting link to join at 9:30 a.m. Go to <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=43090ab5bd&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://visitnebraska.com/industry-events/2020-nebraska-tourism-conference</a>&nbsp;for the list of 11 Nebraska Tourism Commissioners, their counties, and zoom link for each session. 1:30 p.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska Tourism Industry Awards Jon &amp; Taryn Vanderford, 1011 Now <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3c49d5235d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Register Here</a>

Nebraska Tourism Conference held virtually this week<figure>
 <img src="https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/g-y5BYGt13VilpsP9Ip3dZNosKbQDrqDpMPUOFU4RcVISzDYv73qnz5vJ6iuMpR8_HqRZEjYY3RxPiEm9YstpcgILUJYB9nuslvz6BCK3MFtdI0rVrcnA0-ZmcYUQnahGP9S8BpNSgzVEZw6Fv-3oEWHghakKg=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b/images/79f462b1-4fa7-433d-b34b-08ac7325a017.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> LINCOLN, Neb.-&nbsp;Nebraska tourism industry professionals will gather virtually this week for the 2020 Nebraska Tourism Conference. From October 20-22, attendees will hear from a variety of speakers on topics such as editorial impacts and inspiration, benefits of diversity and inclusion and the future of tourism. All sessions are free. “We’re bummed we can’t see everyone in person this year, but the virtual sessions we’ve put together include important and relevant topics for the climate of the tourism industry now,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “Whether you’re an owner of a small business or attraction, or a convention and visitors bureau, we encourage you to join this week.” Nebraska Tourism will be giving away a free 2021 Nebraska Tourism Conference registration each webinar. Winners will be randomly selected during the live sessions. The 2021 conference will be held in Grand Island. Registration is still open and each session can be registered for individually at the links provided below. Sessions will be recorded and sent out to those who registered for them at the end of the conference. Conference schedule on Tuesday, October 20, 2020: 9:30 a.m. CST&nbsp; Conference Welcome + A Roadmap for Success - Nebraska Tourism’s New 5-Year&nbsp;Strategic Plan&nbsp; John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission; Jennifer Simmons, Brand + Lever <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=87e5e2634e&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Register Here</a> 1:30 p.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Consumer Sentiment Roller Coaster: Where are we headed now? Erin Francis- Cummings, Destination Analysts <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e348598d1f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Register Here</a> 3:30 p.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska Travel Association (NETA) Meeting <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3d4337462b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Join meeting at 3:30 p.m. here</a> Conference schedule on Wednesday, October 21, 2020: 9:30 a.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Making Room at the Table: The Benefits of Diversity &amp; Inclusion Franklin Thompson, Omaha Human Rights &amp; Relations and UNO College of Education <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=216a96a3fd&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Register Here</a> 1:30 p.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Editorial Impacts &amp; Inspiration for 2021 Amber Steffens, TURNER PR; Whitt Kelly, TURNER PR <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d2cabdad50&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Register Here</a> 3:30 p.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Sports Nebraska Meeting <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6108b5218f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Join meeting at 3:30 p.m. here</a> Nebraska Festivals &amp; Events Meeting <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=197576d4ef&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Join meeting at 3:30 p.m. here</a> Nebraska Byways Meeting <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c1c12c5ae0&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Join meeting at 3:30 p.m. here</a> Conference schedule on Thursday, October 22, 2020: 9:30 a.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Commissioner Networking Session Each commissioner will have a separate zoom meeting link to join at 9:30 a.m. Go to <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=43090ab5bd&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://visitnebraska.com/industry-events/2020-nebraska-tourism-conference</a>&nbsp;for the list of 11 Nebraska Tourism Commissioners, their counties, and zoom link for each session. 1:30 p.m. CST&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska Tourism Industry Awards Jon &amp; Taryn Vanderford, 1011 Now <a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3c49d5235d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Register Here</a>

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A recent surge of coronavirus cases in Nebraska has led to record numbers of hospitalizations, and the state's rate of new infections now ranks fifth-highest nationally.

The state said a record 343 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 after it reported 734 new cases of the virus Sunday to give Nebraska 58,068 cases since the pandemic began. There have also been 548 deaths linked to the virus.

The rate of new cases per 100,000 Nebraska residents over the past two weeks registered at 531.86 and ranked fifth-highest among all the states on Sunday, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University.

Gov. Pete Ricketts has reinstated some restrictions but has resisted imposing a statewide mask mandate. Starting this Wednesday, indoor gatherings will be limited to 50% of a building's capacity instead of the current 75% and hospitals will have to reserve 10% of their intensive care beds for new COVID-19 patients.

Some public health officials want the state to do more. Jeremy Eschliman, director of the Two Rivers Health Department in Kearney, said requiring masks would be a good step. Currently, masks are required only in Nebraska's two largest cities because local leaders in Omaha and Lincoln have approved mandates.

"Without additional restrictions at this point, it's going to be challenging, quite honestly," he&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/nebraskas-surge-in-covid-19-cases-spurs-debate-over-how-best-to-fight-pandemic/article_d0dab934-7720-5004-92a4-85747e17da7b.html" target="_blank">said to the Omaha World-Herald</a>.

Susan Bockrath, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Local Health Directors, said many health departments believe the state should focus more on preventing the spread of the virus. The association launched a campaign last week encouraging people to avoid close contact with others and crowded places.

Even with the high number of hospitalizations, the state said hospital capacity has improved. The state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>&nbsp;said 37% of Nebraska's intensive care beds were available Monday. That number&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-grand-island-nebraska-6bf6893d861f0ef9d9857d868b0efa3b" target="_blank">remained&nbsp;</a>below 30% last week.

But the seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska jumped over the past two weeks from 13.49% on Oct. 4 to 18.03% on Sunday.

And the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska increased over the past two weeks to 778.14 on Sunday from 543.86 new cases per day on Oct. 4.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A recent surge of coronavirus cases in Nebraska has led to record numbers of hospitalizations, and the state's rate of new infections now ranks fifth-highest nationally.The state said a record 343 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 after it reported 734 new cases of the virus Sunday to give Nebraska 58,068 cases since the pandemic began. There have also been 548 deaths linked to the virus.The rate of new cases per 100,000 Nebraska residents over the past two weeks registered at 531.86 and ranked fifth-highest among all the states on Sunday, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University.Gov. Pete Ricketts has reinstated some restrictions but has resisted imposing a statewide mask mandate. Starting this Wednesday, indoor gatherings will be limited to 50% of a building's capacity instead of the current 75% and hospitals will have to reserve 10% of their intensive care beds for new COVID-19 patients.Some public health officials want the state to do more. Jeremy Eschliman, director of the Two Rivers Health Department in Kearney, said requiring masks would be a good step. Currently, masks are required only in Nebraska's two largest cities because local leaders in Omaha and Lincoln have approved mandates."Without additional restrictions at this point, it's going to be challenging, quite honestly," he&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/nebraskas-surge-in-covid-19-cases-spurs-debate-over-how-best-to-fight-pandemic/article_d0dab934-7720-5004-92a4-85747e17da7b.html" target="_blank">said to the Omaha World-Herald</a>.Susan Bockrath, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Local Health Directors, said many health departments believe the state should focus more on preventing the spread of the virus. The association launched a campaign last week encouraging people to avoid close contact with others and crowded places.Even with the high number of hospitalizations, the state said hospital capacity has improved. The state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>&nbsp;said 37% of Nebraska's intensive care beds were available Monday. That number&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-grand-island-nebraska-6bf6893d861f0ef9d9857d868b0efa3b" target="_blank">remained&nbsp;</a>below 30% last week.But the seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska jumped over the past two weeks from 13.49% on Oct. 4 to 18.03% on Sunday.And the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska increased over the past two weeks to 778.14 on Sunday from 543.86 new cases per day on Oct. 4.

Nebraska reports fifth-highest rate of new virus infections

As remote schooling surged during the pandemic, parents across the country realized that many kids didn't have desks at home.

So they got busy building, collecting and donating them, giving hundreds or thousands of students workspaces to call their own and helping them get through long days of virtual learning.

For Mitch Couch in the Central California town of Lemoore, inspiration struck when his 16-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son kept taking over the kitchen table for their remote lessons. He made desks for them, and thought: Why not provide others' children with individual learning areas they could decorate with stickers and paint?

The desks he made were kid-size, simple and inexpensive, fashioned from plywood with a hutch for workbooks and papers. But they did the trick.

"I was like, you know what, I built these desks for like $20," Couch said. "Maybe I can show other people how to do it. So I made a quick YouTube video" to guide fellow parents in Desk-Making 101.

A grocery store saw it online and offered to provide materials if he would build more. Managers contacted local school officials to help identify those in need. From the initial batch of a couple dozen, plans quickly ramped up to build at least 50 more, and on a recent day he was sawing and sanding with a driveway full of more than a dozen desks

A single sheet of plywood, 4 feet by 8 feet, yields four desks. By now Couch is so practiced, he can knock one out in just about 15 minutes.

Neighbors stopped by to shake his hand. He's gotten thank-you messages and pictures from parents who said their kids were "doing better and focusing more because they have their own space now."

Like Couch, Marcus Holley of Omaha, Nebraska, started out making desks for his own children. Hardly a carpenter, the father of eight searched online and found a simple design for desks that cost about $24 to build.

As he began making more for others and the price of wood increased, Holley launched an online fundraiser so the desks could be free to families. Initially a donor ponied up $1,000, and after a local station ran a story about his initiative, donations reached some $8,000.

Two friends have helped out a few times, but mostly Holley has been on his own in building the furniture for students, teachers, daycare centers - about 150 desks so far. Requests continued to roll in, with $5,000 left in the account.

"Just do good and help others and love," Holley said.

In the D.C. suburb of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Jessica Berrellez was already involved in a project with other moms to provide virtual educational materials for kids in low-income families. The logical next step was supplies like headphones and whiteboards - and desks, of course.

Berrellez enlisted her husband, Al, who went to a big-box store to pick up materials, watched some online videos and built a prototype in about an hour at a cost of around $40. At first they provided all the labor and funding, but soon it was more than two people with full-time jobs could handle.

They started a Facebook group, Desks by Dads, and others weighed in to help tweak and improve the design. Money now comes from donations. And some 60 desk-building volunteers, ranging from retirees to parents whose own kids got desks and are now giving back, have delivered 138 desks to underprivileged kids.

"Our greatest hope was that other people would step in and help," Berrellez said. "And it's happened."

"One Good Thing" is a series that highlights individuals whose actions provide glimmers of joy in hard times - stories of people who find a way to make a difference, no matter how small. Read the collection of stories at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/one-good-thing" target="_blank">https://apnews.com/hub/one-good-thing</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603116451939.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JESSIE WARDARSKI-Associated Press As remote schooling surged during the pandemic, parents across the country realized that many kids didn't have desks at home.So they got busy building, collecting and donating them, giving hundreds or thousands of students workspaces to call their own and helping them get through long days of virtual learning.For Mitch Couch in the Central California town of Lemoore, inspiration struck when his 16-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son kept taking over the kitchen table for their remote lessons. He made desks for them, and thought: Why not provide others' children with individual learning areas they could decorate with stickers and paint?The desks he made were kid-size, simple and inexpensive, fashioned from plywood with a hutch for workbooks and papers. But they did the trick."I was like, you know what, I built these desks for like $20," Couch said. "Maybe I can show other people how to do it. So I made a quick YouTube video" to guide fellow parents in Desk-Making 101.A grocery store saw it online and offered to provide materials if he would build more. Managers contacted local school officials to help identify those in need. From the initial batch of a couple dozen, plans quickly ramped up to build at least 50 more, and on a recent day he was sawing and sanding with a driveway full of more than a dozen desksA single sheet of plywood, 4 feet by 8 feet, yields four desks. By now Couch is so practiced, he can knock one out in just about 15 minutes.Neighbors stopped by to shake his hand. He's gotten thank-you messages and pictures from parents who said their kids were "doing better and focusing more because they have their own space now."Like Couch, Marcus Holley of Omaha, Nebraska, started out making desks for his own children. Hardly a carpenter, the father of eight searched online and found a simple design for desks that cost about $24 to build.As he began making more for others and the price of wood increased, Holley launched an online fundraiser so the desks could be free to families. Initially a donor ponied up $1,000, and after a local station ran a story about his initiative, donations reached some $8,000.Two friends have helped out a few times, but mostly Holley has been on his own in building the furniture for students, teachers, daycare centers - about 150 desks so far. Requests continued to roll in, with $5,000 left in the account."Just do good and help others and love," Holley said.In the D.C. suburb of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Jessica Berrellez was already involved in a project with other moms to provide virtual educational materials for kids in low-income families. The logical next step was supplies like headphones and whiteboards - and desks, of course.Berrellez enlisted her husband, Al, who went to a big-box store to pick up materials, watched some online videos and built a prototype in about an hour at a cost of around $40. At first they provided all the labor and funding, but soon it was more than two people with full-time jobs could handle.They started a Facebook group, Desks by Dads, and others weighed in to help tweak and improve the design. Money now comes from donations. And some 60 desk-building volunteers, ranging from retirees to parents whose own kids got desks and are now giving back, have delivered 138 desks to underprivileged kids."Our greatest hope was that other people would step in and help," Berrellez said. "And it's happened."___"One Good Thing" is a series that highlights individuals whose actions provide glimmers of joy in hard times - stories of people who find a way to make a difference, no matter how small. Read the collection of stories at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/one-good-thing" target="_blank">https://apnews.com/hub/one-good-thing</a>.

A desk of their own to ease remote learning for kids in need

Scotty sits down for our weekly conversation with John Hales, candidate for Mayor of North Platte.

Scotty sits down for our weekly conversation with John Hales, candidate for Mayor of North Platte.<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: John Hales for Mayor" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/35f3c-efca86?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: John Hales for Mayor

WESSINGTON SPRINGS, S.D. (AP) — Rural Jerauld County in South Dakota didn’t see a single case of the coronavirus for more than two months stretching from June to August. But over the last two weeks, its rate of new cases per person soared to one of the highest in the nation.

“All of a sudden it hit, and as it does, it just exploded,” said Dr. Tom Dean, one of just three doctors who work in the county.

As the brunt of the virus has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-north-dakota-wisconsin-archive-9d53f66db25f04bd9cdc7b6142e950d8">blown into the Upper Midwest and northern Plains</a>, the severity of outbreaks in rural communities has come into focus. Doctors and health officials in small towns worry that infections may overwhelm communities with limited medical resources. And many say they are still running up against attitudes on wearing masks that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7dce310db6e85b31d735e81d0af6769c">hardened along political lines</a>&nbsp;and a false notion that rural areas are immune to widespread infections.

Dean took to writing a column in the local weekly newspaper, the True Dakotan, to offer his guidance. In recent weeks, he’s watched as one in roughly every 37 people in his county has tested positive for the virus.

It ripped through the nursing home in Wessington Springs where both his parents lived, killing his father. The community’s six deaths may appear minimal compared with thousands who have died in cities, but they have propelled the county of about 2,000 people to a death rate roughly four times higher than the nationwide rate.

Rural counties across Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana sit among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-nfl-pandemics-tennessee-titans-football-0b6fda946ead1ec3c931b8c895fa56ba">top in the nation</a>&nbsp;for new cases per capita over the last two weeks, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers. Overall, the nation topped 8 million confirmed coronavirus cases in the university’s count on Friday; the true number of infections is believed to be much higher because many people have not been tested.

In counties with just a few thousand people, the number of cases per capita can soar with even a small outbreak — and the toll hits close to home in tight-knit towns.

“One or two people with infections can really cause a large impact when you have one grocery store or gas station,” said Misty Rudebusch, the medical director at a network of rural health clinics in South Dakota called Horizon Health Care. “There is such a ripple effect.”

Wessington Springs is a hub for the generations of farmers and ranchers that work the surrounding land. Residents send their children to the same schoolhouse they attended and have preserved cultural offerings like a Shakespeare garden and opera house.

They trust Dean, who for 42 years has tended to everything from broken bones to high blood pressure. When a patient needs a higher level of care, the family physician usually depends on a transfer to a hospital 130 miles (209 kilometers) away.

As cases surge, hospitals in rural communities are having trouble finding beds. A recent request to transfer a “not desperately ill, but pretty” sick COVID-19 patient was denied for several days, until the patient’s condition had worsened, Dean said.

“We’re proud of what we got, but it’s been a struggle,” he said of the 16-bed hospital.

The outbreak that killed Dean’s dad forced Wessington Springs’ only nursing home to put out a statewide request for nurses.

Thin resources and high death rates have plagued other small communities. Blair Tomsheck, interim director of the health department in Toole County, Montana, worried that the region’s small hospitals would need to start caring for serious COVID-19 patients after cases spiked to the nation’s highest per capita. One out of every 28 people in the county has tested positive in the last two weeks, according to Johns Hopkins researchers.

“It’s very, very challenging when your resources are poor — living in a small, rural county,” she said.

Infections can also spread quickly in places like Toole County, where most everyone shops at the same grocery store, attends the same school or worships at a handful of churches.

“The Sunday family dinners are killing us,” Tomsheck said.

Even as outbreaks threaten to spiral out of control, doctors and health officials said they are struggling to convince people of the seriousness of a virus that took months to arrive in force.

“It’s kind of like getting a blizzard warning and then the blizzard doesn’t hit that week, so then the next time, people say they are not going to worry about it,” said Kathleen Taylor, a 67-year-old author who lives in Redfield, South Dakota.

In swaths of the country decorated by flags supporting President Donald Trump, people took their cues on wearing masks from his often-cavalier attitude towards the virus. Dean draws a direct connection between Trump’s approach and the lack of precautions in his town of 956 people.

“There’s the foolish idea that mask-wearing or refusal is some kind of a political statement,” Dean said. “It has seriously interfered with our ability to get it under control.”

Even amid the surge, Republican governors in the region have been reluctant to act. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said recently, “We are caught in the middle of a COVID storm” as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ba8b83e6be3d77a7408643ff7abd6583">raised advisory risk levels in counties across the state</a>. But he has refused to issue a mask mandate.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who has carved out a reputation among conservatives by foregoing lockdowns,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/54403f94e394687965789f902e30a9cc">blamed the surge in cases</a>&nbsp;on testing increases, even though the state has had the highest positivity rate in the nation over the last two weeks, according to the COVID Tracking Project. Positivity rates are an indication of how widespread infections are.

In Wisconsin, conservative groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-pandemics-health-wisconsin-archive-a13ab87c1c43f561299d5d9851ffac83">have sued</a>&nbsp;over Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ mask mandate.

Whether the requirement survives doesn’t matter to Jody Bierhals, a resident of Gillett who doubts the efficacy of wearing a mask. Her home county of Oconto, which stretches from the northern border of Green Bay into forests and farmland, has the state’s second-highest growth in coronavirus cases per person.

Bierhals, a single mother with three kids, is more worried about the drop in business at her small salon. The region depends on tourists, but many have stayed away during the pandemic.

“Do I want to keep the water on, or do I want to be able to put food on the table?” she asked. “It’s a difficult situation.”

Bierhals said she thought the virus couldn’t be stopped and it would be best to let it run its course. But local attitudes like that have left the county’s health officer, Debra Konitzer, desperate.

Konitzer warned that the uncontrolled spread of infections has overwhelmed the county’s health systems.

“I’m just waiting to see if our community can change our behavior,” she said. “Otherwise, I don’t see the end in sight.

WESSINGTON SPRINGS, S.D. (AP) — Rural Jerauld County in South Dakota didn’t see a single case of the coronavirus for more than two months stretching from June to August. But over the last two weeks, its rate of new cases per person soared to one of the highest in the nation.“All of a sudden it hit, and as it does, it just exploded,” said Dr. Tom Dean, one of just three doctors who work in the county.As the brunt of the virus has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-north-dakota-wisconsin-archive-9d53f66db25f04bd9cdc7b6142e950d8">blown into the Upper Midwest and northern Plains</a>, the severity of outbreaks in rural communities has come into focus. Doctors and health officials in small towns worry that infections may overwhelm communities with limited medical resources. And many say they are still running up against attitudes on wearing masks that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7dce310db6e85b31d735e81d0af6769c">hardened along political lines</a>&nbsp;and a false notion that rural areas are immune to widespread infections.Dean took to writing a column in the local weekly newspaper, the True Dakotan, to offer his guidance. In recent weeks, he’s watched as one in roughly every 37 people in his county has tested positive for the virus.It ripped through the nursing home in Wessington Springs where both his parents lived, killing his father. The community’s six deaths may appear minimal compared with thousands who have died in cities, but they have propelled the county of about 2,000 people to a death rate roughly four times higher than the nationwide rate.Rural counties across Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana sit among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-nfl-pandemics-tennessee-titans-football-0b6fda946ead1ec3c931b8c895fa56ba">top in the nation</a>&nbsp;for new cases per capita over the last two weeks, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers. Overall, the nation topped 8 million confirmed coronavirus cases in the university’s count on Friday; the true number of infections is believed to be much higher because many people have not been tested.In counties with just a few thousand people, the number of cases per capita can soar with even a small outbreak — and the toll hits close to home in tight-knit towns.“One or two people with infections can really cause a large impact when you have one grocery store or gas station,” said Misty Rudebusch, the medical director at a network of rural health clinics in South Dakota called Horizon Health Care. “There is such a ripple effect.”Wessington Springs is a hub for the generations of farmers and ranchers that work the surrounding land. Residents send their children to the same schoolhouse they attended and have preserved cultural offerings like a Shakespeare garden and opera house.They trust Dean, who for 42 years has tended to everything from broken bones to high blood pressure. When a patient needs a higher level of care, the family physician usually depends on a transfer to a hospital 130 miles (209 kilometers) away.As cases surge, hospitals in rural communities are having trouble finding beds. A recent request to transfer a “not desperately ill, but pretty” sick COVID-19 patient was denied for several days, until the patient’s condition had worsened, Dean said.“We’re proud of what we got, but it’s been a struggle,” he said of the 16-bed hospital.The outbreak that killed Dean’s dad forced Wessington Springs’ only nursing home to put out a statewide request for nurses.Thin resources and high death rates have plagued other small communities. Blair Tomsheck, interim director of the health department in Toole County, Montana, worried that the region’s small hospitals would need to start caring for serious COVID-19 patients after cases spiked to the nation’s highest per capita. One out of every 28 people in the county has tested positive in the last two weeks, according to Johns Hopkins researchers.“It’s very, very challenging when your resources are poor — living in a small, rural county,” she said.Infections can also spread quickly in places like Toole County, where most everyone shops at the same grocery store, attends the same school or worships at a handful of churches.“The Sunday family dinners are killing us,” Tomsheck said.Even as outbreaks threaten to spiral out of control, doctors and health officials said they are struggling to convince people of the seriousness of a virus that took months to arrive in force.“It’s kind of like getting a blizzard warning and then the blizzard doesn’t hit that week, so then the next time, people say they are not going to worry about it,” said Kathleen Taylor, a 67-year-old author who lives in Redfield, South Dakota.In swaths of the country decorated by flags supporting President Donald Trump, people took their cues on wearing masks from his often-cavalier attitude towards the virus. Dean draws a direct connection between Trump’s approach and the lack of precautions in his town of 956 people.“There’s the foolish idea that mask-wearing or refusal is some kind of a political statement,” Dean said. “It has seriously interfered with our ability to get it under control.”Even amid the surge, Republican governors in the region have been reluctant to act. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said recently, “We are caught in the middle of a COVID storm” as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ba8b83e6be3d77a7408643ff7abd6583">raised advisory risk levels in counties across the state</a>. But he has refused to issue a mask mandate.South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who has carved out a reputation among conservatives by foregoing lockdowns,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/54403f94e394687965789f902e30a9cc">blamed the surge in cases</a>&nbsp;on testing increases, even though the state has had the highest positivity rate in the nation over the last two weeks, according to the COVID Tracking Project. Positivity rates are an indication of how widespread infections are.In Wisconsin, conservative groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-pandemics-health-wisconsin-archive-a13ab87c1c43f561299d5d9851ffac83">have sued</a>&nbsp;over Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ mask mandate.Whether the requirement survives doesn’t matter to Jody Bierhals, a resident of Gillett who doubts the efficacy of wearing a mask. Her home county of Oconto, which stretches from the northern border of Green Bay into forests and farmland, has the state’s second-highest growth in coronavirus cases per person.Bierhals, a single mother with three kids, is more worried about the drop in business at her small salon. The region depends on tourists, but many have stayed away during the pandemic.“Do I want to keep the water on, or do I want to be able to put food on the table?” she asked. “It’s a difficult situation.”Bierhals said she thought the virus couldn’t be stopped and it would be best to let it run its course. But local attitudes like that have left the county’s health officer, Debra Konitzer, desperate.Konitzer warned that the uncontrolled spread of infections has overwhelmed the county’s health systems.“I’m just waiting to see if our community can change our behavior,” she said. “Otherwise, I don’t see the end in sight.

Rural Midwest hospitals struggling to handle virus surge

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of coronavirus cases in Nebraska is growing at a fast pace, and the state's rate of new infections ranks sixth-highest in the nation.

The state's rate of new cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks registered at 514.65 and ranked sixth-highest among all the states on Saturday, 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 13.01% on Oct. 3 to 18.02% on Saturday.

Nebraska reported 620 new COVID-19 cases Saturday to give the state 57,334 cases since the pandemic began. The state also reported one additional death on its&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>&nbsp;to give the state 548 deaths.

Nebraska eliminated nearly all of its virus restrictions last month in favor of voluntary guidelines, but Gov. Pete Ricketts announced new restrictions last week because of the recent surge of cases. Starting Wednesday, hospitals will have to reserve 10% of their intensive care beds for COVID-19 patients and people at bars and restaurants will have to remain seated at tables with no more than eight people.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of coronavirus cases in Nebraska is growing at a fast pace, and the state's rate of new infections ranks sixth-highest in the nation.The state's rate of new cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks registered at 514.65 and ranked sixth-highest among all the states on Saturday, 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 13.01% on Oct. 3 to 18.02% on Saturday.Nebraska reported 620 new COVID-19 cases Saturday to give the state 57,334 cases since the pandemic began. The state also reported one additional death on its&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>&nbsp;to give the state 548 deaths.Nebraska eliminated nearly all of its virus restrictions last month in favor of voluntary guidelines, but Gov. Pete Ricketts announced new restrictions last week because of the recent surge of cases. Starting Wednesday, hospitals will have to reserve 10% of their intensive care beds for COVID-19 patients and people at bars and restaurants will have to remain seated at tables with no more than eight people.

Nebraska's rate of new virus cases ranks sixth-highest

LINCOLN, Neb.-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) arrested a North Platte woman following a brief pursuit on Interstate 80 near Utica Friday evening. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle struck an NSP cruiser in an attempt to avoid arrest.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. Friday, NSP received reports of a possible impaired driver traveling eastbound on I-80 in York County. Two troopers, working in the same patrol unit, located the Chevrolet Tahoe near mile marker 365 and observed numerous traffic violations immediately.

The troopers attempted a traffic stop, but the Tahoe drove into the median and began facing westbound before it stopped. As the troopers exited the patrol vehicle, the Tahoe began driving again and entered westbound I-80. The troopers initiated a pursuit. The Tahoe continued westbound, driving erratically before coming to a stop on the shoulder.

The troopers positioned their patrol vehicle in front of the Tahoe in an attempt to prevent it from reentering I-80. The driver of the Tahoe then drove forward, striking the patrol unit on the passenger side, and turned around to drive eastbound in the westbound lanes. The patrol unit was still able to operate and the troopers again pursued the suspect vehicle. After a short time, the Tahoe drove into the median and came to a stop. The troopers were then able to take the driver into custody without further incident. The entire pursuit was contained between mile markers 365 and 366 and lasted approximately two minutes.

The driver, Debra Pittman, 65, of North Platte, was arrested on suspicion of willful reckless driving, felony flight to avoid arrest, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, hit and run, driving under the influence of alcohol, and numerous traffic violations. Pittman was lodged in Seward County Corrections. Neither trooper was injured in the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602969967563.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) arrested a North Platte woman following a brief pursuit on Interstate 80 near Utica Friday evening. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle struck an NSP cruiser in an attempt to avoid arrest.At approximately 5:30 p.m. Friday, NSP received reports of a possible impaired driver traveling eastbound on I-80 in York County. Two troopers, working in the same patrol unit, located the Chevrolet Tahoe near mile marker 365 and observed numerous traffic violations immediately.The troopers attempted a traffic stop, but the Tahoe drove into the median and began facing westbound before it stopped. As the troopers exited the patrol vehicle, the Tahoe began driving again and entered westbound I-80. The troopers initiated a pursuit. The Tahoe continued westbound, driving erratically before coming to a stop on the shoulder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602969999411.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The troopers positioned their patrol vehicle in front of the Tahoe in an attempt to prevent it from reentering I-80. The driver of the Tahoe then drove forward, striking the patrol unit on the passenger side, and turned around to drive eastbound in the westbound lanes. The patrol unit was still able to operate and the troopers again pursued the suspect vehicle. After a short time, the Tahoe drove into the median and came to a stop. The troopers were then able to take the driver into custody without further incident. The entire pursuit was contained between mile markers 365 and 366 and lasted approximately two minutes.The driver, Debra Pittman, 65, of North Platte, was arrested on suspicion of willful reckless driving, felony flight to avoid arrest, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, hit and run, driving under the influence of alcohol, and numerous traffic violations. Pittman was lodged in Seward County Corrections. Neither trooper was injured in the incident.

North Platte woman accused of striking NSP cruiser during pursuit

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump pushed back Saturday at Sen. Ben Sasse on Twitter, calling the Nebraska senator "a liability to the Republican Party, and an embarrassment" to the state.

The president's Twitter attack came after Sasse told constituents in a telephone town hall Wednesday that Trump has "flirted with white supremacists," mocks Christian evangelicals in private, and "kisses dictators' butts."

Sasse, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-senate-elections-omaha-brad-ashford-ben-sasse-caf229e31edaf8ac5df0325d38f49652" target="_blank">running for a second term</a>&nbsp;in a reliably red state and is seen as a potential presidential candidate for 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-ben-sasse-foreign-policy-nebraska-5685460c463899b469015163b9e369e4" target="_blank">made the comments in response to a question</a>&nbsp;about why he has been willing to publicly criticize a president of his own party. He also criticized Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and said Trump's family has treated the presidency "like a business opportunity."

Trump tweeted that Sasse is "the least effective of our 53 Republican Senators, and a person who truly doesn't have what it takes to be great."

Trump's tirade continued throughout the day as he compared Sasse to former U.S. Sens. Bob Corker of Tennessee and Jeff Flake of Arizona, who left the Senate after combative relationships with the president. Trump suggested perhaps Republicans should find "a new and more viable candidate?"

Trump carried Nebraska by 25 percentage points in 2016.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602428635792.png" alt="White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump pushed back Saturday at Sen. Ben Sasse on Twitter, calling the Nebraska senator "a liability to the Republican Party, and an embarrassment" to the state.The president's Twitter attack came after Sasse told constituents in a telephone town hall Wednesday that Trump has "flirted with white supremacists," mocks Christian evangelicals in private, and "kisses dictators' butts."Sasse, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-senate-elections-omaha-brad-ashford-ben-sasse-caf229e31edaf8ac5df0325d38f49652" target="_blank">running for a second term</a>&nbsp;in a reliably red state and is seen as a potential presidential candidate for 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-ben-sasse-foreign-policy-nebraska-5685460c463899b469015163b9e369e4" target="_blank">made the comments in response to a question</a>&nbsp;about why he has been willing to publicly criticize a president of his own party. He also criticized Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and said Trump's family has treated the presidency "like a business opportunity."Trump tweeted that Sasse is "the least effective of our 53 Republican Senators, and a person who truly doesn't have what it takes to be great."Trump's tirade continued throughout the day as he compared Sasse to former U.S. Sens. Bob Corker of Tennessee and Jeff Flake of Arizona, who left the Senate after combative relationships with the president. Trump suggested perhaps Republicans should find "a new and more viable candidate?"Trump carried Nebraska by 25 percentage points in 2016.

Trump: Nebraska Sen. Sasse 'a liability to Republican Party'

10.17.2020 NPHS Volleyball @ Kearney tri

Seniors Tom Moss and Abby Orr were crowned North Platte High School homecoming king and queen Friday at the varsity football game against Millard West.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602933051657.png" alt="Photo:&nbsp;Elsacia Buck, North Platte High Journalism" />
 <figcaption>Photo:&nbsp;Elsacia Buck, North Platte High Journalism</figcaption>
 </figure>Seniors Tom Moss and Abby Orr were crowned North Platte High School homecoming king and queen Friday at the varsity football game against Millard West.

Moss, Orr crowned NPHS Homecoming royalty

Darren D Prickett, 58, North Platte and Tina L Bye, 35, North Platte

Ross L Rivera, 36, North Platte and Stephanie N Gilmore, 34, North Platte

Published October 17, 2020Darren D Prickett, 58, North Platte and Tina L Bye, 35, North PlatteRoss L Rivera, 36, North Platte and Stephanie N Gilmore, 34, North Platte

Lincoln County Marriage Licenses 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts announced new restrictions Friday aimed at curbing the coronavirus amid a surge of new cases and hospitalizations in Nebraska.

<a href="https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/nebraska-reimposes-some-public-health-restrictions-as-covid-19-cases-soar/article_c2307c0c-ba60-5e05-9994-8ea90bdeb8e9.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">The Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;reported that the Republican governor outlined four steps that will go into effect Wednesday: Hospitals must provide 10% of their bed and intensive care unit space for incoming COVID-19 patients. Indoor gatherings, currently allowed up to 75% percent capacity, must drop to 50% capacity. People at bars and restaurants must remain seated and with no more than eight to a table. And, wedding and funeral receptions must limit table sizes to no more than eight people.

Ricketts stopped short of issuing a statewide mask mandate.

Nebraska is among several Midwestern states that have seen a big increase in confirmed cases of the virus, along with more hospitalizations. The state's COVID-19 dashboard shows 55,428 confirmed cases. The state also has reported 530 deaths.

Ricketts said it "pains me" to impose the restrictions, but he cited a need to protect hospital capacity. He cited the example of Italy, where hospitals became overwhelmed earlier this year as coronavirus cases soared.

The University of Nebraska's athletic director remains hopeful that the Big Ten will change course and allow fans to attend conference football games in 2020.

<a href="https://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/moos-says-he-will-continue-to-fight-for-nebraska-fans-to-be-able-to-attend/article_1cbfb33c-7361-5a03-b9bb-2b8456dd1200.html" target="_blank">The Lincoln Journal Star</a>&nbsp;reported that Athletic Director Bill Moos said Thursday that he will continue to push for a limited number of fans to be allowed in Memorial Stadium this season.

Nebraska opens its season Oct. 24 at Ohio State, and the first home game is against Wisconsin on Oct. 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595077136190.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts announced new restrictions Friday aimed at curbing the coronavirus amid a surge of new cases and hospitalizations in Nebraska.<a href="https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/nebraska-reimposes-some-public-health-restrictions-as-covid-19-cases-soar/article_c2307c0c-ba60-5e05-9994-8ea90bdeb8e9.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">The Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;reported that the Republican governor outlined four steps that will go into effect Wednesday: Hospitals must provide 10% of their bed and intensive care unit space for incoming COVID-19 patients. Indoor gatherings, currently allowed up to 75% percent capacity, must drop to 50% capacity. People at bars and restaurants must remain seated and with no more than eight to a table. And, wedding and funeral receptions must limit table sizes to no more than eight people.Ricketts stopped short of issuing a statewide mask mandate.Nebraska is among several Midwestern states that have seen a big increase in confirmed cases of the virus, along with more hospitalizations. The state's COVID-19 dashboard shows 55,428 confirmed cases. The state also has reported 530 deaths.Ricketts said it "pains me" to impose the restrictions, but he cited a need to protect hospital capacity. He cited the example of Italy, where hospitals became overwhelmed earlier this year as coronavirus cases soared.FANS AT HUSKER GAMES?The University of Nebraska's athletic director remains hopeful that the Big Ten will change course and allow fans to attend conference football games in 2020.<a href="https://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/moos-says-he-will-continue-to-fight-for-nebraska-fans-to-be-able-to-attend/article_1cbfb33c-7361-5a03-b9bb-2b8456dd1200.html" target="_blank">The Lincoln Journal Star</a>&nbsp;reported that Athletic Director Bill Moos said Thursday that he will continue to push for a limited number of fans to be allowed in Memorial Stadium this season.Nebraska opens its season Oct. 24 at Ohio State, and the first home game is against Wisconsin on Oct. 31.

Governor Ricketts imposes new restrictions as virus surges

NPHS Fundraiser - LIVESTREAM

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The University of Nebraska's athletic director remains hopeful that the Big Ten will change course and allow fans to attend conference football games in 2020.

The Big Ten is starting the season later than other major conferences, on Oct. 24.

"I think it's an advantage for us to see what's happening in other areas of the country," Moos said. "Some places are accommodating a larger number of fans. We're going to need some data to fall back on, but I'm going to continue to observe and press for consideration - or reconsideration, I should say - as we move through the season."

Nebraska opens its season Oct. 24 at Ohio State, and the Huskers play their first home game against Wisconsin on Oct. 31.

The season opens as Nebraska and several other states are seeing a big rise in COVID-19 cases. Nebraska's online dashboard shows 55,428 confirmed cases and the state has reported 530 deaths.

Though tickets are not being sold to the public for Big Ten games, parents are allowed to attend at most schools, including Nebraska.

"I would want as many fans in Memorial Stadium as local health authorities would approve," Moos said. "I was hopeful we could be at 25 or 30 percent (of capacity), and maybe even nudge up to 50 percent. We had and still have plans that we feel very comfortable with in regards to the health and safety of our fans, and of course our coaches, players and staff."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602867125783.png" alt="NSP Photo" />
 <figcaption>NSP Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The University of Nebraska's athletic director remains hopeful that the Big Ten will change course and allow fans to attend conference football games in 2020.<a href="https://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/moos-says-he-will-continue-to-fight-for-nebraska-fans-to-be-able-to-attend/article_1cbfb33c-7361-5a03-b9bb-2b8456dd1200.html" target="_blank">The Lincoln Journal Star</a>&nbsp;reported that Athletic Director Bill Moos said Thursday that he will continue to push for a limited number of fans to be allowed in Memorial Stadium this season.The Big Ten is starting the season later than other major conferences, on Oct. 24."I think it's an advantage for us to see what's happening in other areas of the country," Moos said. "Some places are accommodating a larger number of fans. We're going to need some data to fall back on, but I'm going to continue to observe and press for consideration - or reconsideration, I should say - as we move through the season."Nebraska opens its season Oct. 24 at Ohio State, and the Huskers play their first home game against Wisconsin on Oct. 31.The season opens as Nebraska and several other states are seeing a big rise in COVID-19 cases. Nebraska's online dashboard shows 55,428 confirmed cases and the state has reported 530 deaths.Though tickets are not being sold to the public for Big Ten games, parents are allowed to attend at most schools, including Nebraska."I would want as many fans in Memorial Stadium as local health authorities would approve," Moos said. "I was hopeful we could be at 25 or 30 percent (of capacity), and maybe even nudge up to 50 percent. We had and still have plans that we feel very comfortable with in regards to the health and safety of our fans, and of course our coaches, players and staff."

Nebraska AD still hoping for fans at football games in 2020

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday rejected a challenge to a payday lending measure on the November ballot.

Supporters of the measure, which would cap the annual interest rate on payday loans at 36%, gathered enough signatures to place the proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot. However, a lawsuit argued that when circulators gathered petition signatures, they didn't read the initiative's full object statement to signers.

A Lancaster County District Court judge dismissed the challenge in September, finding affidavits from 188 signers missed a deadline. The judge also found that while the signers claimed circulators hadn't read the initiative's full object statement, the law only requires signers by offered a summary of the petition that isn't misleading.

The Nebraska Supreme Court affirmed the district court decision.

The court earlier allowed the initiative to go before voters, and many people already have cast early ballots on the question.

If approved by voters, the limit would change a Nebraska law that now allows lenders to charge as much as 404% annually. Supporters of the measure say such high rates victimizes low-income people and those who don't understanding lending requirements.

Industry officials responded that most loans are short-term, so such high rates are misleading.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday rejected a challenge to a payday lending measure on the November ballot.Supporters of the measure, which would cap the annual interest rate on payday loans at 36%, gathered enough signatures to place the proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot. However, a lawsuit argued that when circulators gathered petition signatures, they didn't read the initiative's full object statement to signers.A Lancaster County District Court judge dismissed the challenge in September, finding affidavits from 188 signers missed a deadline. The judge also found that while the signers claimed circulators hadn't read the initiative's full object statement, the law only requires signers by offered a summary of the petition that isn't misleading.The Nebraska Supreme Court affirmed the district court decision.The court earlier allowed the initiative to go before voters, and many people already have cast early ballots on the question.If approved by voters, the limit would change a Nebraska law that now allows lenders to charge as much as 404% annually. Supporters of the measure say such high rates victimizes low-income people and those who don't understanding lending requirements.Industry officials responded that most loans are short-term, so such high rates are misleading.

Nebraska Supreme Court rejects challenge to lending measure

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte man was arrested, accused of striking a male and a female who was holding a small child.

According to North Platte Police, on October 15 at 9:57 PM officers responded to a residence in the 2800 block of west 16th street on the report of a disturbance. 

Police say officers met with a group of subjects and it was reported that Cornell Griffin had arrived at the residence to speak with his ex-girlfriend. 

Police say it was reported that the 20-year-old female didn't want to speak with him so the owner of the residence, a 24-year-old male, told Griffin to leave.  Griffin reportedly punched the male victim in the face causing injury. 

Witnesses then told police the female came outside holding a 1-year-old child that she and Griffin share in common.  Griffin reportedly struck the female victim in the face causing a bloody lip.  The child was uninjured.

  Griffin was arrested on suspicion of trespassing, domestic assault, a felony based on a prior conviction, misdemeanor assault and child abuse.&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte man was arrested, accused of striking a male and a female who was holding a small child.According to North Platte Police, on October 15 at 9:57 PM officers responded to a residence in the 2800 block of west 16th street on the report of a disturbance. Police say officers met with a group of subjects and it was reported that Cornell Griffin had arrived at the residence to speak with his ex-girlfriend. Police say it was reported that the 20-year-old female didn't want to speak with him so the owner of the residence, a 24-year-old male, told Griffin to leave. Griffin reportedly punched the male victim in the face causing injury. Witnesses then told police the female came outside holding a 1-year-old child that she and Griffin share in common. Griffin reportedly struck the female victim in the face causing a bloody lip. The child was uninjured. Griffin was arrested on suspicion of trespassing, domestic assault, a felony based on a prior conviction, misdemeanor assault and child abuse.&nbsp;

North Platte man accused of punching female holding small child

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-As West Central District Health Department officials raised the Community Risk Dial Thursday evening, North Platte Public Schools officials report a rise in COVID-19 cases among students and staff.

In an electronic message sent to families, school officials reported 50 students and 12 staff members that were "quarantined," and five students and four staff members that have tested positive for COVID-19 as of October 15.

On October 12, officials reported that 28 students and two staff members were quarantined with no confirmed positive cases.

School officials asked families to take time to talk to their students about the following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines:

Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others

Officials also encouraged students to get a flu vaccination.

On Thursday, the West Central District Health Department raised the COVID-19 Community Risk Dial in the Orange or elevated level.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-As West Central District Health Department officials raised the Community Risk Dial Thursday evening, North Platte Public Schools officials report a rise in COVID-19 cases among students and staff.In an electronic message sent to families, school officials reported 50 students and 12 staff members that were "quarantined," and five students and four staff members that have tested positive for COVID-19 as of October 15.On October 12, officials reported that 28 students and two staff members were quarantined with no confirmed positive cases.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602864556359.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>School officials asked families to take time to talk to their students about the following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines:<h2>Know how it spreads</h2><ul>
 <li>There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).</li><li>The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.</li><li>The virus is thought to&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/_ipjFjVWBR0XRUIVNeZRDg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RVaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvcHJldmVudC1nZXR0aW5nLXNpY2svaG93LWNvdmlkLXNwcmVhZHMuaHRtbFcHc2Nob29sbUIKAEYtuolfmXXAplITc2NvdHR5Yzk3QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">spread mainly from person-to-person</a>.Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.</li><li>Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).</li><li>Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.</li><li>These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.</li><li>Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.</li>
 </ul><h2>Everyone Should</h2>Wash your hands often<ul>
 <li><a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/4HR7qIwO17xvYcjN5pHIeA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0Q5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9oYW5kd2FzaGluZy93aGVuLWhvdy1oYW5kd2FzaGluZy5odG1sVwdzY2hvb2xtQgoARi26iV-ZdcCmUhNzY290dHljOTdAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAAB" target="_blank">Wash your hands</a>&nbsp;often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.</li><li>It’s especially important to wash:Before eating or preparing foodBefore touching your faceAfter using the restroomAfter leaving a public placeAfter blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezingAfter handling your maskAfter changing a diaperAfter caring for someone sickAfter touching animals or pets</li><li>Before eating or preparing food</li><li>Before touching your face</li><li>After using the restroom</li><li>After leaving a public place</li><li>After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing</li><li>After handling your mask</li><li>After changing a diaper</li><li>After caring for someone sick</li><li>After touching animals or pets</li><li><a></a>If soap and water are not readily available,&nbsp;use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.</li><li>Avoid touching&nbsp;your eyes, nose, and mouth&nbsp;with unwashed hands.</li>
 </ul><h2>Avoid close contact</h2><ul>
 <li>Inside your home:&nbsp;Avoid close contact with people who are sick.If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.</li><li>If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.</li><li>Outside your home:&nbsp;Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/Dk-sT2zfRUQJHWxORl1xdA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RVaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvcHJldmVudC1nZXR0aW5nLXNpY2svc29jaWFsLWRpc3RhbmNpbmcuaHRtbFcHc2Nob29sbUIKAEYtuolfmXXAplITc2NvdHR5Yzk3QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people</a>.Keeping distance from others is especially important for&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/QvL5nTS0GJEgDZvPfTgaEg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0ReaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvbmVlZC1leHRyYS1wcmVjYXV0aW9ucy9wZW9wbGUtYXQtaW5jcmVhc2VkLXJpc2suaHRtbFcHc2Nob29sbUIKAEYtuolfmXXAplITc2NvdHR5Yzk3QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">people who are at higher risk of getting very sick</a>.</li><li>Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.</li><li><a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/Dk-sT2zfRUQJHWxORl1xdA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RVaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvcHJldmVudC1nZXR0aW5nLXNpY2svc29jaWFsLWRpc3RhbmNpbmcuaHRtbFcHc2Nob29sbUIKAEYtuolfmXXAplITc2NvdHR5Yzk3QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people</a>.</li><li>Keeping distance from others is especially important for&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/QvL5nTS0GJEgDZvPfTgaEg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0ReaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvbmVlZC1leHRyYS1wcmVjYXV0aW9ucy9wZW9wbGUtYXQtaW5jcmVhc2VkLXJpc2suaHRtbFcHc2Nob29sbUIKAEYtuolfmXXAplITc2NvdHR5Yzk3QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">people who are at higher risk of getting very sick</a>.</li>
 </ul><h2>Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others</h2><ul>
 <li>You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.</li><li>The mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.</li><li>Everyone should wear a&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/-ONj8PIoXQnpuWjf9Go5sA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RcaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvcHJldmVudC1nZXR0aW5nLXNpY2svZGl5LWNsb3RoLWZhY2UtY292ZXJpbmdzLmh0bWxXB3NjaG9vbG1CCgBGLbqJX5l1wKZSE3Njb3R0eWM5N0BnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAE~" target="_blank">mask</a>&nbsp;in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/Dk-sT2zfRUQJHWxORl1xdA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RVaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvcHJldmVudC1nZXR0aW5nLXNpY2svc29jaWFsLWRpc3RhbmNpbmcuaHRtbFcHc2Nob29sbUIKAEYtuolfmXXAplITc2NvdHR5Yzk3QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">social distancing</a>&nbsp;measures are difficult to maintain.Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.</li><li>Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.</li><li>Do NOT use a mask meant for a healthcare worker. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.</li><li>Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.</li>
 </ul><h2>Cover coughs and sneezes</h2><ul>
 <li>Always cover your mouth and nose&nbsp;with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.</li><li>Throw used tissues&nbsp;in the trash.</li><li>Immediately&nbsp;wash your hands&nbsp;with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.</li>
 </ul>Clean and disinfect<ul>
 <li>Clean AND disinfect&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/J3a8V0PgTK9yzzzrUZcmpQ~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RaaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvcHJldmVudC1nZXR0aW5nLXNpY2svZGlzaW5mZWN0aW5nLXlvdXItaG9tZS5odG1sVwdzY2hvb2xtQgoARi26iV-ZdcCmUhNzY290dHljOTdAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAAB" target="_blank">frequently touched surfaces</a>&nbsp;daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.</li><li>If surfaces are dirty, clean them.&nbsp;Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.</li><li>Then, use a household disinfectant.&nbsp;Most common&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/FticJ05SGgO23wcVkdCyWg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RWaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXBhLmdvdi9wZXN0aWNpZGUtcmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uL2xpc3Qtbi1kaXNpbmZlY3RhbnRzLXVzZS1hZ2FpbnN0LXNhcnMtY292LTJXB3NjaG9vbG1CCgBGLbqJX5l1wKZSE3Njb3R0eWM5N0BnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAE~" target="_blank">EPA-registered household disinfectantsexternal icon</a>&nbsp;will work.</li>
 </ul>Monitor Your Health Daily<ul>
 <li>Be alert for symptoms.&nbsp;Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/pQGrvx2sY_JNyrM8eOb0TQ~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RIaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3Yvc3ltcHRvbXMtdGVzdGluZy9zeW1wdG9tcy5odG1sVwdzY2hvb2xtQgoARi26iV-ZdcCmUhNzY290dHljOTdAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAAB" target="_blank">other symptoms</a>&nbsp;of COVID-19.Especially important if you are&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/0LU4mLRDewYAraa8mZ3yWA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RZaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvZGFpbHktbGlmZS1jb3BpbmcvZXNzZW50aWFsLWdvb2RzLXNlcnZpY2VzLmh0bWxXB3NjaG9vbG1CCgBGLbqJX5l1wKZSE3Njb3R0eWM5N0BnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAE~" target="_blank">running essential errands</a>, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/Dk-sT2zfRUQJHWxORl1xdA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RVaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvcHJldmVudC1nZXR0aW5nLXNpY2svc29jaWFsLWRpc3RhbmNpbmcuaHRtbFcHc2Nob29sbUIKAEYtuolfmXXAplITc2NvdHR5Yzk3QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">physical distance of 6 feet</a>.</li><li>Especially important if you are&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/0LU4mLRDewYAraa8mZ3yWA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RZaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvZGFpbHktbGlmZS1jb3BpbmcvZXNzZW50aWFsLWdvb2RzLXNlcnZpY2VzLmh0bWxXB3NjaG9vbG1CCgBGLbqJX5l1wKZSE3Njb3R0eWM5N0BnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAE~" target="_blank">running essential errands</a>, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/Dk-sT2zfRUQJHWxORl1xdA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0RVaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvcHJldmVudC1nZXR0aW5nLXNpY2svc29jaWFsLWRpc3RhbmNpbmcuaHRtbFcHc2Nob29sbUIKAEYtuolfmXXAplITc2NvdHR5Yzk3QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">physical distance of 6 feet</a>.</li><li>Take your temperature&nbsp;if symptoms develop.Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.</li><li>Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.</li><li>Follow&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/D_vmQzCc6LfU7juNF8RqBg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRhau2tP0ROaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5jb3YvaWYteW91LWFyZS1zaWNrL3N0ZXBzLXdoZW4tc2ljay5odG1sVwdzY2hvb2xtQgoARi26iV-ZdcCmUhNzY290dHljOTdAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAAB" target="_blank">CDC guidance</a>&nbsp;if symptoms develop.</li>
 </ul>Officials also encouraged students to get a flu vaccination.On Thursday, the West Central District Health Department raised the COVID-19 Community Risk Dial in the Orange or elevated level.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602814560966.png" alt="As of October 15, 2020" />
 <figcaption>As of October 15, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>

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The risk dial moved from a 2.35 up to a 2.88 this week, which remains
within the elevated risk level. There were changes in the following
variables that contributed to the movement in the dial:

Your partnership and collaboration in
identifying close contacts is significant in mitigating the spread of
COVID-19, bringing our community to a lower risk of spread. 


The risk dial will be updated every
Thursday after the information is reviewed by the Public Health
Command Center. Dial updates are posted to:
and the WCDHD Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602814560966.png" alt="As of October 15, 2020" />
 <figcaption>As of October 15, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release WCDHD
The risk dial moved from a 2.35 up to a 2.88 this week, which remains
within the elevated risk level. There were changes in the following
variables that contributed to the movement in the dial:We had an increase in the following:<ul>
 <li>Measure ID R0: Positivity Rate
	(Overall)
	</li><li>Measure ID R1: Positivity Rate
	(Weekly)
	</li><li>Measure ID R3: Case Rate per
	Million
	</li><li>Measure ID R4: Average Daily
	Hospitalization
	</li><li>Measure ID R6: Ventilator
	Availability
	</li><li>Measure ID R7: Community Spread
	</li><li>Measure ID R10: Contact Tracing
	</li><li>Measure ID R11: Individuals
	Affected
</li>
 </ul>Your partnership and collaboration in
identifying close contacts is significant in mitigating the spread of
COVID-19, bringing our community to a lower risk of spread. 
The risk dial will be updated every
Thursday after the information is reviewed by the Public Health
Command Center. Dial updates are posted to:
and the WCDHD Facebook page.<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">COVID-19 Risk Dial&nbsp;</a>For COVID-19 case number updates within
the West Central District Health Department Jurisdiction, check the
<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation">WCDHD Dashboard&nbsp;</a>.